I always believe that doing a PhD is all about applying common sense to your academic challenges on a daily basis. Yes! Some amount of common sense mixed with a pinch of courage, curiosity and playfulness is what it all takes to complete a PhD, so is life. I would say that, in one sense, the PhD period trains you not just academically, but also living your daily life.  Whatever happens in real life, also happens during your PhD. You learn, negotiate, manage, communicate, laugh, get excited, and the list goes on. The only difference is that during PhD, you will have a mentor to guide you through, but in life, you are on your own. So, PhD trains you to effectively manage those situations, thereby training you for a better life. That’s the most valuable asset you can have by doing a PhD.

Being a joint-PhD student (IITM-NUS), I had only two years to work at NUS. I still remember the very first meeting with my guide, Prof Ji Wei talking very cheerfully to me. That ice-breaking meeting gave a lot of confidence and energy to move forward and confront new challenges. The amazing campus facilities and extra-cool labmates made my PhD journey unforgettable. Of course, I had bad days or weeks without results, but I was always able to come back to the state of motivation naturally with the support of my mentors and friends. I am currently continuing my work as a research fellow in the same lab with much more enthusiasm than ever before!