In this series, Science@NTU gets to know the 2025 CoS valedictorians. They give a quick overview of their time in CoS, and also offer a few words of advice on transitioning into a new phase of life. Next up, we have Khoh Yek How from the School of Biological Sciences.
How did you end up studying Biological Sciences and Psychology?
I have always been passionate in biology – it was one of my strongest subjects back in Secondary School and Junior College – so studying biological sciences was second nature to me. However, I also wanted to explore psychology because it was very interesting to learn more about human behaviour. Furthermore, psychology overlaps with biology (especially in the area of neuroscience). The unique combination of the programme and the extra challenge it gave me attracted me to it.
What did you enjoy most during your four years in NTU SBS?
I really enjoyed my time spend in SBS mostly because of all the friendships and memories made there. In SBS, we have several common areas like the study lounges and the Clade Room (a large and cozy room for students to hang out and relax). I have good memories of the times I spend with friends in these places, preparing for exams, and in the process, we built strong support networks. It was always nice to bump into familiar faces in school, and this sense of belonging to the school made the atmosphere very special.
Which experience had the greatest impact on you?
My journey in SBS and NTU in general has been very eventful, but one of the highlights in SBS that had a great impact on me was my summer research attachment with Associate Professor Wu Bin’s lab at the end of Year 2. Although I had prior research experience, Prof Wu’s lab deals with structural biology which was different from the previous fields I worked in. It was a very productive experience as I learnt a wide range of techniques, and I was given a lot of freedom to run my experiments.
I remember being very excited about my project as I managed to make significant progress and obtain useful results, some of which were eventually published as part of a manuscript. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to mentor four pre-tertiary students doing their lab attachments there as well, by teaching them basic experimental techniques.
This was something that I cherished because I always enjoy spreading my knowledge to others, and this research experience allowed me to grow as both a researcher and a mentor.
What’s your next step after graduation?
I intend to pursue a career in medicine, so I am currently applying to Duke-NUS Medical College. However, I am also keeping my options open in terms of other healthcare-related careers. In the meantime, I am volunteering with Singapore Red Cross as a first aider and first aid instructor.
Any words of advice to students who intend to study Science?
Take pride in being a scientist! That means thinking critically about science, applying it and sharing scientific knowledge with others. Science is a really interesting and wide-ranging field. I think a lot of people had childhood dreams of being a scientist or inventor of some sorts, because we are curious about the world around us and want to learn how to use science to make the world a better place. It is easy to get lost in the details when the content gets heavy or when an experiment doesn’t go according to plan, but try to look at the bigger picture and marvel at how nature works so intricately.
What advice do you have for your peers who are graduating this year?
Our journey in university may be a short chapter of our lives, but I hope this serves as a springboard for us all to achieve what we want in life. Continue making an impact in the real world in your own ways and all the very best!
Provide a quote that inspires you.
“If you’re being met with resistance, that probably means you’re doing something new. If you’re experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means you’re rising.”
This is an inspirational quote from one of my favourite artists, Taylor Swift, who is not afraid to transcend boundaries and speak up for herself and others. Its scientific validity aside, this quote is relatable to me because of the challenges I faced in some of the things I did, such as taking up leadership roles and starting up new projects. It reminds me that it is natural to face obstacles in what we do and overcoming them is part of the process of growing.