Jasper

Upon completion of my undergraduate studies, I worked as a consultant for around 5+ years before deciding to do a PhD. While I enjoyed my work, part of me wanted to be in an environment where I could continually learn and have the flexibility to explore and do research on topics that interest me.

I spent a year as a research assistant in NUS to see if a PhD, and a career path in research, would be the right choice for me. I witnessed, in NUS, how rigorous research is carried out within a flexible and welcoming environment. Research ideas and directions are constantly examined, improved upon, and challenged by great minds.

In the PhD program, learning is done more independently. The learning curve is way steeper, and much less structured. You are expected to be more self-critical, and to generate new knowledge compared with using and applying existing knowledge (in the undergraduate program). Research may be collaborative in nature, but most of the learning, analyzing and thinking is done by oneself.

I study consumer behavior, and am interested in the intersection between consumer choice and technology / innovation.