Syrian scientist Razan Abbara graduated with a PhD certificate in the evolution of antibiotic resistance alongside 3,000 of her peers at the University's winter graduation ceremonies at the Rose Theatre last month.

Dr Abbara's achievement is made even more impressive by the difficult circumstances she has had to overcome in her home country of Syria.

After completing an undergraduate degree in pharmacy and pharmacology, Dr Abbara sought a master's degree in immunology and haematology.

"Due to the outbreak of the war in Syria in 2011, my master's took longer than usual to complete, taking me about six years to finish it. It was becoming increasingly difficult to be an academic in Syria and advance my career", Dr Abbara explained.

She continued in the academic field as a lecturer despite the dangers of remaining in her home country, teaching classes in microbiology, immunology and haematology.

Dr Abbara was able to travel to the UK through CARA (the Council for At-Risk Academics), which helps academics find temporary refuge in institutions where they can continue their academic research.

She was soon introduced to Kingston University's Professor Mark Fielder. With his help, she was successful in applying for the University's Gangolli scholarship, which helps fund first-generation migrants on the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry' MSc courses.

Professor Mark Fielder. (Picture: Kingston University)

"She absolutely flew," commented Professor Fielder.

"Her PhD is incredibly well deserved and I can only see her going from strength to strength in her future career."

Dr Abbara also received contributions from International Students House to assist with high central London accommodation costs, stating that "without this scholarship, I wouldn't have been able to do any PhD."

The scholarship seeks to honour the memory of Professor Sharat and Lilian Gangolli, the parents of Kingston University graduate, Julian Gangolli, who funds the scheme.

Dr Abbara hopes she will be able to continue her research of genetic mutations in bacteria, with her thesis "[highlighting that] more work needs to be done to find new antibiotics or new ways to reverse antimicrobial resistance".

Writing on a LinkedIn post, Dr Abbara offered "[a] huge thanks to my family who supported me during this journey [and] to each person who was a part of this journey".