Dr. Chenyin WANG, one of the first batch of doctoral graduates of the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), currently serves as a Scientific Officer of the University Research Facility in Life Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is not only a witness to the inception of FHS, but also the embodiment of her own struggles.
During Dr. Wang’s study for the PhD Programme in Biomedical Sciences, FHS was in its infancy and had just moved into its new campus. As a member of Prof. Garry WONG’s research team, she was involved in not only her own research work, but also the establishment of the laboratory, including spatial planning, equipment procurement and collection, and updates to techniques and equipment. This experience far exceeds just “studying books” as some non-researchers might imagine. This training laid a solid foundation for her first postdoctoral position after graduation, enabling her to excel in laboratory establishment and management.
Dr. Wang has been dedicated to conducting neurobiological and aging research using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. She recalls that during an international nematode conference with Prof. Wong, she was captivated by the significant role nematode models play in the field of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which planted a seed of knowledge in her mind. During her postdoctoral research, she was able to irrigate this ‘seed’ and conducted numerous aging studies using nematodes, publishing numerous papers in international renowned journals, emerging as a rising star in the academic world. Dr. Wang notes that the path of research is never smooth sailing, and every researcher inevitably faces countless failed experiments and spends countless nights in the laboratory. However, she never gave up, always persevering and turning every failure into a driving force for progress. She admits that scientific research constantly tests one’s perseverance and confidence, but every up and down is worthwhile. “Only by maintaining patience and consistency can one ultimately witness success!”, she says.
Apart from her research work, Dr. Wang also shoulders the responsibility of caring for her family as a mother. She jokes that the challenges she faces in parenting are no less daunting than those in her research. However, she relies on the unyielding spirit she has cultivated through her research work to tackle every challenge in her work and family life. “Life can sometimes be heavy, especially when you have to face multiple sources of pressure at the same time, but scientific research has taught me to persevere in adversity. Therefore, I will approach every situation with a positive and optimistic attitude and unwavering perseverance.”
Dr. Wang believes that every star has its own radiance, and so does every individual. She believes that as long as one never gives up and continues to learn, one can shine with their own glory on the stage of life.
Chenyin WANG graduated in 2018
Chenyin WANG cultivate her son’s engagement with science.