Meet the Class of 2026 CoS Valedictorians! (Part 1): Lionel Lim from SBS

This is a four-part interview series celebrating the College of Science’s top graduates from the Class of 2026. In our first feature, Lionel Lim from the School of Biological Sciences reflects on a transformative university journey shaped by curiosity, perseverance and purpose. From pursuing excellence in the classroom to embracing opportunities beyond it, he shares the experiences, lessons and aspirations that define his success.

What motivated you to pursue a BSc in Biological Sciences with Second Major in Biomedical Structural Biology, and how has that passion evolved over the course of your studies?

I’ve always been interested in the sciences since it helps us explain everyday phenomena using rational concepts. Particularly with biology, as we are quite literally studying how and why life works the way it does. I also chose to take on the Second Major in Biomedical Structural Biology as the curriculum facilitates learning about the molecular mechanisms contributing to health and disease.

I think my passion has deepened during my studies, especially after gradually going through my coursework – being exposed to different fields of biology and in increasing depth. While challenging, it’s always fascinating to learn how different processes come together and how they can be applied in research and industries.

Looking back on your university journey, what experience stands out as the most memorable or meaningful for you?

Perhaps not a singular experience, but during my service as the President of the Biological Sciences Club, it’s always particularly moving getting to witness how the events we plan develop into lasting memories. Each project’s success was testament to the hard work of our team – from the Event Director’s vision to every committee member’s contribution in planning and execution. I think from the larger events like Back-to-School and College of Science Day, to the smaller events like Wellness Day and Career Fests, each were equally meaningful and fondly remembered.

What was the most defining academic or research challenge you faced, and how did it shape your approach to problem-solving?

The defining academic challenge during my studies was definitely my Final Year Project (FYP). It was the singular most challenging and rigorous experience, yet also the most rewarding, exposing me to how research is conducted in a real lab setting. I remember meeting with my FYP supervisor (Assoc Prof Jaume Torres) numerous times to interpret the meaning of our experimental results and discuss the next steps forward to further elucidate the problem. This experience really reinforced to me that science is an active investigative process and problems arising in research usually have a logical and stepwise approach to being solved.

Beyond academic excellence, what personal values, habits, or support systems do you think contributed most to your success as valedictorian?

Personal values and habits, I think what greatly contributed to my success would be having the discipline and responsibility when it comes to learning and otherwise. For example, making sure I catch up on lectures in a timely manner, doing my part for group projects and not taking up more co-curricular commitments than I can handle. I’d like to also mention that having a good balance between studies and relaxation is very important.

Most significantly, the friends I’ve made during my time in SBS and NTU have greatly influenced me and helped me succeed as a person. From my close group of friends from orientation, to my fellow Biological Sciences Club members, it’s the people around me who have supported me in various ways that I’m most thankful for.

As you move forward, how do you hope to use your scientific training to address real-world challenges or make a meaningful impact in your field or community?

I hope to eventually contribute in some way to biology or the sciences in general through a future research-related career. For now, I’m interested in learning more about the various mechanisms behind health and disease, so I’m aiming to find a job related to that, before considering the possibility of further studies.