Student Profile: The Multi-faceted Journey of PhD Candidate Crystal Tang… & Her Now Famous Son!

By Sanjay Devaraja

Pursuing a PhD is often described as a marathon — one that demands endurance, focus, and the ability to balance competing priorities. For LKCMedicine PhD candidate Crystal Tang Jieyi, that balance extends far beyond the research lab. At 34, she is delving into non-invasive measures of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, while managing an impressive array of roles — from teaching students across academic levels to raising and homeschooling her two young children.

Juggling motherhood and academia is no small feat, yet Crystal does so with remarkable composure and purpose. “Being a go-getter and pursuing multiple interests has always been part of who I am,” she shared with a laugh.

A Lifelong Passion for Learning and Teaching

Crystal’s affinity for teaching began early. After her GCE ‘O’ Levels, she took on relief teaching assignments in science, mathematics, languages, and even music history. Though she decided against pursuing teaching as a formal career, the experience left a lasting impression. It nurtured her love for explaining complex concepts in accessible ways — a skill she continues to apply in her current role as an educator at an enrichment centre, where she prepares students for Science Olympiads and coaches learners from primary to junior college levels.

Crystal was thrown into the spotlight when the story of her son attending an NTU chemistry lecture went viral. Her son, Theodore, is only seven, but has already captured national attention for his remarkable intellect and passion for science, holding multiple Singapore records for achievements like scoring an A in IGCSE Chemistry and perfect scores in Science Olympiads, all while attending university chemistry lectures at NTU Singapore.

Most recently, Theodore broke an incredible record scoring A* in IGCSE Pure Mathematics at just seven years three months old! Homeschooled by his mother, he has an IQ of 154 and dreams of becoming a doctor, even wanting to discover a new element named “Theodorium.”

A Higher Purpose

Crystal’s home is as much a classroom as it is a playground. Together with her husband, she homeschools their children, Theodore and three-year-old Tabitha, fostering creativity and independence over rigid routines. Their days are filled with play, exploration, and discovery — whether building with Lego, playing chess, or exploring the outdoors.

Contrary to popular assumptions, Crystal takes a relaxed approach to homeschooling. Learning sessions are flexible, and academic drills are replaced by moments that spark curiosity. “We try not to place too much pressure on Theodore,” she explains. “Our goal is to raise happy children who enjoy learning, not to race ahead of milestones.”

When exam preparations do come around, Crystal and her husband keep it simple — guiding their son through past-year papers and familiarising him with test formats, but never at the expense of joy and balance.

Finding Fulfilment Through Flexibility

While Crystal’s current research is data-based rather than bench lab–focused, the decision was a deliberate one. “A wet lab would require long hours away from my children,” she says. “Choosing a dry lab allows me to continue my PhD while spending meaningful time with my family.” As an NTU Research Scholarship recipient, she also assists in teaching supervision, fulfilling her academic responsibilities while maintaining the flexibility her lifestyle demands.

Beyond academia, Crystal is deeply involved in her community. She founded her estate’s Residents’ Network and served as its chairperson for five years, demonstrating her commitment to fostering connection and service in every sphere of life.

Despite her packed schedule, Crystal wouldn’t have it any other way. “I feel fortunate that I don’t have to fit into one mold — stay-at-home mum or full-time working mother,” she reflects. “Teaching flexibly and pursuing research gives me a sense of value and purpose. I can contribute meaningfully to society while putting my children first.”

Shaping a Path Through Resilience

Crystal’s approach to coaching, teaching and mentoring reflects her own academic journey – shaped by grit and perseverance. Initially accepted into several overseas medical schools, financial constraints kept her from pursuing that dream. Undeterred, she channelled her interest in human health into psychology and counselling, completing both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees through Australian universities based in Singapore. Her exposure to research during those years sparked a new curiosity — one that guided her toward her current doctoral pursuit.

Following her master’s studies, Crystal worked as a case worker for teens and families in need, balancing her professional responsibilities with ongoing research and teaching engagements. Those experiences, she says, cultivated empathy, patience, and a more nuanced understanding of learning and development — all of which inform both her research approach and her parenting philosophy today.

 Her passion for education also spills into publishing. Over the years, Crystal has self-published activity and guidebooks for young learners — resources that circulated widely through word of mouth, reflecting her genuine desire to make learning enjoyable and approachable.