East Timor was long one of the world’s trouble spots. But even in such difficult circumstances, a determined young woman held fast to her childhood dream of becoming a scientist. Today Lusia Freitas is studying Biotechnology in Medicine in the UK, and her goal is to return to East Timor to set up a centre for genetic studies.

by Rehana Jauhangeer, UNESCO-L’OREAL For Women In Science Fellow 2004, Mauritius

Lusia Freitas was born in East Timor, a developing country that recently obtained its independence. She studied at secondary level in Indonesia and went back to her country where she worked for one year in a laboratory, followed by two years with the United Nations Transitional administration in East Timor as a local interpreter. She then went on to work as a facilitator for the World Health Organisation between the Central Laboratory and the Government.

But this is not what she wanted to do. Since childhood, Lusia nurtured the dream of becoming a scientist, and to fulfil her dream she had to leave East Timor. So when a scholarship to study Biotechnology in Medicine at the University of Westminster was advertised, she seized the opportunity and applied. She was awarded the scholarship and started taking action towards her goals. Lusia is a very bright, hard-working student with a curious mind, and she is passionate about science.

Inspired by a science teacher at school and also by us here at the university, she would like to learn about molecular techniques. She is striving for a better future for her country so that on her return home she can facilitate the transfer of technology and know-how necessary to establish a centre where genetic studies can be performed. Lusia is a determined young lady and we wish her all the best for a bright future for herself and her country.