A learning journey shaped by academic rigour and diverse experiences
March 25, 2022Enhancing intellectual breadth and depth. Diverse engagement opportunities. Leadership development opportunities. For Johnathan YEO Hong Hui, a Year 3 student reading majors in Mathematics and Computational Biology, these were among his key takeaways from the University Scholars Programme (USP).
In the compulsory introductory writing module, he learnt the skills to produce well-researched academic papers and read a wide variety of topics. The interdisciplinary modules he read, such as Gender Studies and Philosophy of Mathematics, allowed him to understand topics from viewpoints that blend perspectives inspired by both the sciences and the arts.
In addition, under an independent study module, LSM3243: Molecular Biophysics, he got the opportunity to use software to computationally predict protein-protein interactions, for comparison with biochemical approaches of analysing these interactions.
He says, “These academic opportunities enabled me to develop critical thinking and application skills. I’ve also become a more independent learner.”
On the non-academic front, USP’s residential programme “is never dull”, as he interacts widely with his peers and professors from diverse majors and backgrounds, from eating together to attending classes and organising events. As a self-professed aviation geek with an avid interest in aircraft, he also got to give a pecha kucha style talk, “Are Pilotless Planes the Future?”
As a peer mentor, Johnathan guided juniors from his major or a related major in charting their academic pathways, including their study plans, USP modules, other learning opportunities and career plans. He also planned performances and open classes for the community as an executive committee member of Vibe!, USP’s dance team.
He adds, “The multidisciplinary learning and collaborative networks I acquired have enabled me to make connections across fields and push the frontiers of knowledge.”

Johnathan and his friends, many dressed in green, the colour of their USP house

Johnathan and his friends after their final dance performance for Batch Project, a freshman project that emphasises giving back to society

Johnathan and his friends after the last pre-COVID Vibe! performance