PhD graduation ceremony-part2

Following previous post (http://limchoonkiat-ck.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/phd-graduation-ceremony.html), videos below showed speech by our chancellor and the moment where I received scroll.

PhD graduation ceremony

Yeah! Officially completed PhD at Exeter Uni. Attended graduation ceremony last month. Unlike Malaysia, I like the fact that the flow of events here is simple as there is no so many speeches from VIPs and stalls that sell flowers and souvenirs. Come on, after all it’s our big day and not VIPs’. Too many stalls selling flowers and dolls make me feel like the graduation ceremony is sort of commercial event and seems to make the entire ceremony become a market place.

 

Syst.Bio workshop

Attended CPIB Summer School: Mathematical Modelling for Biologists at Nottingham university recently. The Programme is as follows:-


Day 1: Data, Networks and Models
Day 2: Multi-variable models
Day 3: Parameter estimation and sensitivity; Stochastic models
Day 4: Multicellular modelling

More info please visit their website at

http://www.cpib.ac.uk/events/cpib-summer-school/

Definitely, this is a good introductory course for biology background researchers who want to discover or would like to expose to syst bio related research.

Also, I take this opportunity to explore the campuse.

Featured on the latest issue of GARNet Newsletter.

 

Featured on the latest issue of GARNet (http://www.garnetcommunity.org.uk/) Newsletter.

GARNet is a BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) sponsored network set up to support UK scientists to develop and undertake excellent research using model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. Funny comment from Prof after he read the newsletter: “You’re famous in UK Plant Science community, but your picture...face too small, windows too big..” LOL =.= haha :)

Targeted Advertising--Graduate opportunities for Malaysians wishing to return home to work

I got this email from the career office@ Glasgow Uni. I was one of the members of the international advisory group of career service, Glasgow Uni.

The info are as follows:-

**Disclaimer: I’m not responsible for the correctness of forwarded info

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Client (Xyratex) is looking to attract engineering graduates from a variety of disciplines to return to Malaysia to their new facility.

These are permanent positions and ongoing recruitment.

The salary is in Malaysian Ringgits RM2500 + benefits.

I am hoping to target students who have graduated/ final year students in the following degrees:
Electronic/Electrical/Mechanical/Software/Computer Science or Physics.

Please see the job spec below for further details: any queries please
give me a call. ( They will accept a 2:2)

Seeking your first Engineering position after Graduation? Are you due to Graduate this year? Studying for a Degree is Electronic/Electrical/Mechanical/Software/Computer Science or Physics?

My client is the leading provider of Network Storage Solutions and Storage Infrastructure. Due to expansion at their R&D and manufacturing plant in Malaysia, they are seeking to recruit highly qualified recent multi disciplined Graduates to start as soon as possible.

You would be part of a high achieving team working on the latest features with leading edge technology and have the satisfaction of seeing your work delivered to many millions of customers world wide.

This is an exciting opportunity to fulfill your potential in a challenging, friendly, supportive environment where good performance is rewarded.

Education:
Successful candidates will have a minimum 2:1 degree and ideally a PhD, MSc, MEng or BEng to work as part of a multinational and multi-disciplined team. We will also consider candidates with recent work experience.

Kind regards

__________________________________________
Sian Jones

Graduate Recruitment Consultant
ARM Consulting Division
E     sian.jones@armconsult.co.uk
T     02392 228288
D     02392 228238
M     on request
F     02392 228229
W     www.armconsult.co.uk <http://www.armconsult.co.uk> 

ARM Consulting - Flexible Solutions
Langstone Technology Park, Langstone Road, Havant, Hampshire. PO9 1SA


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Lafrowda Cottage: Before and After

 

Pictures show my previous university accommodation, Lafrowda Cottage. Before I leave, I informed the accommodation office to put a sign board of the name of residence, The reason was sometime Tesco delivery and other courier services not able to locate our accommodation due to unclear location of this residence.

Happy to see they looked at my comment seriously :p

The accommodation, before put on the sign board 

 

the sign board located on top of the main entrance  & below the window

Quick Update: June to July

Quick update on what I have been doing these days

1) First year PhD viva

A compulsory event before we are allow to proceed to 2nd year. I got good feedback from the assessor. He said:” there’s a price of being good, that’s everyone will have high expectation on you.” Well, I agreed to him, greater opportunity comes greater responsibilities. I will try my best.

 

2) Moved home

My university accommodation contract end in July therefore I have moved to new private accommodation. I am happy with the new accommodation here.

former accommodation

new accomodation

3) A farewell trip to Lyme Reggis

Went to Lyme Reggis, a sea town near south Devon with fellow housemates (former). Here we can see UNESCO natural heritage sites, cliff existed more than billions ago.

4)Farewell dinners

I enjoy eating, so had organised two farewell dinners, oriental and western cuisines  :p

5) Liverpool trip

I went to Liverpool and visited friends from hometown. They are here for summer programme by LJM Uni and TARC.

6) Associate of Higher Education Academy.

I am pleased to obtained recognition from the professional body, more info visit the following link:

http://limchoonkiat-ck.blogspot.com/2010/07/associate-status-of-higher-education.html

7) Makaichoon conference

Always happy to chat with bunch of cocky friends, makaichoon

 

Future events:

Travel to Salisbury, for the world famous heritage site: Stonehenge

image source: http://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/home

Travel to Cambridge

image source: http://www.visitcambridge.org/VisitCambridge/PhotoLibrary.aspx

The Scientific Century Report

I came across the scientific century report published by the Royal Society, The advisory group of the report is comprised of Nobel Laureates and former ministers.

The report provides suggestions to develop science as a key field for the UK’s economic growth. Six recommendations are proposed:

1. Put science and innovation at the heart if a strategy for long-term economic growth;
2. Prioritise investment in excellent people;
3. Strengthen Government’s use of science;
4. Reinforce the UK’s position as a hub for global science and innovation;
5. Better align science and innovation with global challenges;
6. Revitalise science and mathematics education.

You can download the report (76 pages) from the website--http://royalsociety.org/The-scientific-century/

I’m reading the report these days, hope to gain some insights then.

cheers

Associate status of the Higher Education Academy

I just received a good news from the university, in which I have obtained the Associate status of the UK Higher Education  Academy (AHEA).

image source: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/

I have attended 2 modules for 2 months, and then need to produce an assignment describing my teaching roles. The assignment entitled:‘Learning and teaching at university:
a critical reflection on my role.’

I have discussed three learning outcomes, as follows (extracted from the LTHE assignment guideline, Education Enhancement Unit, Exeter University ):

1-7-10

1st of July, the first day after half year. What have you done far? How about your achievements?

Seldom update recently due to intense workloads and lot of events involved, in which I will share in the next blog post.

Often, I learnt that people like to share about their research progress, some bad some good, but mostly bad news…then, so what?

Taken me as an example:

Over the last 8 months,I've been working on a mutant isn't mutant, If you’re complaining on your research progress, think of me and this’ll make you feel better.

From failure we learn to improve, research is a good platform for you to learn how to be patient, tough.

This “tragic” moment hampered my progress and de-motivates me, but I will soldier on, no give up

Exeter loses top10

Exeter loses top10, I think it was over-rated last time frm my previous experience@ other uk uni. Now it's ranked 12, top dozen uni.

 

Further information about the university profile:

 

A student's guide to ... Exeter University - Times Online -  http://ow.ly/20BAb

 

Profile: University of Exeter - Times Online -  http://ow.ly/20BAX

 

Profile: The University of Exeter | Good University Guide - Times Online - http://ow.ly/20BB1

 

University Rankings League Table | The Sunday Times University Guide 2010 - Times Online - http://ow.ly/20BBg

 

As a postgraduate research student, the university reputation is not the major factor to be considered. In research career, I concern about 1) Strength of the PI 2) technical skills acquired 3) professional development & networking.

 

The following articles provided some good points on career & development in research career.

 

Are You Good Enough? | Bitesize Bio - http://ow.ly/20Byd 

 

PhD Students: Should You Switch Labs? | Bitesize Bio - http://ow.ly/20BBJ

New Flat

The contact period of my university accommodation will be finished soon. Therefore, My colleague and I have rented the new private accommodation. Pictures are as follows:

More pictures, feel free to visit the album at:

View Full Album

Another hectic and challenging day awaiting

I came across many questions by friends, juniors, prospective postgraduates regarding life as a researcher (I think consultation is my sub-career, LOL). 

First of all, I want to stress that you can’t do a PhD for the sake of ‘Dr’ title. Doing research is challenging and hard, you will be facing many obstacles throughout your studies. This is especially true when you are doing a lab-based doctorate.

Taken me as an example, I not solely doing my own research. In fact, I am working with other colleagues in other projects too. Furthermore, teaching activities, annual progress report, professional/soft skills development etc are extra commitments which I have to bear with.

For a while, I don’t have such a hectic day. Of course this is not my typical daily routine, and don’t worry you are still a normal human being to enjoy your life, to have fun, etc apart from your research. Self-discipline is a must in pursuing research career.

In this hectic day:-

I woke up @ 4am, performed chlorophyll fluorescence analysis until 7am. Breakfast and back uni. Reached uni@ 830am, checking test questions I set previously.

Then 10am, I had a presentation to show my research progress, followed by school’s buffet lunch. Attended a talk by prominent researcher in plant pathology @ 1pm.

From 2pm onwards, I had a series of workshops on new skills development and Systems Biology PhD student discussion. This finished at 6pm, and then we can off to pub.

However, I went to another meeting and discussed about organisation of the coming 3rd year undergrad student course assessment test.

Such a bloody hectic day is not happen every day, but it’s happens very frequently. I enjoy every single moment of this challenging life. Thinking of people in 3rd world/ under-developed countries who are under severe famine situation, I shouldn’t waste time.

However, no matter you are, remember play hard, work hard, play smart, work smart.

That’s why I try to post tweets everyday, to keep my friends, families, secret admirers, followers, & possibly rivals (if there is any, haha) update on latest happenings.

Feel free to talk with me, if you have any problems with your research, life, etc, queries on career planning, evil ideas etc. I am happy to be your audience.

Cheers!

Spring has sprung, I simply like this lovely weather.

Interview questions

i attended two interviews and one presentation before obtaining the studentship at Exeter. Some questions asked by the interviewers are as follow:

 

Interview questions:

1. Explain about additions skills/ additional course have undertaken (with reference to CV you sent)

2. How do you feel with cross-disciplinary studies? Any previous experience?

3. Why PhD?

4. Tell me about your previous works

5. What statistic training you have?

6. What paper (beyond plant science) that you are interested with?

7. Your understanding on the project?

8. Do you have any teaching experience?

9. Other skills that you can contribute to the research group?

10. How do you overcome depression/ failure?

11. Career aspiration

12. Why do you like plant science?

 

Hope these may help in your future interview..

 

cheers

Parcel from home, with CNY goodies ;-)

Article@ UTAR’s Feb Newsletter

More info visit the following link:

http://www.utar.edu.my/alumniMain.jsp?catid=8

 

article entitled “Passion, Commitment, and Prolonged Interest: Keys to achieve your goal”

Christmas Eve dinner

dinner with two of the flatmates, they are Master student in business, from China.  We had hot pot.

 

turkey

lovely Christmas card

A greeting card from PhD student in my lab. An English who did her project in Malaysia last time and spent significant amount of time there.

 

Santa in Malacca. :-p

what a hectic day

The day before, slept at 2 am, spending whole night to look at information on the genes of interest. Also, Prof suggested me to give a presentation in Plant Science group meeting next week, I had accepted and therefore I need prepare some slides this weekend too.  @-@

The next day, morning 3 hr demonstration @ 9am morning. As my Prof said, we always see some “odd stuff“ from students’ practical. I believed some of them didn’t do pre-reading before come to the practical session.

follow by research discussion, to troubleshoot some troubles faced in previous experiments and advice on new experiment setup. Afternoon, 2 h meeting with more and more information need to be sorted out and clarify .

This is followed by literature searching, as we have to plan ahead, consider every single step carefully before conducting new experiment.

Also, an insightful discussion with colleague who are taking the assignment for UK Higher Edu Academy, everyone also upset with students’ attitude today, whereby they prefer to be spoon-fed rather solving out problems themselves

Back home for dinner, take a short break.

Back to lab to do some plant tissue culture work and spread out bacterial culture in order to look for recombinant DNA.

Settle all bench works at 1am the next day. Follow by replying comments, reading RSS until 2am.

Arrgh, I seriously need to take a post-CNY break

January 2010

A brief update after the first week of January 2010.

Research

After 3 months of PhD, I begin my research on computer modelling apart from usual wet bench experimental techniques. Also, I also assisted by the 3rd supervisor from the Department of Mathematic and Engineering. Quite happy that I got full support from the graduate school, and It’s a very rare case on which a PhD student is supervised by 3 supervisors.

Other academic commitment  

This term, I am GTA for two modules and demonstrator for one of the year two modules. Note the difference between GTA & Demonstrator:- GTA is more likely to be “assistant” to the course organiser of that module. Mostly, we involve in organisation and administration works, e.g. arranging lecture note, answering students’ queries, assess student works, invigilate exam, etc.

By contrast, demonstrator involve teaching/demonstrating practical classes. It’s a science/experimental based tasks.

As mentioned in the previous post, I am applying associate membership of the UK Higher Education Teaching Academy. In order to qualify, I have to attend few modules which I have finished last year, and follow by an assignment. I hope experiences gained from GTA and Demonstrator can assist me to write a good assignments.

Home

I will be coming back later of the year. Tentatively, scheduled travel across Malaysia, e.g. Sarawak, Penang, Kedah, KL, etc and foreign countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, etc.

Personal

I am healthy and fine here, although many challenging tasks awaiting me. I can’t spend much time on social networking sites and also can’t give prompt and details to each comments received, etc. But I ensure I will read every comments to me and also I will read blog post/ tweets from you guys.

Current Issue

2010 is the election year in the UK, anticipating to see the outcome and its impact to international student to us.

There were so many issues happened in home country, and seems our leaders are keen on playing political issues rather than finding solutions to develop the country.

As a result, I urge all eligible voters:-remember register yourself & cast your vote in next GE,get the right people to running the country instead of ruining her.

Leisure

I celebrated Christmas and New Year in Exeter. Then, few days ago I went to London-Wales. Feel free to find out the following pictures. More pictures will be coming soon.