Student Sharing

‘With various opportunities offered by this programme, I am able to participate in the ecology research work that I have always been interested in. During my first 2 years at HKU, I assisted with research on ants and butterflies. After joining the Global Change and Tropical Conservation lab, I finished my SRF on spiders and have been working as a student RA on a light pollution project in the lab. Through all those research experiences, my understanding of ecology and biodiversity deepened, which made me one step closer to my dream to be a researcher. Besides, by learning from the Grand Masters in a series of master tutorials, I acquired fascinating transdisciplinary knowledge and methods of conducting research. Furthermore, inspired by their passion for scientific research, I hope one day I can devote myself to ecology research and protect the beautiful yet delicate natural world.’

‘Studying this MSc Programme at HKU was truly a rewarding experience. The course lecturers are very knowledgeable and passionate, who have enlightened me a lot regarding my understanding about the current food industry. This curriculum is also designed in a practical perspective and encompasses a wide variety of topics, from food safety and product development, to marketing and management, which are particularly useful for my current career. In this regard, no matter you are pursuing your career in food industry or interested in exploring more in this area, I would certainly recommend this course based on my amazing experience here.’

‘The overseas research fellowship was an incredibly satisfying, enjoyable, and enlightening experience. I had the chance to work with renowned professors in worldwide universities and witnessed the research workflow firsthand. Taking on responsibility for a mini academic research project, I was involved in every stage of work, from preparation to field studies and experiments, then to data interpretations and write-ups. This experience has greatly enriched my understanding of what it is like to work in academia.

This fellowship is a precious experiential learning opportunity that I would highly recommend to all science students. It is not merely a research project, but a remarkable journey where you can enrich your personal experiences and discover your own potential.’

‘Like many of my undergraduate fellows, I hardly knew what scientific research was like as a freshman, but I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm of researchers and their commitment to lifelong learning, which led me to take the initiative and volunteer as a student helper in the laboratory led by Dr Mingfu WANG, whose research focuses on anti-cancer effects of phytochemicals.

My first research experience was very educative. I learned to integrate various experimental techniques in chemical compound analysis, better understand the cell culture process, and was given a chance to perform animal experiments. Besides teaching me an array of techniques, Dr Wang also shared his research experience along the way, and showed me how to run a research laboratory, giving me an idea of what to expect in my scientific career. 

After having a taste of scientific research, I was admitted to the Summer Research Fellowship (SRF) Scheme. I was given a chance to conduct an individual research project in Professor Nagendra Prasad SHAH’s laboratory. Under his supervision, I discovered that using germinated wheat flour instead of regular one produced bread with significantly higher GABA content, unleashing the potential to make antihypertensive staple food.

Firing up by these experiences, I even extended my undergraduate study by enrolling in the final year research project (FYP), which trained me to be a logical thinker, thus preparing me for my independent postgraduate research.

Thanks to my current supervisor Dr Chi Bun CHAN, who was my teacher in an undergraduate course about endocrinology, he inspired me to explore the field of metabolism and motivated me to embark on the research journey.

It has been seven months since I joined the PhD programme, and I fully enjoy the moment. Dr Chan’s research group creates a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere for newcomers, and I am instantly connected and developed a sense of belonging in the lab. Dr Chan is the kind of mentor who always initiates thoughtprovoking conversations that stimulate me to seek answers on my own rather than spoon-feed me information. Being around him is like having a supportive friend who always offers comfort and guidance to help me overcome adversity. Besides, I am still dazzled all the time by his logical intelligence!

My ultimate research goal is to unveil the interorgan crosstalk in fatty acid metabolism, which plays an important role in the progression of metabolic myopathy, hepatopathy, and adiposopathy. With the help of collaborators in the chemical and clinical fields, my team could develop novel treatments for these currently incurable diseases and validate the results of the animal model in human clinical studies.’

‘The Overseas Research Fellowship experience has not only enriched my understanding of frontier chemistry research but also shaped my future endeavours in advanced chemistry. One of the most invaluable lessons I learned during the research programme was that not every attempt would give favourable outcome, and the process could be frustrating. Still, every trial exemplifies the commitment and tenacity of those who take on this challenging but eventually rewarding task. It was a remarkable journey and pivotal in my academic development.’

‘The Food and Nutritional Science Major has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of human nutrition and food security, essential for shaping my career pathway. Academic knowledge was imparted through diverse activities orchestrated by the teaching team. Beyond traditional lectures, interactive laboratory sessions allowed students to explore diverse topics, including food chemistry. This helped me acquire technical skills and enhanced my communication and presentation abilities—both vital in the workplace. Through collaborative group presentations and debates, I developed confidence in public speaking and learned to articulate my ideas logically. ’

'I studied at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) from 2013 to 2017, and those years remain among the most defining chapters of my life. I initially enrolled in actuarial science, but through coursework and exploration, I found myself captivated by the beauty and depth of mathematics. That spark led me to change my major to mathematics, a decision that not only transformed my academic path but eventually shaped my career.

The Department of Mathematics at HKU was where I first experienced the joy of thinking deeply and abstractly. I was fortunate to be taught and mentored by incredible Faculty members, including Professors Zhiwen Zhang, Ngaiming Mok, Wenan Zang, Tuen Wai Ng, and many others. Their teaching, insights, and generosity in mentoring students through summer research programs and capstone projects taught me how to read and learn, how to approach complex problems, and most importantly, how to think like a researcher.

HKU also gave me my first opportunity to experience the world beyond. Through the exchange programme, I spent a semester in my third year at the University of California, Berkeley, where I engaged in reading courses and research projects and gained a glimpse of academic life in the US. That experience expanded my perspective both academically and culturally. It inspired me to apply for PhD programmes in the US. I was fortunate to be admitted to Princeton, where I completed my PhD in applied and computational mathematics. Afterwards, I joined Stanford University as a postdoctoral fellow, and in fall 2025, I will start as an assistant professor at Yale University in the Department of Statistics and Data Science.

Looking back, HKU was not just where I studied; it was where I grew up intellectually. The faculty’s kindness, the friendships I formed, and the intellectual atmosphere all played a critical role in shaping who I am today. I met peers at HKU who have also gone on to pursue PhDs in mathematics, statistics, and related fields. Many of us remain close friends, and the support we received from one another and from faculty continues to echo throughout our careers.

For current students: if you’re passionate about math, science, or research, don’t be afraid to dream boldly. HKU offers an incredible foundation in knowledge, opportunities and mentorship. Whether your future lies in academia, industry, public service, entrepreneurship, or something entirely unexpected something entirely unexpected, a solid grounding in science and mathematics opens many doors. The most fulfilling paths are often the ones where passion and curiosity lead the way.

As for the future, I believe we are entering a new golden age of scientific discovery, driven by the rapid development of AI, data science, and interdisciplinary research. As a researcher in theoretical statistics and probability, I am excited to help bridgethe gap between deep mathematical theory and emerging real-world questions. Mathematics and science remain among our most powerful tools for understanding complexity, navigating uncertainty, and imagining new possibilities for the future.

I’m deeply grateful to HKU for launching me on this journey. I would not be where I am today without the people, the environment, and the education I received there. HKU will always be a part of my story.'
 

‘I have always loved animals; I just did not know how to make it my lifetime career. Interested in biology, I thought that I wanted to become a veterinarian, but after joining university, I realised what I truly liked was actually called ‘ecology’.

During the pursuit of my master’s degree in Paris, I started to be captivated by conservation physiology, an emerging field which offers a more dynamic approach in respect to climate change when compared to conventional conservation measures. The different research opportunities I had during that time played a big part in shaping my research direction and motivated me to do a PhD.

I have always loved forensic science as portrayed in fictions or dramas, but I had never connected it to a potential career in conservation, until early 2017 when I moved to Laos, regularly observing ostriches, monkeys, eagles, iguanas, or crocodile eggs in wildlife market – some of which are not even native species to Asia!

I embarked on my PhD journey during the same year, keeping wildlife trade research in the back of my head. My research is nested into a broad field of wildlife conservation, with a primary interest in conservation physiology.

I investigate the physiological responses of diurnal and nocturnal ectotherms to climate change, with a particular interest in lizards. Besides, I have also developed a project about the trade of tokay geckos, both for traditional medicine and pet trades.

Being exposed to the Conservation Forensics Lab at the School of Biological Sciences, I developed interests and skills from many passionate ecologists, for which I am very grateful.

My supervisor, Dr Timothy BONEBRAKE, has played a crucial role in shaping the scientist I have become, by granting me his trust from the start and allowing me to develop my ideas at my own pace. I am very grateful for the opportunities and advice I received from him over the years, even during the most stressful parts of this journey.

I was also influenced by other scientists such as Dr Caroline DINGLE, the Director of the Conservation Forensics Lab. She always welcomed my questions, whether scientific or about student struggles. As the founder of the Women in Science at HKU, she also championed many of my peers and myself.

I would like to dig deeper into the topics I have based my research on, to address ecological and societal issues. The more I learn about the science of climate change, the more I see the need for societal change and human adaptations. I cannot imagine having a job that does not touch on these issues. I am looking forward to building my career on this expertise and experience, and to take part in creating a more informed, self-sufficient, and resilient society.’

‘As a kid, I was often fascinated by the reaction and interaction between chemicals, so I operated a tiny laboratory to do my silly experiments at home, which kindled my passion and interest in the realm of chemistry. 

I am a firm believer in chemistry and think that its proper applications via technology in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and food industry shall be the legacy we leave to our future generations. Being able to be a part of this process gives me a great sense of achievement and pride. 

My research focuses on making molecules with ‘seven-membered rings’, one of the many kinds of bioactive natural structures that chemists have always been fascinated with and hope to synthesise them to serve as a lead compound for drug discovery and advance our understanding of the natural world. It is one of the many paths I am attempting to explore. In the long run, I hope my work will contribute back to society and help shape the world into a better place.  

Nevertheless, research funding is always a challenge. Apart from financial aid provided by my scholarship, I am grateful that I also received extra funding to support my research, and the level of support is sufficient for buying items related to my thesis research, procurement of research materials, books, equipment, publication fees, and editing service. 

The transition from undergraduate study to postgraduate research is also one of the bottlenecks. The most important fixed goal you can set during your undergraduate study is the date for your graduation. But as a postgraduate, your experimental plan could be changed anytime if the current one does not work. I manage to overcome it with the help of my supervisor and lab mates. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with my current supervisor, Professor Pauline CHIU, who always makes sure that I am on the right track and actively gives me feedback during our weekly meetings, which helps plan subsequent experiments and work. And thanks to my lab mates, who are from diverse backgrounds, eager to share different experiences with me all the time.

I also do my reflections and rethinking from time to time, which is an important process to lead myself and facilitate a more profound way of learning.’

‘HKU’s flexible curriculum gave me the freedom to explore my interests in my first year, allowing me to try out different introductory courses before deciding on my major. This helped me discover my passion for Food and Nutritional Science. The university also encourages students to pursue a second major or minor, so I chose Kinesiology, which complemented my major and offered hands-on lab experiences. Additionally, I fulfilled my dream of learning Japanese as a second minor. The diverse elective options and collaborative learning environment truly enriched my university experience and personal growth.

I was grateful to join the competitive UBC Food Security and Sustainable Production Programme, subsidised by HKU’s experiential learning fund. This exclusive capstone allowed me to study abroad, gain hands-on experience on farms, and explore the entire food production chain. The immersive curriculum included farming, cooking, and company visits, broadening my global perspective. Beyond academics, I built life skills, made international friends, and enjoyed Vancouver’s vibrant culture. Experiences like exploring Shannon Falls and Whistler, and simple moments with friends, made my university journey unforgettable. This programme truly enriched my learning and personal growth beyond the classroom.’

‘The MSc in Environmental Management encompasses a broad range of topics thereby affording an excellent grounding in the environmental field. For this reason, as well as the University of Hong Kong’s reputation for excellence, I selected this master’s degree.

Completing this course has been challenging but, thanks to the challenge as well as the high level of tuition, immensely rewarding. With the knowledge and skills I have acquired and connections I have made I have the confidence to embark on a new chapter in my career incorporating the principles of sustainability into my work and engaging with experts in the fields I have been introduced to.’

‘HKU Science provides a wide range of undergraduate research opportunities. As a student enthusiastic about pursuing academic research, I benefitted significantly from participating the Summer Research Fellowship programme (SRF).

Last summer, Professor Quentin Parker from the Department of Physics offered me a place in the Laboratory for Space Research in Cyberport, where I spent two months working on a topic related to observational Astronomy – so called Planetary Nebula. Specifically, my project involved accessing data from extensive astronomical databases including the globally leading HASH database set-up by Professor Parker’s group.

Exposure to these research experiences greatly enhanced my problem-solving skills and my theoretical knowledge. Unlike striving for academic excellence in various courses during term-time, conducting actual research requires the ability to integrate multi-disciplinary knowledge such as programming, and to tackle real-life science problems.

As a student who had just finished the first-year study, my relevant knowledge was initially insufficient for conducting research or even understanding the content of background research papers, which was quite frustrating indeed. But after shifting my mindset, I started to devote more efforts by reading some extra reference papers and by “googling” every confusing phrase in the background papers. Perhaps that is the beauty of an early research experience, it encourages students to explore their interests and learn actively out of classrooms. 

I also learnt the importance of upholding academic integrity and manual checking on published data. We should be honest to admit the insignificance from the given data, which helps subsequent researchers to rule out same idea and direct them to draw the right conclusions. I also learnt to judge what is significant to be published as from my project.

All in all, this SRF provided me with a treasurable experience and an early taste of conducting scientific research. It definitely strengthened my determination to pursue academic research in my later studies as well as reinvigorating my curiosity in Physics – the study from the fundamental building blocks of the universe, to the gigantic stars and galaxies we see upon the sky.’

‘As a member of the Faculty’s Young Scientist Scheme, I got the privilege and sponsorship to go to Yale University for visiting study. At Yale, I experienced their graduation ceremony, attended some inspiring seminars, and even got to hear Nobel Laureate Svante Paabo share his insights. In addition, I took a research internship in Professor Gendron’s lab, where I applied mathematical modelling to study plant photoperiodism, which enhanced my systems biology skills and further fuelled my goals.’

We have always been taught that habitat loss – a known threat to our planet and its biodiversity – occurs gradually over many years. PhD student Vriko YU used to share that belief but was alarmed to witness first-hand a patch of coral off Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park disappear in just two months. Coral reefs are the ‘tropical forests of the sea’, known for their rich biodiversity which provides a highly complex habitat to support whole ecosystems of fish, plants and invertebrates.

‘Books have always said it takes decades for us to destroy the reef,’ Vrkio recalls, ‘but in reality, it can just be gone in the blink of an eye. That is when I started to think about what we can do to mitigate the impacts of climate change.’

Vriko’s love for diving started in her undergraduate studies, where she likened the excitement of finding and identifying the many sea creatures to a game of Pokémon Go. ‘What I like about diving is that I don’t know what I would get to see, like catching Pokémon! Typically when we dive, we go to hotspots which are where corals are.’ This made her realise that in order to continue conserving what we like to see underwater or foods we like to eat, first we need to rebuild the corals. ‘They are the foundation,’ she emphasises. This drive to protect coral reefs led Vriko to start her own social enterprise, archiREEF – an environmental social enterprise offering a one-stop solution for impact changers at corporation or government levels, or even individuals that want to be involved in making a difference.

Seamlessly blending manmade supports into nature

Vriko explains that traditional reef restoration uses more primitive materials like metal or concrete as a substrate for the coral, which does not mimic the natural environment well. To provide a better alternative, Vriko worked on producing 3D-printed reef tiles as part of her PhD research project at HKU, supervised by Dr David BAKER, Associate Professor at School of Biological Sciences. The reef tiles that mimic the surface of brain corals have seen much success.

They yielded a four times higher survivorship of local ‘super-corals’ – the nickname given to corals capable of growing in the harsh Hong Kong waters – as well as boasted significantly more commercial fishes and a higher biodiversity of coral-associated invertebrates on-site. Most excitingly, Vriko and her team even witnessed an apex predator making its home and laying eggs in the restored coral habitat. ‘The first time I saw the female cuttlefish, it was really exciting! She was huge and looked like a spaceship, but suddenly she flattened herself to catch a prey. The second time we saw her, we thought she was sleeping but when we got closer, we realised she was laying eggs under the tiles!’

Vriko reiterates the ultimate goal of restoration is to bring entire ecosystems back to their healthy states. This one charismatic cuttlefish residing and completing her life cycle in the reef tiles is a symbol of hope that coral reefs can be restored, along with their lost biodiversity recovered.

Growing into the international arena

To further promote coral reef conservation in the region, Vriko is currently serving as a non-official member on the Country and Marine Parks Board of The Government of HKSAR, as well as the Education Committee for WWF, where she shares her expertise on conservation with other stakeholders.

Yet, the protection of coastal reefs is a concern not only locally. Neighbouring regions also have sought Hong Kong’s support in this aspect. Vriko, who additionally serves as the Assistant Director and Eco Diver Instructor for Reef Check Hong Kong (RCHK), provides the necessary training alongside other volunteer instructors to ensure that their international counterparts too, are better equipped with knowledge on reefs and how to monitor their status.

For those of you who wish to follow in Vriko’s footsteps with a postgraduate degree, Vriko is very satisfied with the support that HKU provides PhD students such as herself.

‘I have to thank my supervisor, Dr David BAKER, for giving me the flexibility to decide what I wanted to do. It is not usual for students to have the autonomy to decide what they want to pursue, and have a supervisor fully supportive of them.’ With the additional help of travel grants, she was given opportunities to attend overseas conferences, gaining invaluable experiences outside of Hong Kong. One piece of advice she hopes all students can take is to be proactive. ‘In HKU, anything is accessible if you are willing to be proactive to ask. There are always channels to help!’ (Article by Kengie TANG)

Learn more about archiREEF

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