The uncertainties of my PhD shaped me

When you imagine a coastline in the tropics or subtropics, what might come to mind are coral reefs, sandy beaches and probably a crystalline, turquoise water. But nearby there is a unique ecosystem that is often overlooked and yet is important for the health of the marine environment – and for humans as well. Mangrove forests are found in coastal brackish or saline waters in muddy or rocky soils of the tropical and sub-tropical coasts, where the sea meets fresh water. Five years ago, I would have never thought that one day my PhD would be based on this tangle of groves, entangled with uncertainties. But it would eventually disentangle my potential.

I must admit at the beginning I was hesitant – not only about working on this research topic but about pursuing a PhD in general. I always wanted to secure my dream job as a forensic scientist in my country after my MSc. But the lack of job opportunities led me to apply for a PhD scholarship to survive (please don’t judge me). My PhD research was on the pharmacological and phytochemical profile of two important mangrove plants that grow along the coastlines of Mauritius Island – Rhizophora mucronata Lam. and Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam. These had never been studied for their pharmacological properties and chemical compositions.

The first few months in the lab were not so exciting for me as things were not going according to my plan – I was experiencing career grief and felt lost. As the months went by, I decided that I should stop mourning not being able to land my dream job and start being grateful for receiving a PhD scholarship. I gradually developed an interest in my project and published my first review paper.