As an international student at Nanyang Technological University, Sirikanya Nuchong discovered that university life goes beyond academics. It is also about friendships and finding a community to call home.
Nuchong standing next to a board showcasing her research findings
When people think of engineering students, the stereotype is that we are lab-dwelling, coursework-obsessed ‘nerds’ who struggle to build social connections. My experience at NTU has challenged that perception, allowing me to grow in ways I never anticipated through both academic pursuit and community engagement.
I embarked on a PhD at the School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) motivated by the growing challenge of global waste.
My research focuses on turning waste materials into useful nanomaterials, particularly carbon dots (CDs). Using a hydrothermal process that involves heating materials in water under controlled conditions, I convert biomass, plastic and rubber into these tiny, functional particles in a way that is simple, cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.
In agriculture, carbon dots can promote seed germination and plant growth by enhancing photosynthesis, improving nutrient uptake and helping plants manage environmental stress.
Through this work, I aim to turn low-value waste into practical solutions that support sustainable farming and food security.
Celebrating diversity: Festival of Light, organised by MSE GSC
During my time at NTU, I also served as a teaching assistant for undergrads and delivered academic talks to incoming PhD candidates and visiting students. These experiences have added richness and connection to my academic experience, as have my leadership roles at the MSE Graduate Student Club (GSC).
In 2023, I joined the MSE GSC as a sub-committee member. While in the GSC, my perspective shifted from believing engineers are mainly suited for academic activities such as seminars or research discussions to finally understanding the power of community.
Through the organisation, I discovered opportunities to try new activities, from hiking and exploring Singapore to participating in cultural exchanges. These experiences fostered meaningful connections that extended beyond research, while reinforcing my academic journey by introducing opportunities for peer learning and- shared support.
I later served as Vice President of Welfare and then President of the club, leading initiatives to help students manage stress and maintain balance during graduate life. As an international student, I understood the challenges of adapting to a new environment, which motivated me to organise cultural events where students could share their traditions and feel more at home.
Halloween event organised by MSE GSC
One of my most memorable moments was organising a Halloween-themed event. Amid research deadlines and long lab hours, we wanted to create a space where students could relax and connect beyond their own schools.
The highlight of the evening was seeing one of our MSE faculty members step outside the traditional academic setting and behind the DJ console. Watching a faculty member trade the lecture hall for the dance floor dissolved the usual academic boundaries and transformed the atmosphere. Students who had never met before were laughing, dancing and exchanging contacts.
Looking back, I see a journey shaped by both academic pursuit and community leadership. Graduate life is demanding, but none of us has to face it alone. With perseverance, we each find our own path. Openness and collaboration make the journey worthwhile.
This story also appeared in the 2026 NTU Engineering Annual Magazine.
