Page 31 - Scholarship Guide Feb 2019

MADELINE ANG 29

What sparked your interest in studying
Natural and Geological Sciences?
The Natural Sciences course gives students a foun-
dation in various scientific disciplines before speciali-
sation in one field. While I had intended to specialise
in Biology, I soon found myself developing a greater
interest in Geological Sciences due to its multidisci-
plinary and hands-on nature.
A geologist’s toolkit is a scientifically diverse
one. Biology and Mechanics are applied to the study
of how Pterosaurs (extinct flying reptiles) took to the
air, and Chemistry and Oceanography are applied to
the study of Earth’s past climate. In order to explain
how the world worked, I had to draw from all facets of
Science. I took a module on History and Philosophy
of Science, which contextualised past scientific dis-
coveries and allowed me to understand the principles academic degree in Geological Sciences and my role
underpinning scientific enquiry. as a geophysicist.
The study of Geological Sciences is extremely
hands-on and I had the opportunity to attend field trips Describe your role as a Geophysicist and
and fossil-hunting trips during my term breaks. During how have you been able to apply what
these trips, I sat on top of remote hills to sketch geo- you’ve learnt academically to your job?
logical formations, hypothesising how they had been Given its position on the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, South-
formed, and cracked rocks with a hammer to expose east Asia is prone to geohazards such as earthquakes
fossils that had not seen daylight for tens of millions and volcanoes. Such hazards may affect Singapore
of years. These experiences gave me a more nuanced directly or indirectly, for example, flight delays and
understanding of our planet’s history through the ap- cancellations caused by volcanic eruptions.
plication of scientific theories and observation skills I A Geophysicist’s job sits between the realms of
had learned in class. Meteorology and Geology. This role requires an appli-
Studying Geological Sciences had also given me cation of specialist geological knowledge within the
a new perspective on the disproportionate impact hu- context of meteorology to monitor, assess and make
mans have had on the Earth. This drives the need to preparations to mitigate the impacts of geological
better steward our natural resources in a responsible hazards on Singapore and the surrounding region.
and sustainable manner. For example, NEA contributed to a study on the
investigation of the impacts of volcanic ash on re-
What led you to consider a gional airspace. This study required collaboration
scholarship/career with NEA? between the geologists and meteorologists, and in-
Many people are familiar with NEA’s work in the area creased our readiness to respond to volcanic erup-
of enforcement and licensing without realising that tions in Southeast Asia.
NEA is also involved in a plethora of activities which
affect the lives of Singaporeans. Besides pollution What do you find most
control, waste management, formulation of environ- fulfilling about your role?
mental protection policy and planning for the future A geophysicist’s role encompasses a wide scope. In
impacts of climate change on Singapore, meteorolog- the short term, responding to an event involving geo-
ical services - an area of work I’m currently involved logical hazards requires me to provide timely techni-
in - are also under NEA’s purview. cal information in a manner that is accessible and
I considered the NEW Scholarship as I was keen relevant to stakeholders. In the longer term, a Geo-
to be exposed to this diverse range of specialist envi- physicist manages projects and develops tools that
ronmental work in NEA. aid in the assessment of geohazard risk in Singapore.
My work challenges me to develop a broad skillset, Madeline Ang
What development opportunities whilst drawing upon knowledge in many disciplines. National Environment &
does NEA provide its scholars? This constantly stretches my abilities and thinking Water (NEW) Scholarship
During their second or third year of studies, scholars and allows me to develop my area of expertise. Be-
attend an 8-week internship programme to gain an yond this, I am excited to contribute to the growth of Age: 25
appreciation of the work in NEA. Scholars are also Geology as a scientific discipline within Singapore, Attained:
given the opportunity to meet working scholars and increasing our resilience to geohazards. Bachelor of Arts in Natural
members of NEA management who are also men- Sciences, University of
tors to the scholars. These initiatives guide scholars What advice can you give to aspiring Cambridge, UK
through their studies and facilitate the transition be- scholars who are considering taking
tween studying and working at NEA. the NEW scholarship? Masters in Geological
Sciences, University of
NEA supports its scholars in building job exper- Be open to change and challenge yourself. Beyond Cambridge, UK
tise through sponsorship of attendance at profes- gaining specialist academic knowledge, the NEW
sional development courses, local and overseas con- Scholarship is an opportunity to seek out new experi- Now:
ferences, and other specialist training programmes. ences and, through these experiences, discover new Geophysicist,
I recently completed an 8-month Graduate Diploma strengths and interests. Meteorological Service
in Meteorology in Melbourne, Australia with the sup- Under the NEW Scholarship, the interests that I Singapore, Weather
Services Department
port and sponsorship from NEA. The programme discovered led me to Geological Sciences, taking my
trained me in Meteorological Science and opera- career in NEA down an exciting path I never would From:
tional weather forecasting, which complemented my have imagined. Raffles Institution