Soon Chai Alan Koh
Studied BSc Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Graduated 2010
Newcastle University with its excellent research reputation has attracted many students, like me from afar. Direct entry into Phase 2 of Bsc (Hons) Medical Microbiology and Immunology was no doubt challenging but I really enjoyed it. Throughout my 2 years of undergraduate studies, I was exposed to lecturers who were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and committed, who served not just my academic needs, but also as inspiration and advisors in life. I was given many priceless opportunities to further explore my interest, by working as a summer research student in the University as well as representing Team Newcastle in iGEM, a worldwide Synthetic Biology competition held in Boston, USA. I graduated with a First Class Honours in 2010, and was offered a studentship to pursue a PhD in the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, the world’s first major research centre on bacterial cells. My current research focus is in identifying factors that regulate DNA replication in Bacillus subtilis under the supervision of the Royal Society Research Fellow, Dr Heath Murray.
All in all, opting to come to Newcastle University was a truly rewarding experience.
