Dr Nianjia SEOW

Research Fellow of National University of Singapore
Exchange to Flinders University, Australia

Sometimes it is when we are away from familiar sights and sounds, family and friends, that we have the chance to really reflect on the things that truly matters, and what the future holds. In this aspect, my time spent in Adelaide and Flinders University is a definitive one, for I probably got more than what I was looking for. This honest little reflection consists of four parts, which sums up my experience. [Well, it was a good one, though not in the most direct sense. Hope this give you reason to read on...]

Weather - I had arrived in Adelaide after the storm that caused an outage in South Australia, and so there was no sun and clear skies that greeted me. I remember the windy post-storm first night, just settled in but without stable Wi-Fi and such, when it hit me that I was truly alone away from home. For six months. It probably did not help that I was newly married, and my wife was (without better words to describe) left back home. It was then that the question came up: Am I doing the right thing? Is this the right choice? But the die has been cast, and the only way is to move forward. One thing I realised later on was that my mood seemed to get better when the temperature was higher. So thank goodness summer beckoned.

Flinders University - In line with the weather, my first day at work was kind of wretched, as I got drenched (though I brought the umbrella, the buffeting winds and rain rendered the effort futile). But Day One was probably the worst day. In a sharing I had given, I mentioned that there was serendipity in research, and starting work at Flinders School of Chemical and Physical Sciences at the lab of Professor Amanda Ellis was such a moment. For in the six months that followed, I found myself doing things that I love to do (DNA nano-diagnostics) but have previously put off due to other research commitments. Prof Ellis and my colleagues (Dr Ashley Connolly especially) at the lab welcomed me straightaway, and in addition to their kindness as hosts, they also challenged me scientifically with questions that made me delve deeper into my work and made better sense of the results. I know I became a better scientist in the process. And I am glad to say that these months of effort culminated in a manuscript. I also figured that I want to pursue an academic career, and this will impact my life back home (for the benefit of my family, I am sure). A chain of reactions has thus been set off.

KLC - which stands for Kathleen-Lumley College where I stayed. I had decided to stay at KLC, a residence uniquely designed to accommodate academics, post-graduates and under-graduates under one roof, as I wanted the chance to meet people and form meaningful relationships. Even if this meant that I have to spend 2 hours everyday commuting. Before and after work each day, there is a group of people with whom I shared meals and small talks, played soccer, watched movies, and essentially the world was brought before me in the compounds of KLC. I had collegiate experience previously and I knew I wanted to continue the experience. That I got more than what I looked for is probably due to that which is uniquely KLC. Through the revolving doors of the College, I believe many paths will cross again, be it on the streets of Copenhagen or in the lecture halls of a Chinese University. I am thankful I was part of this family. It helped too that the College chefs are of no little skills (a happy tummy makes a happy man).

Hope - The Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship has opened my sights to an expanse of possibilities. And while the future can be uncertain, the memories made and experiences garnered are foundations that I hold on and move forward with. Each decision and step taken is reinforced with a quiet sense of confidence that everything will turn out better. I just have to venture out that first step, just as I have done with the Exchange Programme.

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