Nationality: Ghana
Faculty & Year of Study: Faculty of Science, Year 4
Undergraduate: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
"Pursing a PhD can be challenging so commit to a research area that you love. In doing so, even the most difficult moments will end up motivating you to keep striving for the impact that you dream of."
Why Did You Choose To Pursue A PhD?
I was always drawn to research. After my master’s degree, a PhD degree was a step in the right direction for me as it brought me closer to my dream of pursing an academic career.
Why Did You Choose To Pursue Your PhD At NUS?
NUS provided the world-class research facilities for me to conduct pharmaceutical research. It also provided a competitive environment that enabled me grow as a researcher and compete internationally. Given the vibrant and exciting campus life, I was excited to forge life-long relationships with other students from all over the world. The department of pharmacy provided a supportive environment and I was drawn to the lab of my advisor, A/P Rachel Ee, whose research was exciting to me.
Can you tell us briefly about your research topic?
During my PhD, my research focused on the development of anionic hydrogel systems for the delivery of antimicrobial peptides. The primary aim was to address the challenges of peptide delivery and improve wound healing in infected topical wounds.
Why did you choose to do this research for your PhD?
I always had an interest in wound therapy and was passionate about finding alternative strategies that achieve greater therapeutic effect to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance. A/P Rachel Ee also had a strong track record on the development of antimicrobial peptides and drug delivery systems that enhance their efficacy.
How does PhD graduate education compare with your undergraduate experience?
The PhD training was generally very intense requiring a myriad of interdisciplinary skills. Compared with the undergraduate education that provides general courses, I was able to work independently on a project, refine my research skills and mature as a scientist in the area of drug delivery.
What do you like most about graduate school?
I liked the challenging environment in graduate school, discussing data with my advisor and the excitement of having completed an experiment. It wasn’t always about positive research data but the journey; from the development of experiments, understanding the observations (whether positive or negative) and being able to explain these observation. I also enjoyed campus life a lot, as a resident assistant, I was able to meet a lot of people, plan/host events and try new things (e.g. photography, art, yoga).
What challenges have you faced during your stint as a PhD student?
I will describe my first year as my most challenging period in NUS, as I tried to balance research work and course work. Nevertheless, I was able to forge through this period because of the encouragement/support I had from my supervisor. With this support, I was able to not only make it through my courses and qualifying exams, I developed a myriad of skills that served as an important landmark for my entire research and graduate school experience.
Any highlights you'd like to share with us about your PhD life?
There are several highlights in my graduate school journey but I think the entire year, 2017, was possibly the best year for me. With the support of my department and supervisor, I received the best graduate researcher award (Faculty of Science, Department of Pharmacy) and was also awarded the Otto Bayer Fellowship. Receiving the Bayer Fellowship, gave me the opportunity to experience research growth in an international research lab, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Germany, where I was able to work on a new project under the supervision of Dr. Seah-Ling Kuan.
Can You Tell Us Something Fun About Your PhD Journey In NUS?
| As a resident assistant, I had several fun experiences such as during bonding and leadership camps organised by the residential life team at the office of student affairs (OSA). In 2015, we visited the Loola adventure resort where I took part in activities such as wall climbing and the flying fox. Additionally, my first proposed event as a resident assistant was an ice breaking night. This was really fun and fulfilling to see new students bond with each other over fun games! |
Any advice for someone who's considering a PhD in NUS?
The training that you will receive as a student in NUS is unmatched. In choosing NUS for your PhD, you will receive exceptional support for your graduate journey alongside the necessary resources/facilities that will equip you as a competitive candidate. You will also have a lot of memorable and fun moments with new colleagues and identify internationally renowned mentors that will support your career.
Any other words of wisdom to share?
Pursing a PhD can be challenging so commit to a research area that you love. In doing so, even the most difficult moments will end up motivating you to keep striving for the impact that you dream of.