
Many thanks to Joy (Toromo) Stephen – MRC Genotyping team member from 2022-2024 – for sharing her thoughts on escaping the war in Ukraine, the “invaluable experience” she gained in the MRC PPU, and why she’s celebrating being accepted to study medicine at the University of Dundee.
Early years
Joy was born in Nigeria, the firstborn daughter in a family of five. Growing up, she moved around a lot - three primary schools, and two secondary schools.
“The constant change was challenging, but it taught me how to adapt quickly and embrace the unknown. These skills came in handy later when I moved to Ukraine for university.”
Joy was the first “science-y person” in her family, with her dad an accountant and mum a social worker. From a young age, she was captivated by science, particularly biology, and spent her spare time playing medical games online – performing heart surgery and fixing broken bones. This curiosity grew into a passion, leading Joy towards a career in medicine - a decision profoundly influenced by personal experiences.
“During my fifth year of high school, my grandmother fell seriously ill, and her rapid decline was devastating for my family. I found solace in the exceptional care Maami received from her doctors. Their compassion, expertise, and empathy during her final days not only comforted us but also solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. Her passing was a painful chapter, but it set me on a determined path to help others just like those doctors helped my family.”
Medical school in Ukraine
Determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, Joy worked hard to achieve the grades needed for medical school. Her parents decided on Ternopil National Medical University in Ukraine and, at the age of 16, she embarked on this next chapter of her life.
“Moving to a different country, learning a new language, and starting medical school all at once was daunting. The transition was tough, and I often struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling like the “odd-one-out” among my academically gifted peers. In my second year, I realised my classmates were people that I could learn from - not competitors – and we bonded over sleepless nights, anatomy diagrams, and exams. Soon, they became like family.”

Just as Joy was feeling settled and finding her rhythm in her third year, the rumblings of war began. Her father urged her to catch the next flight out of Ukraine to safely join her mother, who was studying in Dundee at the time. Believing her dad was overreacting and that she would return to Ukraine in a couple of weeks, Joy packed few belongings, leaving her stethoscope and lab coat behind.
A week later, the war broke out, and Joy’s world turned upside down. Heartbroken and devastated, she did everything she could to assist her classmates still in Ukraine.
“My friends got stuck when the airports were bombed, they couldn’t even get cash out of cash machines. I reached out to Nigerian embassies in surrounding countries to raise awareness of what was happening and help students at the borders. During this period of chaos, we banded together, reaching out to organisations to help evacuate those in need.
I completed the remainder of my third year of medical school online from Dundee, in the midst of air raids and sirens. The resilience of my lecturers and professors, who made sure we kept learning despite everything, left a lasting impression on me. Classes are still happening now to make sure people can continue their education.”
“Invaluable experience” at the MRC PPU
With uncertainty about her future in Ukraine, Joy took a year of academic leave to consider her next steps. Seeking practical experience, she reached out to MRC PPU Director Prof. Dario Alessi, who met with Joy and offered her a job in the MRC Genotyping team.
“Working in the MRC Genotyping team was an invaluable experience. Beyond learning the technical skills of PCR for genotyping, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of every role in research, from the technicians to the principal investigators. I witnessed firsthand that research does not always go as planned, and I learned what effective teamwork truly looks like.
The team was like a small family. They helped me settle in Dundee, understand the University system in Scotland, and supported me to apply for medical school.”
Photo of Joy in MRC Genotyping team – does Matt have the group photo that was taken for the website in January as Joy doesn’t have a copy?
Joy made the difficult decision to withdraw from medical school in Ukraine and study medicine in Scotland. She applied to several medical schools, but her heart was set on staying in Dundee.
“I had grown to love Dundee - its people, its community, and its spirit. The idea of leaving Dundee was hard to imagine, and I knew it was where I truly wanted to continue my journey.”
Balancing multiple exams to qualify for admission to a Scottish university while working full-time in the Unit was challenging, but Joy’s determination, resilience, and hard work paid off as she was accepted to study medicine at the University of Dundee in 2024 - her dream come true.
Meeting Dr. Esther Sammler and Prof. Miratul Muqit - MRC PPU Group Leaders and Consultant Neurologists in NHS Tayside - during her time in the Unit opened Joy’s eyes to the possibility of a career in medicine alongside running a research lab, an option that could satisfy her passion for both science and medicine in future.
“My sincere gratitude for the opportunity you provided me. It was quite wonderful. The guidance and research experience I gained during my time in the Unit has been invaluable, and the research skills and academic insight have undoubtedly contributed to my development - I carry those lessons with me as I embark on this new chapter.
I encourage anyone joining the Unit to be curious and open-minded, and to join the variety of social activities to meet the different teams and discover how they collaborate and share skills and reagents.”
We wish Joy every success for the future.
Interview date: September 2024
Written by: Joy Stephens and Sarah Patrick, Communications & Public Engagement & Involvement Consultant