UTAS student Dr Safa Al’Maghrabi has been researching how chilli peppers impact platelets and blood clots, through her Masters and, now, a PhD.

“We’re looking mainly at platelets and the effects of active ingredient of chilli pepper on platelets,” she said.

“It was the idea at the beginning, there wasn’t all this research about it … we investigated more and looked at how it works exactly.

“To invent a drug you need to know how it affects the blood exactly.”

Dr Al’Maghrabi said when applying to research programs eight years ago she sought out universities across Australia, but thanks to UTAS’ quick response, she and her husband came to Tasmania.

Her original Bachelor degree was in medicine but, as a qualified doctor, she transitioned to research from the clinical world after developing a stronger interest in the academic world, describing medical research as “the future”.

Straight after graduating, however, she has another challenge: packing up her family from their home in Launceston and going home to take up life once more in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m working as a lecturer in the medical school at the university of King Abdulaziz,” she said.

Despite leaving Tasmania behind for now, Dr Al’Maghrabi said she and her family will be back, whether just for a holiday or, she hopes, for a fellowship to pursue her research further.

“I love [Tasmania], it’s a really beautiful place,” she said.