Phang Yee Lin ‘s academic journey began at IMU University, where she progressed from the Foundation in Science (FIS) programme to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons), graduating on the Dean’s List. Today, she is pursuing a fully funded PhD in Organic Chemistry in China, specialising in radical-mediated catalysis and publishing in leading international journals.

Degree:

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons), IMU

Current Study:

PhD in Organic Chemistry,  University of Science and Technology of China

Scholarship:

Chinese Government Scholarship (Masters and PhD)

Awards:

Outstanding Graduate Student, USTC Academic Excellence Award

Publications:

Over 10 (first/co-first author)

Journals:

• Angewandte Chemie
• Organic Letters
• Trends in Chemistry
• European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

My academic journey began at IMU University, where I spent the first five years of my higher education — from being part of the first cohort of the Foundation in Science (FiS) programme to completing my Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) and graduating on the Dean’s List of Graduands with High Academic Achievement. This formative period played a key role in shaping both my academic interests and future direction.

During my undergraduate studies, my interest in organic chemistry was sparked by courses that revealed the logic and creativity behind the subject. These experiences gradually deepened my curiosity beyond the classroom, although at the time I had not yet considered pursuing research.

As I approached graduation, I began exploring the possibility of further studies and sought guidance from my IMU mentor A/Prof Thiagarajan Madheswaran, as well as Dr Chin Swee Yee. I still remember asking how I should identify a research direction if I were to pursue postgraduate studies. While I may not recall the exact words, I clearly remember the advice — that as I gradually explored a field and deepened my understanding, the direction would naturally become clearer. This perspective stayed with me and became a guiding principle throughout my research journey.

When I later applied for postgraduate studies, I was fortunate to receive strong and continued support from IMU lecturers, including

• Prof Mohd Zulkefeli,
• Prof Er Hui Meng,
• Prof Tan Eng Lai,
• A/Prof Ooi Ing Hong,
• A/Prof Gan Sook Yee, and
• A/Prof Lee Choy Sin.

They generously supported me across different stages of my Master’s and PhD journey through recommendation letters and guidance, even years after I had graduated. Their encouragement and willingness to help meant a great deal to me and gave me the confidence to take the next steps in my academic path.

I was fortunate to publish several research and review articles during this time and was honoured with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award upon graduation, which further strengthened my motivation to continue in this field.

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), fully supported by the Chinese Government Scholarship.

My research focuses on developing novel radical-mediated transformations, with a particular interest in the reactivity and applications of Lewis base-boryl radicals in catalysis.

During my PhD, I was honoured to receive the USTC Outstanding International Student (Academic Excellence Award) and to secure a competitive national research grant (RMB 190,000) to support my research.

Throughout my research journey, I have published over 10 research and review articles as a first or co-first author in journals such as

• Angewandte Chemie International Edition,
• Trends in Chemistry,
• Organic Letters, and
• European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

I have also contributed as a co-author to journals including

• Science and
• Nature Chemistry.

Despite the rewarding nature of this journey, it has not been without challenges. Moving abroad for my postgraduate studies required me to adapt to a new environment, culture, and academic system.

At the same time, transitioning into research in organic chemistry was intellectually demanding, as it involved

• Tackling complex problems,
• Coping with experimental failures, and
• Developing resilience in the face of uncertainty

To overcome these challenges, I gradually learned to

• Embrace the process of exploration and
• View setbacks as part of the learning experience

Seeking guidance from supervisors and peers, maintaining consistency in my efforts, and staying curious allowed me to grow both academically and personally. These experiences not only strengthened my research skills but also shaped my ability to

• Adapt,
• Persevere, and
• Think independently

Now, as I approach the completion of my PhD in the coming months, I find myself reflecting on how far this journey has taken me.

I am deeply grateful for the education and support I received at IMU. The training I gained not only prepared me as a healthcare professional but also equipped me with the skills, adaptability, and critical thinking needed to thrive in research.

IMU’s holistic education has enabled me to transition across disciplines with confidence, and I believe it equips students with the versatility to pursue diverse career paths. In my case, it provided the foundation that allowed me to move from pharmacy into synthetic organic chemistry and to pursue research at an international level.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue contributing to the field of organic chemistry while exploring how emerging technologies can advance scientific discovery, strengthen research methodologies, and expand the role of chemistry in addressing real-world challenges.

More importantly, I hope my journey can encourage current IMU students to remain open to opportunities, seek guidance when needed, and confidently pursue their own paths.

Written by Phang Yee Lin, IMU FIS114 & BP115 alumna