NUS Materials Science and Engineering alumni
Yanan Wang

Yanan Wang (Class of 2020) Manufacturing Engineer GE Aviation

MSE taught me what things are and why they behave as what they do. Having a macroscopic vision with a microscopic approach is crucial to push innovation and technological boundaries’

Cedric Wee Chien Yi (Class of 2016) CVD process and equipment engineer at Micron

“Material Science and Engineering has equipped me with strong analytical skills and a firm foundation in problem-solving. The modules taught by the Professors were well structured and interesting which allowed me to extend my creativity and further develop my interests. This course has also nurtured my passion to further my studies to have a deeper understanding of how materials can interact with each other and improve the lives of people. The rigorous projects and all-rounded curriculum definitely prepared me to take on challenges in the working world. I am always thankful for the guidance I received from my Professors and course-mates during my time in MSE. I believe that MSE is a degree that prepares undergraduates for the working world regardless of working in an engineering or non-engineering related field.”

Cheong Fa Siang (Class of 2016) Product Engineer at Hewlett Packard

“Enrolling in NUS Material Science and Engineering has been an enriching experience for me. With a group of highly qualified and passionate professors, they have been instrumental in grooming us individually to work as engineers and scientists on cutting-edge technologies. The rigorous MSE curriculum, which allowed me to pursue my interest in nanotechnology, has also helped develop my technical knowledge and analytical thinking skills, effectively preparing me for my role as a Product Engineer in Hewlett Packard (HP inc.).”

Aditi Khirbat (Class of 2016)  went to Georgia Institute of Technology for her PhD.

With a desire to understand and create nanomaterials, I chose to pursue Materials Science and Engineering at NUS. The robust roster of distinguished faculty, thriving laboratories, and stimulating courses enabled me to delve deeper into the science and mechanics of nanomaterials. I greatly appreciate the unceasing support I got from the exceptional Professors, approachable lab techs and friendly MSE staff. The contagious enthusiasm of Professors towards teaching and research inspired me to explore the limitless possibilities of materials in my FYP, and to tread on a similar path myself. These 4 years have been very enriching for me and have laid a solid foundation for developing my skills and expertise. I believe that my undergraduate degree in MSE, NUS will be a stepping stone to my PhD in Georgia Institute of Technology and will help me succeed in my career as a Professor. Aside from academics, as the MSESIG Marketing Director I also got the opportunity to organize a series of welfare events for my department, such as camps and sports events. Being a member of the MSESIG committee instilled a sense of belonging in me and greatly enhanced my MSE experience!

Reyes Miguel Arnold Silverio (Class of 2016)  went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology for his PhD.

Materials science is known for its multi-disciplinary nature. It integrates theories and techniques from different fields: physics, chemistry, engineering; sometimes even biology. This variety is embodied by the MSE program in NUS, not just in its curriculum, but also in its teaching styles and the opportunities it provides to students. Our subjects were taught through different perspectives: from basic theory to practical applications. In addition to typical lecture classes, we gained hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment through laboratory sessions and project modules. We were also given the opportunity to explore other avenues of learning through enrichment programs. These include research attachments, industry internships, and study abroad programs. Altogether, this wide range of opportunities and the diverse environment at NUS MSE kept me engaged and fulfilled throughout my time as an undergrad. Despite moving to a different field for my graduate studies, I am certain that the well-rounded education I received from NUS MSE will help me succeed in my future endeavors.

Justin Koh (Class of 2016) continued to study his PhD in MSE.

Choosing Material Science and Engineering as my major was a leap of faith, not knowing exactly what to expect from this tertiary education. Nonetheless, the journey turned out to be a fulfilling one. The curriculum is vigorous but accomplishable. It allows me to hone my abilities in many aspects, which in turn gave me the confidence to face great challenges that lies ahead. The subject is demanding but intriguing. My interest in Material Science grew as I delve deeper into the various disciplines of the subject. It never occurred to me that science, can be so interesting and exciting. The community is small but vibrant. With a small cohort, people in the course are well acquainted with one another. Common activities among course mates range from schoolwork to recreations. The small cohort also facilitates a high level of student-professor interaction, which benefited me greatly. In a nutshell, the experience was purposeful and memorable one.

Zhang Hanwen (Class of 2014) now is working as an R&D engineer at Applied Materials.

…I am really grateful for the well-rounded education I received from MSE at NUS. The interesting and comprehensive modules helped me build a solid foundation in the knowledge of various fields of Materials Science. The hands-on experiment sessions and FYP project also trained my skills in research and development, and inspired me to become an R&D engineer to contribute to the innovation in the semiconductor’s industry. Without the well-designed curriculum and helpful professors from MSE, I would never have made it for my job today. As an alumnus, I would like to encourage you to enjoy your learning journey at MSE, and take full advantage of the curriculum and resources here. I wish you all the best in your study at NUS and your future career as engineers.

Tan Shi Hua, Cherie (Class 0f 2013)

…Selecting Materials Science and Engineering in NUS is definitely the right decision in my life. The small cohort size makes it a close-knitted family with lots of interaction between the professors and students. The professors were extremely helpful and approachable, which allowed me to “catch up” when I had to miss lectures and tutorials due to my bowling competitions. This allowed me to balance both sports and studies simultaneously. Looking back, I really enjoyed myself and had a memorable time especially during the Student Exchange Programme and Industrial Attachment ….

Jeremy Koh (Class of 2012), is currently a Senior Engineer with Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd., and is concurrently pursuing his graduate studies with the department.

… At MSE, we work hard together; celebrate each others’ achievements; comfort each other in our down times, and provide support across the cohorts. The flow of knowledge, the help rendered from one cohort to another, the torch that has been passed from year to year; this is the culture of NUS MSE. It is what defines us as a department, and we are proud of it. Our Professors are amongst the kindest and most understanding people I have ever known, and I am most honored to have been under their mentorship. They have shown me that to be a part of the Materials Engineering community, is to find beauty in materials; and through them find beauty in the world around us, and to appreciate how intertwined we, as materials engineers, as human beings, are with this world we live in. That for me, was my MSE experience, and I enjoyed it every step along the way…

Neo Chi Jin, Darren (Class of 2012), is a PhD candidate at Oxford, UK.

…Looking back, I’ve never regretted being part of NUS material science and engineering (MSE) department. The MSE cohort is small and close knitted family. There is a great and dedicated group of lecturers, teaching assistants and lab technicians. Other than learning from the lecture notes, I find the lab sessions very enriching as it put Science into practical perspectives.

Zhou Xiang, (Class of 2009) is a PhD candidate in MIT, USA.

….The academic program in MSE had offered mea plethora of opportunities with great width and depth throughout my course of study at NUS. I especially enjoyed the well-designed laboratory classes in the undergraduate syllabus, which exposed me to a wide range of materials disciplines through interesting hands-on experiences. The department’s industrial and international liaisons also allowed me to see the industry and the outside world….

Shi Yezhou, (Class of 2009)is a PhD candidate in Stanford, US.

…I selected the introductory course to Materials Science and Engineering in my first year and immediately became fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of this field. Over the past three-year, I greatly appreciate the well-designed and structured materials science classes in NUS because I am given a solid foundation to further pursue my study at Stanford. The two curricula share many similarities and my undergrad experience definitely prepared me for my PhD ……