Zu Wei graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. After gaining experience as a junior microbiologist, he made the bold decision to join EMOTION. Returning to university excites him as he is determined to turn his fascination with the science behind healthy skin into a successful career. He is encouraged that his expertise in microbiology will be crucial in discovering how the skin microbiome empowers the human skin to fight off infectious agents. As an ERASMUS scholar in this program, he is also eager to seize opportunities to contribute to society.

Three words: Adventurous, Affable, Ambivert

Damilare holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Industrial Biochemistry, which have been fundamental to his research training. He has extensive experience as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Quality Control Chemist across prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and oral healthcare products, with hands-on experience in research and development from top pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK) and Evans Baroque. His expertise, coupled with a passion for translational science, drives his pursuit of innovative, sustainable drug design and advanced analytical methodologies.Damilare believes EMOTION is a unique masterclass and aims to leverage this, alongside his technical skills, as he advances his career in clinical research and development with the esteemed partner institutions. Outside work and study, he enjoys playing tennis and exploring photography.

Three words: Astute, Determined, Jovial

Elisabed was born in 1999 in Tbilisi, Georgia. She graduated from the Agricultural University of Georgia, specialising in biology. After graduation, she gained interdisciplinary research experience in biomedicine, mycology, and embryology. This diverse background provided her with a comprehensive understanding of how these scientific fields operate and their unique characteristics within various industries. It wasn’t until recently that she discovered her specific area of interest. She finds the connection between skin health and general well-being fascinating and hopes to build her future career around it. Inspired by her grandmother, a dermatologist, Elisabed decided to pursue this program to honour her grandmother’s legacy while paving her own unique path. Outside of her studies, Elisabed enjoys swimming, exploring bookstores, traveling, and listening to Taylor Swift.

Three words: Genuine, Joyful, Dramatic (in a positive sense)

Chisom, fondly known as Cheezy, was born in Nigeria in 1998. Since her teenage years, she has been an advocate for skin health, empowering individuals to embrace and care for their natural skin. With a background in Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, she has honed her expertise through various roles, including working in the pathology, public health and skincare industries. Currently, she works as a freelance beauty consultant, promoting ethical and safe skincare practices among her clients. Cheezy applied to EMOTION to be trained as a translational scientist to contribute to the conception and development of innovative cosmetics for skin well-being and healthy ageing. With the competencies she hopes to gain, she will launch a skincare business to offer innovative, safe and ethical solutions that address diverse skin needs. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in dermatological science to advance research in skin cancers and melanomas.

Three words: Kind, Ambitious and Innovative

Alma was born in 2000 in León, Mexico. Early on, she developed a passion for cosmetics and personal care products. Her love for science led her to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Bionanotechnology Engineering at the Universidad Iberoamericana León. She gained valuable experience working as a Manufacturing Systems Engineer in the quality and manufacturing areas of an international cosmetics company, solidifying her passion for skincare products. This experience motivated her to turn her hobby into a profession. Alma’s quest for specialization in research and development led her to the EMOTION master’s program, which she sees as a perfect blend of her interests. She believes this program will shape her professional career in R&D within the cosmetics and personal care industry, helping her achieve her goal of creating products that make everyone feel good about their skin. Alma is confident in her ability to make a positive impact through her work.

Three words: Tenacious, Authentic, Determined

Katerina, born in 1996 in Russia, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical technology of biologically active substances from prestigious Russian universities. After graduating, she gained five years of extensive experience in quality control and cosmetic product development at a leading cosmetics manufacturer in her country. Her passion for creating innovative skincare solutions, combined with a desire to deepen her knowledge in dermatology, skin anatomy and medicinal chemistry, led her to join the EMOTION Master program. Katerina is focused on combining scientific expertise and industry insight to drive impactful solutions in dermatology and skin well-being. She expects that this unique program will not only help her bridge academic knowledge gaps but also build a strong international network, while fostering her entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

Three words: Liberal, Open-minded, Ambitious

Tormene Kabari holds a Degree in Pharmacy with distinction from the Niger Delta University in Nigeria. He carried out an undergraduate project on the analytical screening and isolation of bioactive principles of Aspilia africana extract, a plant used in African ethno-medicine to treat skin conditions. This project paved the way for his interest in dermatological drug discovery. After graduation, he interned at the Nigerian Ministry of Health, supporting healthcare regulation and patient safety efforts, with a special interest in dermatological drugs. He also focused his professional experiences in the clinical and pharmaceutical sector, deepening his understanding of skin therapeutics for both local and global contexts. His ambition is to synergize pharmacogenomics with EMOTION research skills, with the goal of innovating and validating dermatological therapies for underrepresented African populations. He is also passionate about improving skincare outcomes for the public through Momentum Healthcare, a digital health service startup he co-founded in Nigeria.

Three words: Creative, Poetic, Passionate

Abdelrahman, born and raised in Egypt, completed his Pharmacy degree with a focus on Drug Design from one of the top universities in Cairo. He then spent over two years as a pharmaceutical R&D specialist, formulating and analyzing various skin treatments, in one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the EMEA region. Seeking to expand his career, he relocated and settled in Frankfurt, Germany, where pursued qualification recognition while exploring opportunities in the European pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. Abdelrahman views the EMOTION program as a pivotal step toward achieving his goal of building a successful career in the skincare industry. He aims to integrate his hands-on experience with the knowledge gained from this master’s program to contribute to innovation in skincare product development, advancing the industry from both a cosmetic and pharmaceutical perspective. He is also passionate about eliminating the stigma around skincare for men as well as scientific writing, editing, and proofreading.

Three words: Open-minded, Diligent, Empathetic

Win Cherry Nwe is a dedicated medical doctor, graduated from University of Mandalay, Myanmar and a skincare enthusiast committed to promoting holistic skin well-being. After years of clinical practice in Myanmar, she broadened her expertise by managing wellness programs internationally in Thailand. Alongside her professional career, she offers personalized skincare advice that focuses on prevention and long-term skin care solutions. Cherry believes that skincare goes beyond aesthetics—it’s a vital aspect of health. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she founded Mandalarian Glow in 2021, a skincare brand centered on natural ingredients. Having witnessed firsthand the emotional and mental toll of skin issues, she aims to bring innovative skincare solutions to the market that empower individuals to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Her curiosity led her to the EMOTION, where she can explore the intersection of clinical dermatology and cosmetic science while immersing herself in vibrant campus life across Europe.

Three words: Passionate, Nurturing, Radiant

Book donated to the EMOTION library: Feel the fear and do it anyway! by Susan Jeffers

Cristina Pérez was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador in September 2000. During her childhood and teenage years, she was interested in painting, reading, and playing volleyball. Growing up she was a big fan of One Direction and Kpop bands like NCT and The Boyz. After graduating high school, she received the KU Global Friends Scholarship and moved to Seoul, South Korea. In August 2023, she graduated with a double major degree in Biotechnology and International Studies. Cristina became interested in skincare and cosmetology when she discovered Kbeauty. The different Korean brands and products caught her attention and inspired her to start creating content in social media. Joining Yonsei University‘s International Business Initiation also contributed to her formation and career development within the skincare field. This newfound interest helped her find a marketing role at a K-beauty company, where she developed her skills in digital marketing and content creation. Now in Italy for the Emotion program, Cristina is excited to explore new opportunities in the beauty industry!

Three words: Dreamer, ambitious, confident

Alessia was born on February 5th, 1999, in Moncalieri (Turin), Italy. She attended a scientific high school and then pursued a degree in Biotechnology at the University of Turin. In her final year, she completed an internship in the pharmacology laboratory at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, where she developed her thesis on dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid used to treat a wide range of inflammation-related conditions, from allergies to dermatological issues. During this time, she realized her passion for research and development in cosmetic and dermatological products. She is confident that the EMOTION master’s program will allow her to turn her career aspirations into reality.

Three words: Determined, Charismatic, Dynamic

Marta, born in Spain in 2000, is a graduate student in Pharmacy from the University of Santiago de Compostela. Her degree gave her a broad vision of the social impact of dermopharmacy and its wide-ranging research possibilities. Subjects such as Pharmaceutical Technology allowed her to see the opportunities in the production of new pharmaceutical preparations for the topical application of active molecules. The assigned projects deepened her knowledge, rigour and confidence in her potential for scientific innovation. During her internship in the pharmacy office, she had the opportunity to explore the variety of dermo-pharmaceutical products available on the market and, through interaction with end users, gained insights into the current dermatological and cosmetic care needs. Marta envisions herself collaborating to address challenges in dermo-cosmetics, improving patients’ and clients’ quality of life; and one day, being responsible of a laboratory. Therefore, believes that EMOTION will equip her with essential knowledge, tools, and a professional network for an effective R&D management.

Three words: Creative, Reliable, Critical-thinker

Giulia is a sun-kissed soul from São Paulo, Brazil. Since an early age, she cultivated a passion for science and well-being, which shaped her academic and professional path. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedicine at the University Nove de Julho, where her research on vitamin D led to a strong interest in skin health and care. After graduating, Giulia engaged in molecular oncology research, which deepened her understanding of skin cancer and reinforced the importance of further studies in this field. These formative experiences paved the way for her ongoing academic and professional development in dermatology and skin care. The EMOTION Master’s Program offers Giulia a transformative opportunity to deepen her expertise in skin health. Her goal is to contribute to innovations in research and development, particularly in the fight against skin cancer.

Three words: Kind, Curious and Intelligent

Danae was born in Athens, Greece in 2001. Her academic journey took a pivotal turn after being awarded an International Baccalaureate program scholarship, paving the way for her studies in the United Kingdom. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Pharmacology from the University of Bath in 2023.
During her penultimate year, she collaborated on a research project investigating the pulmonoprotective activity of natural products at the University of Athens. This work, which received first-class honours, was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. In her final year, alongside working as a data reviewer for a biotechnology company, she developed a strong interest in regenerative medicine, particularly in using hydrogels for wound healing and skin disorder treatments. This exploration solidified her focus on pioneering therapies in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Through EMOTION, she aspires to acquire specialized interdisciplinary knowledge, with a global perspective on R&D. She is driven to make a meaningful impact by contributing to innovative dermatological solutions.

Three words: Curious, Dynamic, Compassionate

Vi was born in Jakarta, Indonesia (2001). She graduated from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan with a bachelor’s in Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences where she received a scholarship for her academic achievements. She gained first-hand research experience from an international genetically engineered machine (iGEM) competition in which her team worked on glaucoma interventions. Before the EMOTION master’s program, she did internships in human telomerase and cancer immunotherapy labs and worked as a research assistant (Academia Sinica, Taiwan), where she was in charge of mRNA-LNP antibodies for infectious diseases. This work sparked her desire to find a breakthrough in skincare—especially skin cancer remedies—by implementing the principles of nanoparticles. “For me, the EMOTION master’s program is a redirection where I can combine both my passion for research and interest in skincare, skin health, and business.” TMI: Outside her academic/research life, she enjoys nature, photography, and books.

Three words: Perseverant, Thoughtful, Organized

Muhib, born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, graduated in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. Throughout his academic journey, he conducted significant research on Aspergillus fungi, which was isolated from municipal solid waste (MSW). Muhib actively engaged in numerous academic activities, participating in various competitions, conferences, and scientific seminars throughout his university years, where he won several awards for his outstanding performance. In recognition of his research contributions, he was awarded the prestigious National Science and Technology Fellowship in 2023. He also gained valuable experience working with clinical samples and performing molecular characterization of pathogenic microbes. Muhib’s deep passion for dermatological research and skin health diseases led him to pursue the esteemed EMOTION Master’s program. His academic curiosity was sparked during his research on dermatophytes, which inspired his focus on skin health and advanced his interest in the EMOTION program.

Three words: Honesty, Hardworking, Loyalty

Reece was born in Dublin, Ireland in 2001. At age four, she moved to Spain, where she lived until completing her education. In 2019, she returned to Ireland to study Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin. During her final year capstone project, she researched the metabolomics of a tumoricidal drug candidate using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Throughout her schooling and her degree, she developed a lasting passion for understanding biomolecular processes. After graduation, her curiosity shifted toward the skincare and cosmetics industry, where she became interested in how products are developed and brought to market. This led her to choose the EMOTION program, which offers a comprehensive education on every step of the production chain in this rapidly growing field. She is eager to see where this journey may lead her.

Three words: Loyal, Passionate, Determined

Mazen was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1996. Driven by his curiosity and passion for science, he earned his bachelor’s with honors in Biomedical Sciences, concentrating in Drug Discovery and Development from Egypt’s prestigious Zewail City. A highlight of his studies was his published thesis on the structural basis for the selectivity of 3rd generation EGFR inhibitors. Beyond academics, Mazen’s hands-on experience includes microbiology research, medical laboratory analysis, and pharmaceutical R&D. Mazen joined EMOTION program with the aim of exploring the field of cosmetics and dermatology while gaining a new cultural experience. He believes EMOTION will provide him with the knowledge and skills to bring more efficient, affordable, and sustainable dermatological drugs to the market, especially in struggling countries. His main goal is to improve people’s lives everywhere, with a special focus on his beloved country, Egypt

Three words: Adaptable, Virtuous, Intelligent