I grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, and pursued my undergraduate study in biological sciences in Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Subsequently, I studied and was awarded MSc in Reproductive Sciences and PhD in Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Edinburgh (UK). I am now a postdoctoral fellow in the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, a new medical school in NTU established in collaboration with the Imperial College London. My current responsibility is setting up a flagship epidemiological study for the school.

My interest in a scientific career stemmed from one of the A-level biology chapters: female reproduction and gestation. I was considering studying medicine, but it was unaffordable. With an undergraduate scholarship from NTU, I was very fortunate to learn more about a wide array of biological research. The major influences on my career choice were my biochemistry professor, who had also overcome economic hardship and persevered to complete his PhD (which was awarded in his 40s!), and all my mentors, especially female mentors, through my early research journey. Seeing women with a successful career in science was important, because it made me believe that I could achieve this, too.

I became interested in Pediatrics as Prof Reynolds, my PhD supervisor, introduced the concept of DOHaD—the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. Prof Reynolds granted me the liberty to design a follow-up study of children of the pregnancy cohort that she had set up, and the opportunity to investigate the placentas of these pregnancies. I am grateful to Pediatric Research for the opportunity to highlight our work through this award. Lastly, dear colleagues, stay inspired and passionate, keep challenging yourself, and thank your mentors.