2020
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Why did you choose to do 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 do graduate education at NUS? If you received offers from other universities, why did you pick 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.
Briefly share about your research or thesis (i.e. dissertation topic for Masters by Coursework students).
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.
Share something fun from your graduate journey at 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!
Briefly share a highlight from your graduate school journey.
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.
Share a challenge you faced in graduate school and how you overcame it.
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.