Nurturing the 21st-century scientist
The University of Hong Kong actively recruits the world’s brightest academic talents in the sciences, nurturing them to become future leaders in research and teaching
Sponsored by the University of Hong Kong
HKU is shaping a new generation of scientists who are equipped to think beyond the lab. They are learning how to apply scientific knowledge to address global issues facing society, train and mentor the next generation of scientists and take on leadership roles in complex scientific projects.
Asmin Rana Avsar is one such scientist. Avsar moved to Hong Kong from Turkey to study molecular biology and biotechnology at HKU. She was a recipient of the Belt and Road Scholarship, which recognises outstanding students who demonstrate leadership skills and commitment to societal progress. At 18 years old, she draws on a family legacy of scientific excellence – her mother is a doctor and her father a molecular biologist. Avsar has been involved in practical scientific projects since her school years.
What began as an interest in non-invasive methods for monitoring brain activity has now matured into a study of plasmids, which are small circular DNA molecules that exist within bacteria and widely used in biotechnology for drug production. But the current methods used to isolate pDNA are toxic and expensive, hindering research and treatments. Avsar is part of a research team that developed low-cost, non-toxic methods for isolating high-purity plasmids. She believes that this hands-on project advances her scientific understanding and helps develop her problem-solving skills and teamwork. “It inspired me to continue seeking out innovative solutions to complex problems. I now approach my future work with a heightened sense of purpose and determination,” she says.
Avsar is in thrall to science. She believes it is her life’s mission to unravel the mysteries of the genetic material in the first cell and investigate the subsequent changes in the genetic formation of descendant cells.
“This quest fascinates me because understanding cells and their genetic materials is crucial for comprehending the essence of life itself,” she says. “By exploring these foundational aspects, I aim to contribute to advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering, ultimately enhancing our ability to address significant biological challenges.”
Avsar notes that her time at HKU is about more than just science. As a member of HKU’s St John’s College, where half of the residents are international students, she is broadening her perspectives. HKU’s leadership programme, Lead for Life, is offering her a supportive environment to learn how to lead and what values are essential in a leader.
“We participate in workshops and discussions that challenge our perspectives and help us understand the nuances of leadership in different contexts,” says Avsar. “I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with diverse groups, as these experiences will help me develop a more nuanced understanding of solidarity, empathy and social responsibility as essential traits of a leader.”
Avsar has just begun her journey as a scientist and is a first-year student in the Science Master Class. It is a research-focused double degree programme that integrates bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science. At HKU, she has the opportunity to explore her interests in depth and put that knowledge into practical use. She is already considering how the skills she has acquired on campus can help her lead future projects in genetic engineering, balance research with teaching and become a role model for young scientists who are similarly enthralled by science.