Learn more about Jade Pullen and her award-winning essay
Firstly, can you tell us what is your essay about? What is the central argument?
It is about the psychedelic drug Ibogaine, which is isolated from a shrub indigenous to Gabon. I wanted to take the reader on a journey explaining how it was originally used by indigenous tribes for healing, to how it has been appropriated in modern medicine to treat addiction. As well as describing the drug’s pharmacokinetics, I also discuss the local environmental impact of harvesting the plant.
Why did you decide to enter this competition? And why did you decide to write about Ibogaine?
I’ve been taking a module called Social Impact of the Biosciences as part of my degree and it’s really developed my already existing love of writing. I enjoy taking a complex scientific topic and turning it into something that a lay audience can understand. So, when I saw this essay competition, I knew I had to give it a go.
I am really interested in psychedelic research, and last year won a scholarship to attend the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research in Haarlem, Netherlands where I listened to a fascinating talk on Ibogaine. It made me think about the impact that the current surge in psychedelic research is having on the tribes who first used these drugs.
What is the one idea or lesson you would like readers to take away from reading your essay?
By sharing the context of a lesser-known drug, I want to educate people about the potential environmental impacts of drug development.
How did you become interested in Pharmacology?
Prior to starting my Pharmacology degree, I worked as a dental nurse, and was always interested in understanding a patient’s medical history and how the different combination of drugs they were taking interacted with each other and with their body. Studying the science behind it was a natural decision!
Tell us about your journey so far on the BSc Pharmacology course.
It has been hard work, as being a mature student comes with its own challenges. But without doubt it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made, and I absolutely love my subject. Last year, I was selected for a summer school exchange with the University of Geneva to study “Global Health, Drugs, Policy and Power” and I loved learning about the issues and impact of drug policy around the world. I’m really interested not just in the science but the wider effects it has on the world around us.
What do you think is special about studying Pharmacology at King’s?
The quality of the lecturers and the cutting-edge research happening here. There is a lot of knowledge and experience to draw on which I try to make the most of.
What are your plans for the future?
Hopefully, a Master's in Clinical Pharmacology. I can see myself running clinical trials one day, ideally with a focus on mental health. But I’m still figuring things out and, above all, enjoying my degree journey.