My Motivation To Pursue A Degree In Genetics And Biostatistics
Listening to a man play the piano at St Pancras station was when I realized how genetics could be understood the same way we understand music. Our DNA constructs the unique frame of us in the same way a composed melody forms a musical masterpiece. As music is limited to 24 keys, human DNA is only limited to 4 bases. However, when combined with infinite possibilities, no two humans are identical as no music compositions are alike. Like music, biochemistry is beautiful because through no other field do I come so close to understanding life.
Being a fraternal twin, I was piqued by our dissimilarities; this introduced me to genetics; the idea, once again, with just slight sequential changes in purines and pyrimidines, changed the phenotypes of both my sister and I. As I grew older, my twin and I began to have more distinguishable features, which I grew to know that our phenotype wasn’t only limited to our genes, but also our environment. This introduced me to epigenetic modifications - which I further understood in the book ‘Junk DNA’ and ‘Epigenetics Revolution’ by Nessa Carrey and podcast Epigenetics: What makes you, You?’ It has successfully instilled enquiry in me surrounding non-coding DNA and DNA methylation. With this, it led me to further research on the link between DNA methylation and cancer which prompted me to organize a trip to the oncology unit in Sarawak General Hospital with Dr. Tang where I learnt about hypermethylation leading to cancer. Alongside the perusal of many online courses and lectures, I enjoyed learning the phenomenon of jumping genes and its implications in cancer. Consequently, I was amazed by the integration of genetics in scientific research which led me to attend the Building Biotech event. My discussion with Dr. Sakatos about HupB proteins with genes that resist Tuberculosis antibiotics further affirmed my choice to study biochemistry due to the importance of small ingenious genes in huge scientific progress, such as drugs and antifreeze proteins in Arctic fish.
Furthermore, I completed a codeAcademy course to understand the applications of computing in genetics. After shadowing in a pharmaceutical clinic, I researched in depth after my discovery of beta-lactam antibiotics and drug hybridization; after an alarming awareness that was brought up about the availability of clinics in Sarawak’s rural areas, I organized a HELP project to raise awareness about not simply taking unprescribed antibiotics to families in Kampung Segong whilst being Vice President of Interact Club. With this degree, I can gain more understanding of the impact of antibiotic resistance which could solve future pressing issues. Other than genetics, applying my knowledge of A level Chemistry on nonpolar bonds and molecular structures, I understood in depth about the hydrophobic phospholipids of the membrane and how it affects the permeability.
My curiosity in biochemical reactions led me to read ‘Chemistry of Life’ by Steven Rose. Reading this, I was fascinated by his study on the vitality of compartmentalization and I was reminded of the necessity of individuality. I was also introduced me to impermeable substances which inspired my EPQ topic ‘To what extent are colloids beneficial as IV fluids?’ With this, I learnt how to undertake independent extensive research efficiently. My appreciation of mathematical applications in biochemistry led me to join Math Olympiads and the KUMON Maths program which I received awards for; I went on to join a local ASEAN Science Olympiad, which I won and represented my state at nationals. Organizing numerous charity projects such as the ‘Runners Wild 5km Fun Run’, interschool RYLA camps and being student representative for the Youth Leadership Toastmasters Camp have improved my leadership, organizational and time management skills.
With my persevering heart and motivation, I believe I have the attributes to take on this challenging degree and pursue my love for genetics and biostatistics.
