Nasim successfully defends PhD thesis entitled “Enumeration, identification and probiotic characterisation of lactobacilli isolated from fermented dairy products of UK and EU market."
Nasim Farahmand, a research student of the School of Human Sciences has successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled 'Enumeration, identification and probiotic characterisation of lactobacilli isolated from fermented dairy products of UK and EU market.' The director of study was Dr Hamid Ghoddusi and Dr Pilar Botey Salo and Dr Irene Ouoba were the other two supervisors. Professor Jane Sutherland, who served as supervisor for most of her study, retired last year but continued her great advisory role to the end.
“I am generally fascinated by food and inspired by the science behind it. Especially, I found the relatively new concept of functional foods and food ingredients very interesting and was interested to know more how food could go an extra mile beyond providing calories, nutrients and satisfying hunger. The potential of functional foods in promoting health, improving well-being and reducing risk of some illnesses was very attractive to me and that’s why I carried out my research in this niche area of food science,” says Nasim.
The focus of Nasim’s research was to assess some of organisms used in available probiotic fermented milk products in UK and EU market. The study aimed to find out if information regarding the microbial content, type and population claimed on the label is correct and, also, to assess them for several probiotic capacities through in-vitro studies.
Nasim would like to continue her research and is therefore planning to apply for a post doctoral position in the UK or elsewhere.
Having completed her degree, Nasim has great advice for students, who are considering a research career: “Doing research for a PhD is very challenging and sometimes stressful. You must be highly motivated and committed to doing a PhD...Having said that it is rewarding as well. Going through challenges and resolving them one by one is an enjoyable achievement that boosts your confidence. It's quite an experience!”
