9 months- The birth of my “baby”
It was not an easy path, but a path worth the walk.
Pre-Conception
Jul-Aug: All FYP students received
a briefing as well as the available topics for FYP for that year. The document
consists of a list of projects divided into 4 categories – PK, PC, PP and PT.
The projects had accompanying title, description and supervisors in charged. I
was overwhelmed by the vast amount of choices available, but decided to focus
more on PK and PP projects since the topics seemed to be more interesting. I
called up one of my seniors who, advised me greatly on which projects to
choose. He is really very helpful. Spoke to several other seniors via sms, fb …
for their advice as well.
Balloting was then carried out
using a software after all students had submitted their 10 choices (ranked in
order) to the FYP rep. Apparently, the software helps to ensure that majority
of the students are able to receive their top few choices. I remembered that on
the day of submission, something went wrong with the internet and my choices
could not be uploaded. In my mind, I was thinking, “Is this a sign I should
re-arrange the order of my choices? Will I fail to get any of my choices?”
Having put in so much thoughts and effort to the order of my rankings of the
projects, I decided to ignore the “sign” and proceeded on to submit my original
rankings.
*Lots of uncertainty and
anticipation.
Conception.
Indeed, I was one of the rare
unlucky (or maybe lucky) few who weren’t allocated any of our 10 FYP choices.
In fact, I was allocated to a project, which doesn’t seem to go in line with my
interest at all. I was devastated. I started calling my friends up for advice.
I panicked as I looked through the list of “leftover” projects as they were all
subjected to first come first serve basis. Fortunately, there were a few wet
lab-based projects and with due consideration, I sms-ed the FYP rep my rankings
of the available projects left. I was allocated my second choice, dealing with
PCC proteins. The supervisor seemed quite nice too.
A few days later, I had an
appointment with the supervisor to learn more about the project as there is
another deadline for switching of projects, should there be a need. He
explained the project to me patiently and kindly re-assured me that there will
be appropriate guidance by the phDs and that he will be there to help us at any
point in time. Boosted by his positive energy, I decided to give this project a
shot.
*Akin to an etopic pregnancy, an
unstable beginning.
Gestation
With the thought of achieving as
much as I could before thesis writing, I decided to do everything as fast as I could.
There were a number of forms to be filled up and duly signed by myself and my
supervisor. One risk assessment form, activation of lab entry etc etc. It is
better to get all these forms filled up as early as possible so that labwork
can begin early. Within one week or so, I was able to begin my labwork. 8am
every morning, the time I would reach the lab. I was always one of the earliest
to reach the lab for a start. Sometimes I had to wait for my mentor to arrive before I start
work, which was quite frustrating. She taught me as much as she could within 1-2
weeks, starting with protein cloning, transformation, expression and eventually
desalting. I had to scribble everything while she speaks, into my notebook. All
the steps, concentration, reagents, location of reagents and equipment she
uses. At the end of the day, I had to transfer everything I had scribbled down
into my log book. I was glad to keep on track transferring the info into my log
book as it really helps to facilitate my labwork and everything could be
organised properly.
Soon, I was able to work on my
own. She monitored my closely on my first attempt. Made some mistakes here and
there as it was nerve wrecking having someone breathing down your neck.
Then I was free to go. It was
very carefree and I enjoyed working in the lab for a start, especially when I realised
I could express my proteins successfully and get the equipment working
correctly. On and off, I had several in impromptu meet-ups with my supervisor
to clarify my doubts and to update him my progress. I was then asked by my
supervisor to plan various experiments that I could possibly conduct to test
the stability of the proteins. He prompted a few tests that I could carry out
and I had to find out more. Lots of reading up. LOTS and LOTS of it.
The beginning felt like a
mountain was impeding my journey ahead. There were so many uncertainties and
doubts ahead to overcome before I could finally see the light and clear path
ahead. I often compare myself with my FYP friends. Some of them had their whole
experiments planned out properly by their supervisor/ mentor and had a clear
idea of what to do for their project. For me, the experiments weren’t even
fixed. Furthermore, the machines and facilities needed to run the tests
proposed were either non-functioning or non-existent in our labs. My supervisor
had to contact several other profs to enquire the availability of such.
Then came a period where a
mismatch of goals and expectations, between that of my supervisor and mentor,
occurred. It was truly a tough time.
On the bright side, a scientist
from SERI at MD6 had agreed to allow us to use his facilities FOR FREE! Then
there were problems of booking, and some sense of unhappiness when we booked
the machines for our use ahead of the perm staff there.
There was a period of time,
probably a few weeks or months, where my proteins failed to be expressed. All
the time and effort down the drain, my emotions and feelings went downhill as
well. The way to the lab felt like a chore, from love to hate. The lack of help,
as previously promised, made matter worse. I was depressed. Loss of appetite,
perpetual sadness, lack of concentration, motor dysfunction. I had doubts
whether I could finish my project in time and with results.
Fortunately, I have a very
encouraging supervisor who is willing to give advice at all times. The root of
the problem to the failed protein expression was discovered. I began to be able
to express my proteins again! The most memorable experience I had was the one
on New Year’s day where for the first time, I managed to purify 2 different
proteins of sufficient concentration!
Slowly but surely, I began to
gain more confidence in the lab, boosted by the encouragements of my supervisors,
friends of S4L3 and ant. I was beginning to feel more at ease and enjoy working
in the lab more.
Yet again, another bad news came.
My supervisor broke the news to us somewhere in dec that he is going to resign.
I remembered trying to hold my tears SO HARD as he broke the news to us in the meeting
room with Dr Ee and all his FYP students. I was handed over to Dr. Chew, a
sliver lining amongst the black clouds. I had always dreamed of working with
Dr. Chew. Her lab is just diagonally opposite mine, and I always see her
around, joking and teaching her students. Well, at least I managed to get some
consolation with this arrangement.
The whole period of labwork was a
period of self-discovery, patience and perseverance.
Birth
The birth of my thesis,
presentation 2 and poster was meticulously induced by Dr. Chew. I always admire
her dedication to all her students, albeit the little time she has. I feel bad
having to impose upon her when she already has so many students at hand.
Presentation 2 was particularly memorable
as my examiners were Dr kang LF and Prof C Chai. I was scared to death having
found out that Prof Chai is my e2. During P2, Dr KLF was very pleased with the
info presented and even stayed back to question me more about the project!
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the question and answer session with both of my
examiners. I felt like a proud mother answering any doubts and selling my
project to them ^^
Thankfully, my FYP turned out better
than expected :)
Great thanks to:
Dr Kang TS: for constantly
embracing my endless number of questions, office visits, his listening ear, his
encouragements and tips for P1, WR and advice for lab work. :D
S4L3 group photo!
Dr Chew EH: for her numerous
edits for all my drafts, all the fun and laughter in the lab and during
consultation, her ghost and harry potter stories during labwork. And giving me
such a fun 30 minutes chatting about the missing flight after my P2 rehearsal. And
thank you Dr Chew for being such a cuuuuteeeeee prof! ^^
Dr Chew Team <3
Dr Lakshmi: for his critiques of
my labwork, answering all my questions and generously allowing us to use his
facilities. I deeply remember him coming to check on me on a Saturday before he
leaves his office as I was the only person in the lab that day. J
Mahnaz: for teaching me and
allowing me to work independently
PhDs and lab tech of S4L3: for all their help and reagents! :) special shoutout to Dr chew's, Dr Ee's and Prof Yu's lab!
Fellow comrades of S4L3: to all
of you for your presence in the lab. When u all are around, it makes me feel
more at home where everyone works together for a common goal! I really enjoyed all my time in the lab when you guys are around, when we joke around or make small talks in the lab!! :D
Jumanah: for your presence, hugs, bimbotic convos,
cheering up sessions, doing things together, stealing nitrogen gas with me from
the deserted place, making me laugh when u said you are getting breast cancer
after getting poked by your needle and being there for me. It’s a pity I didn’t
manage to record all the funny things u said! bleagh
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| Fun in the lab! |
John: for his encouragement, mini chocolates to cheer me up when I am down, for “disturbing” me during labwork, providing advice and answering my questions, for our informal P2 rehearsals and your thought provoking questions It was fun having you around!
Zizhao: for building the snowman one fine early morning and for all his funny bones comments and bringing laughter to the lab
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| Icy the S4L3 snowman! |
Li ting: for your pancake!! That
was really sweet of you! And your sweet hello and good byes in the lab! You are
so cuuuuttteee!
Jon: for our people talking sessions, help, opening the
lab doors for us and writing jumanah’s Chinese name HAHA
Yihui: for chit chatting during our lab sessions
especially when no mentors are around in our lab. We are like the owners of the
lab hahaha
FangKang: for our CD discussions and advice along the way
Benson: for taking the time off to answer our queries and
to meet joanne and I to give us valuable advice regarding e2! Really appreciate
it J
Jason Low: for giving tips re Dr KLF
Sherman Yee: for constantly hearing me out and giving me
support always. And for the fun rides exploring new roads to and back from lab
in dec!
Vivien: for your encouraging letter and mickey mouse
treats! So sweet ^^
Nicholas C: for hearing me out, jiayou-ing me and head starts for PP3 projs!
John Loy: for his interesting fb shares, our bitching
sessions and support for each other
Brandon: for his support and shares re school work!
Cecilia: for our mini chit chats whenever we meet in the
lab lift at MD6.
Szehan: for all his effort and hardwork as a FYP rep.
xinkunile
Thai Xiong: my whatsapp buddy for your constant support
Benjamin T: Ben ben for your chit chat sessions over fb
Kaka: for cheering me on from HK <3
Yu Jing: for all your concern,chatting and venting via skype hehe
Amos: for the occasional catch up sessions!
Jeremy G: for constantly checking up on me, reviewing my P1 slides and providing ideas on how to improve my presentation. For driving all the way to my house to satisfy my ice cream cravings and for the inspiring book! and for always sharing verses, and answering my endless number of questions regarding Christianity and god. So touched! :')
Qixuan: for the super awesome phone call and analysis of all the projs and supervisors. paiseh still owe you a meal for sooo long already :(
Kweehaan, rachel chua, yong sheng: for answering my questions re FYP :)
CASHY: for the fun talks and fun outings with renci pts
Kaka: for cheering me on from HK <3
Yu Jing: for all your concern,chatting and venting via skype hehe
Amos: for the occasional catch up sessions!
Jeremy G: for constantly checking up on me, reviewing my P1 slides and providing ideas on how to improve my presentation. For driving all the way to my house to satisfy my ice cream cravings and for the inspiring book! and for always sharing verses, and answering my endless number of questions regarding Christianity and god. So touched! :')
Qixuan: for the super awesome phone call and analysis of all the projs and supervisors. paiseh still owe you a meal for sooo long already :(
Kweehaan, rachel chua, yong sheng: for answering my questions re FYP :)
CASHY: for the fun talks and fun outings with renci pts
GTN: for everyone of you talking to me or sitting with me
during lectures! J
just by your mere presence makes my heart flutter <3
Ant: for always being there for me. Accompanying me and
waiting for my labwork to be over, sometimes stretching till 8-9pm. For listening
to all my protein problems and trying to give suggestions and pondering over my
hiccups although you know nuts about proteins. Hahaha it was really funny how
you try to crack your head to think of solutions whenever I complain to you.
Family: for their unwavering love
And to each and everyone of you who have spoken to me or
helped me in any ways during the difficult times, a big thank you J
Advice to future parents of
FYP
1. Choose your projects wisely
In retrospect, I think it is important to choose your
projects based on your interest. You may want to strategize how you rank your
choices for submission. One fatal mistake of mine was perhaps ranking all the
popular projs as my top few choices. But then again, I guess luck plays a part
too
2. The world doesn’t end if you don’t get your choice of
project
There will be leftovers for you to choose from. You may also
switch project with your friend if they are kind enough to do so! Even if these
can’t change your fate, fret not! Your supervisors will be there to help and
guide you! Or maybe there’s a reason why you are allocated with a particular
project! For me, I get to learn many things and make a lot of new friends, meet
great professors and even get to work with Dr. chew! J I was glad eventually to be
given this project although I had complained a lot throughout the whole
process.
3. Start early and take the initiative to do things!
Get all the paperwork and vaccinations done as soon as
possible so that you can start your labwork early. Consult your prof re risk assessment. Get a big picture of your
project, talk to your supervisors to clear all your doubts and plan early ahead
of time. Dr kang lets us do things in our own pace. Unless we are really running out of time. So it is impt to take the initiative to get things started!
4. Get a log book
Some profs require you to get a log book for submission at
the end of FYP. It will be good to have a mini notebook for you to jot down
stuff on the go PLUS a log book. Do update your log book diligently. Update
whatever you do, every single thing you do. Include the date, the time and
things you do. It will help greatly if you can refer to the things you have
done and the documentation can aid your decision making if you have to do any
corrections in experimental procedures.
5. Saving your files in appropriate format
It will be good to save your document in this way: e.g. 14 june 2014 1330 Protein CD data.
This is similar to how dr chew saves her stuff. It allows you to keep track of
when you did this and that as well.
6. References
Update your references as early as possible! Save them all
in a library in endnote. It will be much easier when u have to insert them into
your thesis. For mine, I relied mainly on endnote for my referencing! It’s very
convenient and automated! Saves a lot of time. There will be a session during
PP3 or research methodology where they will teach you how to use endnote. The pharmacy
dept is very helpful in teaching us ways to do literature search and
referencing. So don’t worry!
7. Talk to your supervisors
If anything, talk to your supervisors! They are the one who
know the project well, other than you or your mentor. If you can’t take it
anymore, let them know, I’m sure they will be willing to solve the problems
with you. (unless you get some nasty supervisors? Hahah)
8. Support
Support one another throughout this period. It isn’t going
to be easy having to juggle schoolwork and FYP at the same time, especially lab
based ones. Listen to your friends patiently if they have to complain and help one
another! Year 4 sem 2 is going to be very hectic with all the PP3 assignments
and assessments going on at the same time. Plan your time and work allocation properly!
9. Goals of FYP
Dr. Kang has reiterated several times that FYP is about
testing how much you know about the project. The rationale behind the project
is of utter importance. (especially in P1). Know why you have to do this
project. What is the objective? And how do you achieve your goals? Why do u
conduct this particular experiment and how does it help you answer your
hypothesis?
It is okay even if you get negative results or did not get
any results. You have to then think of why you get this particular outcome. How
do you think you can overcome it. What alternatives do you think could be
carried out to change the outcome?
Its all about the WHY WHY WHY and HOW HOW HOW. KNOW WHAT YOU
ARE DOING.
These are my two cents worth! Have fun and enjoy
the whole FYP process!
(pls ignore the brevity of language and grammatical/spelling errors)
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| Hours of preparation |
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| KTS lab! |
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| Lab early mornings! |
