Elaine's Biodata

I am currently an undergraduate majoring in Chemistry in the Faculty of Science of the National University of Singapore. Wanting to gain global exposure and to broaden my horizon, I went for a Summer Exchange Programme to University of Toronto in Canada.

As a music enthusiast, I joined the concert band in my Secondary School and Junior College. Being the clarinet section leader and quartermaster of the band in Junior College has helped me to hone my leadership and communication skills.

I have several work experiences in the service industry, building on my ability in fostering positive interpersonal relationship.

Research Project Experience

It is indeed a positive learning experience doing the research project with Eugene and Nicholas. Through this project, I have made use of the skills that I have learnt during lessons, such as attending meetings, recording minutes and as well as documenting reports. I have also gained from the knowledge and information obtained while researching on the project regarding the issue of lack of sleep among students.

Doing this project has taught me that one has to be an active listener and be open-minded to others’ suggestions and ideas. Another project mate could have suggested ideas that one has not thought of. This is an important step in building interpersonal relationship as well. Clear communication among us also prevents any misunderstanding. In being a team player, it is important that one cooperates with one another and sticks to deadline set by the group in completing individual task. This helps to prevent any delay in collating everyone’s work. Im glad that we have no problem in doing so. While doing research, it is also important to check the source of information, this is especially so for online research. Usually information from other education institutions and government organizations are more accurate and reliable. Cross-referencing of secondary sources contribute to reliability of the research. In writing the report, adopting the 7 Cs of writing is useful and also getting others to proofread the report indeed uncovered common mistakes that could have gone unnoticed.

With regard to the next team project on oral presentation, I think some principle of effective communication, such as active listening is applicable. In addition, effective oral communication will be especially useful.

No conflict arises in doing the project and everyone was efficient. It is a positive experience doing the project with Eugene and Nicholas.

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