Eungyeom Kim’s Summer 2024 SERIUS program at National University of Singapore
December 5, 2024 By Grace Qian (Edit)
Read below about Eungyeom Kim’s Summer 2024 SERIUS program at National University of Singapore!
Eungyeom’s Internship Journal:
My name is Eungyeom Kim, and I am a rising sophomore majoring in Environmental Engineering Science. This past summer of 2024, I had the extraordinary privilege to participate in the SERIUS (Summer Engineering Research Internship for US Students) program, which allowed me to immerse myself in cutting-edge research at the National University of Singapore, the top-ranked university in Asia. During the two-month internship, I worked under the esteemed guidance of Professor Tong Yen Wah, alongside mentors Dr. Sheetal and Jiabin Wang, conducting research on ‘Converting Food Waste into Energy and Resources through Biological Processes.’ Beyond the lab, I embraced the vibrant culture of Singapore, forging lasting friendships and discovering a new world of experiences.
I entered college as an environmental engineer with the ambition of cultivating new renewable energies such as biodiesel, developing applications of different microorganisms in the product marketplace, and promoting sustainability in the industry. With this in mind, I went to Singapore as a research intern to study cyanobacteria- a prominent research topic.
When I started my research internship in Singapore, my lab started a new project- developing biodiesel using cyanobacteria. Because environmental challenges, such as global warming, are an impending issue with increasing human activity and carbon dioxide emissions, microorganisms such as cyanobacteria and microalgae have garnered attention for their potential to provide sustainable solutions to these global issues. Cyanobacteria, being prokaryotic and easily genetically engineered, offer remarkable versatility. They have been utilized to produce a range of essential products, including biofuels, bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, and bioactive compounds as well as converting carbon dioxide into biomass- creating eco-friendly alternatives and promoting green biotechnology. Thus, my research work was centered on scoping out the two cyanobacteria strains PCC 7002 and PCC 11901, and their properties. I measured daily measurements of the OD levels of the cyanobacteria strain to determine the effects of carbon dioxide concentrations, light intensity, temperature levels, and ammonium concentration on the growth of the two strains.
Since the program was designed for students from universities in the United States and Canada, I had the unique opportunity to not only engage in meaningful academic work but also to forge lasting friendships with people all over the country and create unforgettable memories as I explored Singapore. With my research typically wrapping up around 4 PM on weekdays and weekends free, I had ample time to delve into the wonders of this transit-friendly country. Thanks to Singapore’s compact size and efficient public transport system, including the MRT and public buses, my friends and I could easily venture to must-see attractions like the Night Safari, Sentosa Island and the Marina Bay Sands. I also met Chancellor Christ during her visit to the CREATE building at UTown, conveniently located near the UTown residence where we, the research interns, stayed.
Among all these experiences, my fondest memories are the times I spent with my fellow research interns from Berkeley, Katie and Sanjana, at our favorite hawker center, Lau Pa Sat—a national monument beautifully restored. This bustling food haven offered dishes as affordable as $5, allowing us to indulge in an authentic cultural culinary experience. As a pescatarian and foodie, I was thrilled by the variety of options that catered to my preferences while allowing me to share meals and conversations with my friends. My go-to order was the fishball set, a delicious combo of spicy fishball noodles and soup with fishcakes, all for just $5.
Each day after work, I was greeted by Singapore’s biophilic buildings, quirky fluffy chickens, and the lively atmosphere of the city as I debriefed with friends, making each moment more special. The unique blend of cultures—Malay, Indian, and Chinese—adds to Singapore’s charm, creating an environment that is both vibrant and distinct. As an environmental engineer, I’m eager to return and continue exploring this incredible place.