“I didn’t really like chemistry that much… but somehow I ended up doing a PhD.” 😂🐳
❓ Why did you choose to study Chemistry?
🐳 Looking back to my bachelor’s degree, I chose Chemistry because I thought it offered good opportunities—both for finding a job and for further study. In high school, Chemistry was a subject I could manage, even though I didn’t particularly love it.
❓ What was it like after you started studying Chemistry? Was it what you expected?
🐳 Once I actually began studying Chemistry at the undergraduate level, I have to admit—it was really fun! There was so much room for creative thinking and exploration. I enjoyed problem-solving, and every lecturer was very supportive and gave great guidance. Even though we were the first cohort, I felt comfortable, and I genuinely enjoyed the experience.
❓ What was the starting point of your idea to continue your studies?
🐳 Honestly, I had thought about studying further since I was a kid. But the real turning point was when I had the chance to do my senior project with a professor at Mahidol University. That project wasn’t related to Chemistry at all, so I felt quite pressured and stressed because I didn’t really understand it and wasn’t fully into what I was doing. (Fortunately, my advisor understood and encouraged me to think for myself.) Working on a project outside my field opened up an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree—so when the chance came, I decided to give it a try.
❓ After graduating in Chemistry from KU Sriracha, what did you study next? What was it like?
🐳 I studied for my master’s degree at VISTEC. It was pretty intense—both because of the major I chose and the institute’s requirements. For me, subjects like biology or biochemistry were not my strengths, and I didn’t like them much because I’m not good at memorizing. But once I started learning and doing research, my mindset changed. There are so many challenging and fascinating things in this field. VISTEC also gave me the freedom to think independently and really try things out. I’m truly grateful to my friends, my professors, and myself for making it through—though it was definitely a bumpy journey!
❓ After your master’s degree, what made you want to continue to a PhD?
🐳 I decided to pursue a PhD because the opportunity was right in front of me—and I still enjoyed doing research. So I thought, “Let me fight for it one more time.” Hopefully, I’ll get another degree in the future!
If any juniors are interested in further study or need advice, feel free to reach out to Senior Pangram. 😊
I thought I wouldn’t… but somehow I ended up in a PhD program anyway! 😂🐳
