Gen Y Speaks: I was a science dunce in school. But I refused to give up, and now I’m a science professor

When I was 14, my dream was to be the next Michael Jordan. 
Basketball was everything to me. I spent so much time training for basketball that I ended up neglecting my studies. 
As a result, I failed all my science subjects: Chemistry, physics, and biology. 
At the time, I had no interest in science. I had no idea how it could benefit others and society, either.  
Still, when I saw the sea of red in my report book, I felt like a complete failure.
Things changed when I attended an open house at Temasek Polytechnic. 
The event opened my eyes to how science could bring about meaningful change in important areas like environmental sustainability, healthcare, and energy. 
This newfound perspective fuelled my resolve to overcome my academic challenges and prove to myself that I could succeed in a demanding discipline.
I put myself on a consistent study routine, sought help from teachers and peers, and started actually reading my textbooks. 
When the time came, I was fortunate enough to eventually pass my O-level exams and enrol in Temasek Polytechnic’s chemical engineering course.
In my final year at polytechnic, I had the opportunity to work on a research project developing nanomaterials — materials almost 80,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair — to combat cancer cells. 
Having witnessed my beloved grandfather pass away from lung cancer at the age of 10, this project resonated deeply with me and ignited a fire within me to pursue a PhD in science.
I wasn’t driven by aspirations of becoming a renowned scientist, nor was it about publishing numerous papers or gaining fame. Instead, I was captivated by the potential of science to make life better for countless people — like my late grandfather. 
Being able to apply the knowledge I had learned in class in a practical way was like seeing into a microscope. 
For the first time, I felt a sense of purpose in life. I could see precisely what I wanted and what I had to do to make it a reality.
My secondary school struggles were not the last I was meant to see of failure, though. Since then, my journey has been marked by countless setbacks:
I applied for 130 postdoctoral positions abroad and received 130 rejections.
I pursued 100 faculty positions, both locally and internationally, and faced rejection 99 times.
I sent out 10 grant proposals, only to have nine of them turned down.
I submitted papers to prestigious journals like Science and Nature 10 times, only to be rejected nine times.
Rejection became so commonplace that I grew hesitant to even try. Would another application only lead to more disappointment? Would my ideas be dismissed once again?
Truthfully, I even began to question whether I am pursuing the right field of work or study at all. After all, if Michael Jordan attempted 100 free throws and only one made it in, no one would’ve advised him to stick with pro basketball either.
However, I’ve always believed that giving up is never an option. If I persist, there’s still a chance — but surrendering means accepting defeat. 
With each rejection, I made the decision to take it not as a mark of weakness, but as a lesson in resilience. I actively sought ways to enhance my skills and strategies, seeking feedback from mentors, peers, and experts in my field to continuously learn and adapt.
By keeping my eyes on my goals rather than the hurdles in my way, I found that I was able to avoid dwelling on past disappointments and focus on how to progress for the future instead. 
I am now an assistant professor at the National Institute of Education (NIE), part of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) — a leading global institution in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, and nanotechnology.
In the last few years, I’ve also been honoured to receive several local and international accolades, including the Young Faculty Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers/Singapore Local Section, the Young Scientists Award from the Photonics and Electromagnetic Research Symposium, and the Sabic Young Professional Award.
These recognitions have injected a renewed sense of confidence and drive into my work. To me, they are proof that hard work and passion always pays off.
The work of my “nanotech” team has also been featured in various news outlets, such as our innovative method of converting fruit waste for water purification. Our work in the sustainable production of ammonia and supercharged batteries have also been featured in international publications like the New York Business Post and Technology Network.
I’ve been invited to speak at a TEDx event, where I shared my passion for science and insights into my research.
I’ve even been asked to take on editorial and reviewer roles for some top-notch journals in my field. 
What a strange turning of the tables: From being rejected over and over again, to now being in a position to accept or reject others. 
But I appreciate those past setbacks, as they have deeply shaped my empathy and understanding of the impact that can accompany such decisions. 
It constantly reminds me to approach each evaluation with fairness, respect, and thorough consideration of every applicant’s potential to contribute to the advancement of shared knowledge in my field.
Of course, I couldn’t have hit these incredible milestones all on my own.
When a funding proposal was rejected, senior team members offered insightful guidance and constructive suggestions for refining our approach according to the feedback. After a manuscript was turned down, my collaborators encouraged me by sharing their own personal stories of overcoming challenges. 
I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by fellow scientists who always have my back. Their dedication and hard work remain crucial pillars of support in my journey.
As an assistant professor, I also mentor the next generation of scientists.
After failing science in secondary school, I never imagined I would end up where I am today. But I realise now that my past struggles have also enabled me to empathise with the uncertainties and obstacles young minds encounter as they navigate the scientific realm.
My goal is not just to equip my students with knowledge, but also to spark their curiosity, inspire and support them — the same way I needed when I was a student. 
More importantly, I want to show them that with passion and perseverance, they can surmount any challenge in life, scientific or otherwise.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Edison Ang Huixiang, 36, is an assistant professor of natural sciences and science education at NIE/NTU Singapore. He serves on the 2024 Youth Editorial Board of Carbon Energy, 2023 Early Career Advisory Board of Materials Horizons, the 2023 Young Editorial Board of Journal of Energy Chemistry, and the 2022 Early Career Editorial Board of Chemical Engineering Journal.