Paving ways towards a future career in pharmaceutical science and research

In this article, we speak to Alanna Wong (Class of ’22) and Soh Han Qiang (Class of ’22), on their motivations and aspirations in joining the inaugural batch of the Pharmaceutical Science programme last Aug 2018 and also more recently, to join the Amgen Scholars Programme.

The inaugural batch of the Pharmaceutical Science programme.
First row (seated), first from right: Soh Han Qiang, Second row (standing), first from right: Alanna Wong Qi Yin

Tell us a little more about yourself and how you came into the Pharmaceutical Science programme in NUS Pharmacy.

AW: I am interested in doing healthcare/biomedical related research in the future and I felt that the Pharmaceutical Science programme can best prepare me to enter the relevant fields.

Tell us a little more about yourself and how you came into the Pharmaceutical Science programme in NUS Pharmacy.

HQ: I graduated from Hwa Chong Junior College in 2015. As a student, I enjoyed Chemistry and Biology and have a profound interest in drugs. Yet, I was not keen in Pharmacy as I preferred research over clinical work. Hence, Pharmaceutical Science was a clear option for me.

How does it feel to be part of the inaugural batch of the programme?

AW: It is very refreshing as our lessons are structured in a more engaging manner with the emphasis on understanding instead of rote-learning. I really appreciate how the professors take time to get to know us and schedule talks with industry leaders that may be relevant to our future.

HQ: I am definitely excited for what is in store for us. That being said, being the first batch has its pros and cons. While the professors give us more attention and guide us more closely, there are no seniors to turn to for help/advice, especially for the pharmaceutical science modules.

What motivated you to apply for the Amgen Scholars Programme? What is the programme about?

AW: I wanted to gain more exposure in research because I am considering graduate studies in the future. The Amgen Scholars Program was one of the options available for me to do research during the summer break. I was really surprised that I got a chance to participate and I’m really looking forward to it.

HQ: I am genuinely interested in wet lab research and thought that having early exposure to science research would definitely benefit me in the later years of my course and maybe beyond as I have intentions to pursue graduate studies.

AW & HQ: The programme provides successful applicants 2 months of research experience in NUS during the summer break. Each of us are allocated a research mentor and a research project to work on.  At the end of the programme, we are required to submit a research paper and present our posters at a research symposium in Singapore, where Amgen Scholars in Asia gather to share their research findings.

How has the journey been thus far? What do you hope to gain from the programme?

AW (on the Amgen Scholars Programme): To apply for the Amgen Scholars Programme, I submitted a scanned copy of my academic transcript, a curriculum vitae and my choices for the research mentors. After being notified of the laboratory I am assigned to, I started to read up on relevant topics. My project is titled “How ADAMTS5 induces apoptosis”. The participants also created a WhatsApp group and I feel humbled when I interact with them as most of them already have undergraduate experience.

HQ (on the Pharmaceutical Science programme): The journey has been fun and interesting so far. I like the small class size because this allows us to know our peers and professors better. In addition, I enjoy the flipped classroom learning offered by our PHS modules as I feel that I learn and absorb more as compared to traditional lecture-tutorial teaching. I hope to become more knowledgeable and proficient in the field of pharmaceutical sciences so that I can prepare myself for further studies.

What are your aspirations?

AW: I believe health and wellbeing are important to every individual and I hope to be able to contribute to the field of medical chemistry and biomedical related research.

HQ: I have plans to apply for a PhD or MD-PhD after I graduate. Currently, my research interests lie in oncology and I hope that I can get a job in a research institute or a research arm of big pharmaceutical companies.

Any advice to incoming Pharmaceutical Science students?

AW: Have fun, make friends and be sure to seize opportunities when they arise!

HQ: Be proactive – opportunities don’t come knocking on the door, they present themselves when you knock the door down. Additionally, do not be intimidated by the sheer content of various modules – they are not as bad as you think they are

We are encouraged by Alanna’s and Han Qiang’s focused determination in charting their paths to achieve their aspirations in a future career in pharmaceutical science and research. We would like to congratulate them on being successfully selected into the Amgen Scholars Programme and wish them a fruitful and fulfilling research experience!

Article by Dr Chng Hui Ting (NUS Pharmacy academic faculty, Class of ’08)