Research and Recharge

Introduce yourself!
My name is Sook Lin, I’m 27, turning 28 soon. I’m a PhD candidate, usually based in the US, but I’m back in Singapore for a year.

I’m usually around Bugis because I’ve been looking through some archives in the library for my research, but today I’m here to meet my cousin for lunch since she works around here.

What is your PhD research about?
My PhD is on health tech innovation, looking at how current advances in healthcare have changed the doctor-patient relationship, and how the health system views the body.

As part of my PhD package, I have one year of fellowship, which means I don’t have to teach at my university and can focus on my research. My research is based in Singapore, so I’ve come back to do some work, gain more work experience, and collect research and data.

How did you find yourself in this field?
I’ve been doing my PhD for about four years now. Before that, I used to work in Singapore in the sexual health space, specifically in HIV/STI testing and awareness, which was where I developed my interest in health.

Then, when I started my PhD, there was a lot of AI stuff happening, so it just seemed kind of natural to look into that.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your research?
My work takes up a lot of my time! But I’m privileged enough to enjoy my work, and it makes me feel intellectually and creatively fulfilled.

So my hobbies are pretty lame. I just waste time, watch some TV, and all that.

What have you been watching lately?
I watch a lot of Kitchen Nightmares. I go to sleep watching Kitchen Nightmares!