Isaiah Ting
"As PhD students, we are trained to question the boundaries, push them further and improve on the knowledge that is already out there."
Course
Biosciences and Medicine PhDEntry year
2018Research project
Modulation of circadian rhythmicity of Bmal1 clock gene and conduction velocity by calcineurin in murine atria.
Why I chose Surrey
Originally, I had wanted to study postgraduate medicine after my undergraduate degree. But, after an enriching and eye-opening experience during my placement year in Spain working in a laboratory, I was introduced into the world of research and the raw life of a research student.
I chose Surrey because of the University’s great academics – I had already built a rapport with my supervisor during my undergraduate dissertation and the rest of the academics throughout my studies. The beautiful location, familiarity of the University, as well as the opportunity to study a subject I am passionate about also led me to choose Surrey.
My research project
The study of the heart has always been an interest of mine. Starting from when I was first exposed to the sciences in primary school, all the way through to secondary school when I truly saw it at work through my mum, a cardiac nurse. She taught me about the anatomy of the heart and explained various procedures, which truly inspired me to learn more about it. Although I am now also very passionate about chronobiology, during my undergraduate studies I did not respond to the topic very well. It was only through studying it in depth that I began to really enjoy this subject as it is truly in every organism.
Through frequent and helpful supervisory meetings, my supervisors have aligned their goals with what I want to get out of the postgraduate research experience. They really go above and beyond in order to make me feel welcomed in my research programme. They are very diligent and always ready to help when I come across any obstacles in my research – it is through their support that I’m able to achieve my aims throughout my PhD studies.
Most of all, I have enjoyed the certain uncertainty of my work. As PhD students, we are trained to question the boundaries, push them further and improve on the knowledge that is already out there. Certainly the biggest thing that attracted me to do a PhD and also the most enjoyable, is that you don’t always know where your research is leading but there are a plethora of possibilities and many avenues to discover.
I am so proud of all my achievements so far, I treat every little one with the same sense of pride. This is my way of keeping the momentum going throughout my studies as we have all heard the saying ‘it’s a marathon not a race’. Learning all the techniques in a short amount of time and reflecting on my knowledge from six months ago to now has been a very positive experience for me.
Listen to me talking more about my research project and the importance of finding the right supervisor with the Surrey Postgraduate Society:
My career and development
Once I graduate, I plan to do more research and eventually become an academic. In terms of employability, I have no doubt that I have become a very employable individual having studied at Surrey. I feel that the University really does prepare its students for the ‘real world’ and that it also gives students an accurate insight of the road ahead after graduation.
