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 Ch'ng Jun Hong
Runme Shaw Medal for Best Student in Microbiology (AY 2006-2007)
Of my undergraduate years, my final year was by far the most memorable! I had heard distressing stories about the FYP and was expecting the worst. But I was delighted by how things unfolded in reality. My first impression of Dr. Kevin Tan during microbiology lectures was that he was too young to be serious, too happy to be stressed and too sociable to be boring. There was hope yet! If only I could get into his lab…Throughout that fourth year, Dr. Tan really believed in me, patiently encouraged and rejoiced with me even in minor achievements.
This is why I did not have to pray hard when it came time to choose my postgraduate supervisor! Besides the world’s best supervisor, I was also given a project that I desired deeply to succeed in, a project to characterize programmed cell death in the malaria parasite. It’s a small piece of a big puzzle in the fight against the disease, but to the best that I can I want to make a difference. It certainly helps that the working environment in lab is supremely exciting given the crazy mix of students that work and play alongside each other. The official opportunity to goof around unashamedly comes during the annual Microbiology Welcome Tea which is always hilarious and superbly fun to reminisce about! To sum up, there’s treasure everywhere. |
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 Grace Tan Kai Xin
As a graduate student of the Microbiology Department, I have had first hand experience of an intellectually rigorous curriculum that combines extensive study of the basic fundamentals, whilst, concurrently encompassing the most important advances in cutting-edge research.
The Microbiology department has provided both place and more importantly, an environment for honing a graduate student’s research capabilities. Grounded with strong research culture, students are immersed in conducive learning environments, and are presented with numerous opportunities for research collaborations.
As a community that aims not only at achieving strong academic reputation, efforts have been made to enrich social relations as well. The annually organized ‘Microbiology Department Party’, a major event highlight, enhances peer interaction and fosters closer ties between the lecturers and students. Seeking a well-rounded education, positive and encouraging work ethos, and a strong sense of identity - I have indeed found my niche. |
 Chew Chai Lian
When I first started my honours year research project, I did not know any experimental skills at all. At that time, my supervisor and my labmates took time to explain the theory behind research techniques and taught me basic research skills such as the proper pipetting technique and the way of handling long disposable pipettes and tubes in a sterile manner.
These basic skills I have learnt from them served me well in my subsequent experimental work. The nice lab environment and the ability to discover new and interesting things are important factors in my decision to continue with graduate studies. My postgraduate life comes with more problems in the course of my work and though research can sometimes be stressful, my supervisor and labmates are always there to encourage me and give me helpful advice and guidance.
Not forgetting the memorable teaching experience and the opportunity to interact with the students I had when I helped out with the undergradate practicals as a teaching assistant. As such, my life in the department of Microbiology is fruitful and interesting as not only have I learnt useful research and problem solving techniques, I met a lot of nice and friendly people in my lab and in the department who never hesitate to help me out whenever I face problems. |
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