Shaping the future through Materials Science: Three Women of NTU MSE share their journeys in STEM

To mark International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on 23 June, NTU’s School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) celebrates the achievements, aspirations and contributions of women in engineering and research.

With women making up 35 per cent of our current combined student population, NTU MSE is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students and researchers can thrive, innovate and contribute to solving some of society’s most pressing challenges.

In this feature, we speak with Ms Maftuna Badalova, Year 4 undergraduate student and one of the youngest female scientific committee members of the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad; Dr Deng Jingyu, who completed both her Master’s and PhD at NTU MSE and is now a research fellow at the School; and Dr Wang Yamin, an NTU MSE PhD Alumna and research fellow. 

Both Dr Deng and Dr Wang Yamin are also recipients of NTU’s Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WiEST) Development Grant, which encourages early-career engineers, scientists, and technologists to expand their network and continue to persist and innovate in the curiosity-driven world of STEM.

Finding a Path in Materials Science and Engineering

MSE: What drew you to NTU MSE, and to materials science and engineering?

 

Maftuna: I wanted to pursue my studies at a highly ranked university in a field that aligned closely with my interests and aspirations. With NTU MSE consistently ranked among the world’s top programmes in Materials Science and Engineering, it was a natural choice.

I found that Materials Science and Engineering was most aligned with my goals, passions and values. The discipline sits at the intersection of science and engineering, enabling fundamental discoveries to be translated into solutions with real-world impact.

Jingyu: After completing my master’s studies here, I decided to continue pursuing my PhD at NTU, where I could further develop my research independence and explore innovative materials for environmental and biomedical applications.

“I chose NTU MSE because of its strong global reputation, excellent research environment, and rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.” - Dr Deng Jingyu

 

Yamin: My academic journey has been shaped by interdisciplinary training in biological science, biochemistry, and molecular biology. I was drawn to Materials Science and Engineering because it provides a strong platform for bridging fundamental scientific understanding and practical applications.

I ultimately chose NTU MSE for its strong research culture, advanced facilities, and collaborative environment, which offer opportunities to tackle complex challenges through interdisciplinary research.

Experiences as Women in Engineering

MSE: What has your experience as a woman in engineering been like?

Maftuna: It has been both challenging and rewarding.

There have been occasions when I am the only woman in the room. Rather than discouraging me, these moments often remind me of pioneering scientists, such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie and Christina Koch, who forged paths in fields where women were historically underrepresented.

Their stories remind me that being different or underrepresented does not mean you are in the wrong place. Instead, it can mean you are helping to shape the future.

Jingyu: My experience as a woman in engineering has been both challenging and empowering.

Engineering research requires persistence, creativity, confidence, and attention to detail. I believe women bring many valuable strengths to the field, including resilience, careful observation, patience and strong problem-solving abilities.

This journey has also made me more aware of the importance of representation, mentorship and support in encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM.

Yamin: My experience as a woman in engineering has been very positive and encouraging.

The support and guidance of inspiring mentors and role models, including Assoc Prof Tan Swee Ngin and Prof Lam Yeng Ming, have played an important role in shaping my confidence as a researcher and reinforcing the value of supportive environments within the scientific community.

“Throughout my journey at NTU, I have been fortunate to meet many inspiring mentors and role models who have both continuously supported and motivated me in both academic and personal growth.” - Dr Wang Yamin

 

Advice for the Next Generation

MSE: What advice would you give to young women considering STEM, and materials science and engineering in particular?

Maftuna: Progress has never been driven by certainty. It has always been driven by curiosity. Stay curious. Ask questions. Embrace challenges, even when they push you beyond your comfort zone, because growth begins where certainty ends.

“The next breakthrough or world-changing scientific discovery may very well come from someone who, today, is simply wondering whether they belong in STEM. And that someone could be you.” - Ms Maftuna Baladova

 

Jingyu: My advice is to stay confident, curious, and persistent.

Research is not always a smooth journey, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. What matters most is believing that one is capable of learning, improving, and finding solutions.

I would also encourage young women to remember the rewarding moments in research, such as the excitement of solving a problem, improving a material property or seeing an idea gradually come to life. These moments provide the motivation to keep moving forward.

Yamin: Be confident in your curiosity and do not be afraid to explore challenging fields.

I encourage young women to embrace interdisciplinary learning, seek supportive mentors and build strong peer networks. These experiences can open new perspectives and create opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Engineering Solutions for a Better Future
MSE: Looking ahead, what real-world challenges do you hope your work can help address?

Maftuna: I intend to pursue a PhD after I graduate, and I hope my future discoveries will contribute to scientific progress.

I am fascinated by the idea that the same fundamental principles can inspire breakthroughs across different disciplines. I believe many global challenges can be solved not through greater complexity, but through a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the world around us.

Jingyu: Through my research, I hope to contribute to environmental protection and sustainability.

My work focuses on developing plant-derived functional materials, especially pollen-based porous scaffolds, for applications such as oil pollution treatment, passive cooling, smart responsive materials, and biomedical technologies.

In the long term, I hope my research can help transform natural biomass into high-value materials and provide greener solutions to real environmental challenges.

Yamin: My research at NTU MSE focuses on environmental remediation, particularly in developing materials-based strategies to address environmental contamination.

I hope this work can contribute to safer ecosystems and more sustainable approaches to managing pollutants in real-world environments.

 

The journeys of Maftuna, Dr Deng and Dr Wang reflect the diverse opportunities available within materials science and engineering, from student leadership and interdisciplinary research to developing solutions that address pressing global challenges.

This International Women in Engineering Day, NTU MSE celebrates the achievements and contributions of women, including those who continue to shape the future of science, engineering and innovation.