Nikki Chin

Course: Bachelor of Science (majoring in Tropical Environmental Biology), 2018
Nationality: Singaporean
Current role: Research Assistant, National University of Singapore

Why did you choose Monash?

Situated in a biodiversity hotspot, Monash University Malaysia serves as a prime location for nature enthusiasts, like myself, to undertake an environmental science degree. The university’s exceptional reputation attracted me to apply to Monash as well.

What did you enjoy most about your student life at Monash?

Apart from my amazing friends (never a dull day with them), it would be the exposure to a multitude of opportunities that allowed me to grow as an individual. Monash has experienced staff and I was able to build rapport with my professors, which was very helpful in the long run. Monash regularly held informative forums and workshops that were catered to prepare students for the working life. I learnt that the best time to take risks (e.g. step out of your comfort zone) is in University because there will always be that safety net to catch you, unlike in the real world. As the saying goes: people learn more from their failures than successes so make the best of it and explore!

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?

During my time at Monash, I had the opportunity to travel to places such as Mulu National Park, Perhentian Islands, and Taman Negara, as part of my major’s core units. However, the one that really took the cake was when I participated in Monash’s intercampus exchange program for one semester at the Clayton campus in Melbourne, Australia. I definitely brought back a wealth of experience that I could not have attained elsewhere and will, without a doubt, go back again – I highly recommend anyone to give exchange opportunities a shot!

Did you go for any internships or work placements?

Under the Science internship (SCI3800) unit offered by the School of Science, I interned at Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Malaysia’s oldest and largest membership-based NGO that pioneers in the conservation of Malaysia’s natural heritage and biodiversity, under the Environmental Education (EE) department. The highlight of this internship was the four-day-three-night spent at Pulau Ketam with the objective of assessing the island’s waste management.

What are your career goals?

Although my major is in Tropical Environmental Biology, I am still open to working in other science-related fields, such as microbiology (my other interest). At the end of the day, I would love to be a part of new technology and/or ideas that will work towards a more sustainable planet. I hope to put the things learnt in Monash into practice and hone my skills even further.