NUS is where I got my first real exposure to conservation. As an undergraduate, I had lecturers who were very much involved in and passionate about conservation work. Their support and guidance, coupled with my love for animals, inspired me to pursue my passion in conservation work. On a field trip at Pulau Ubin during my undergrad days, I had the honour of re-discovering the greater mousedeer (Tragulus napu), a species thought to be extinct in Singapore.

The main sites where I perform most of my graduate research work are Pulau Tekong and the central catchment area where Singapore’s main reservoirs, Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, are located. The nationally endangered leopard cats are not so common on the mainland, but on Pulau Tekong, there are about 20 of these cats around. Since the cats are active at night, my work is usually done overnight from 7pm to the next morning, but I still have to wake up early for my daytime work as a graduate student and part-time teaching assistant.

I hope to create an impact with my work on leopard cats and help convince the public of the importance of conserving wildlife and the environment.

NUS has supported my ideas and research, as well as given me the opportunity to create and develop lasting relationships. Through classes and conducting field work as part of my studies at the Faculty of Science, I made many friends with similar interests.

During my undergraduate days, I was also very involved in the NUS Swimming Team, participating in local and international varsity competitions. What was most memorable was the strong bond between the members of the team. We would train together and enjoy the “makan” sessions that followed. I seized the opportunity to rejoin the team once I returned to NUS for my graduate studies and am currently training twice a week with my teammates.

My main job at the museum was Project Manager for the creation of an encyclopedia on biodiversity. Besides that, my work in the education department in the museum also provided me training as a nature guide and to preserve the animals as museum specimens.

Being a fresh graduate, working at the museum gave me a different perspective, allowing me greater exposure than if I had gone straight on to graduate studies. I learned different ways of working with people and approaching things.

Since 2008, I have been a volunteer with the Raffles Museum ToddyCats!, an outreach branch of NUS’ Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research. We conduct a number of educational programmes, roadshows of exhibits from the museum and guided walks of nature and heritage trails.

During my time volunteering for ToddyCats!, I learnt a lot from senior members, in particular Mr N. Sivasothi, an NUS Biological Sciences lecturer, who continues to guide me as my supervisor for my graduate studies.