Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) Scholar Diana Arredondo Bernal from Mexico Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded PhD at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

My name is Diana Arredondo Bernal, and I am from Mexico. I am currently pursuing a PhD at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore under the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA).

My interest in science began during secondary school, where inspiring chemistry teachers sparked my curiosity about how scientific discoveries can be applied to improve people's lives. This interest led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology Engineering. I chose this field because it provided a strong foundation in biology, engineering, and medicine while allowing me to pursue my long-standing interest in regenerative medicine.

Over time, I became increasingly interested in biomedical research and its potential to develop innovative therapies for diseases and injuries that currently have limited treatment options. This motivated me to continue my studies at the postgraduate level and pursue a research career.

Currently, my PhD research focuses on cellular reprogramming and regenerative medicine, specifically exploring the use of transcription factors to reprogram induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into macrophages. This work aims to contribute to the development of improved cell-based models and future therapeutic applications.

Singapore International Graduate Award Details

I received the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) to pursue my PhD at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore.

SINGA is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend, as well as additional support for relocation expenses such as airfare and settling-in costs when moving to Singapore.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in biotechnology engineering at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, graduating with an average of 92/100.

During my undergraduate studies, I spent more than two years volunteering in research groups, including the Nano-sensors and Devices Research Group at Tecnológico de Monterrey and the Cardiovascular Medicine and Metabolomics Research Group at TecSalud's Zambrano Hellion Hospital. These experiences allowed me to gain hands-on research experience, learn laboratory techniques, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific research. They also played a major role in confirming my interest in pursuing a research career.

After completing my bachelor's degree, I pursued an MSc in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine at University College London (UCL), graduating with Distinction. My master's research focused on biomaterials and tissue engineering for skin regeneration, further strengthening my interest in translational biomedical research and preparing me for doctoral studies.

How I prepared for applying:

I started by identifying the research areas that interested me most and then searched for institutions and research groups working in those fields. I spent significant time reviewing university websites, reading about ongoing research projects, and identifying potential supervisors whose work aligned with my interests.

I also contacted potential supervisors before applying. These conversations helped me better understand the available projects, demonstrate my interest in their research, and determine whether there was a good fit between my background and their work.

How Did You Find Information About Singapore International Graduate Award and Nanyang Technological University (NTU)?

One of the most useful resources for me was FindAPhD, which lists PhD opportunities from many institutions and countries. It allowed me to explore different research areas and identify potential opportunities across Europe, Australia, and Asia.

In addition to online resources, I found it very helpful to seek advice from professors and mentors, who often suggested institutions, supervisors, or research groups that matched my interests.

English tests:

I took both the IELTS and TOEFL English proficiency examinations, achieving an IELTS score of 7.0 and a TOEFL score of 98.

To prepare, I attended English test preparation classes and spent time familiarising myself with the format and requirements of each exam. One of the most valuable aspects of my preparation was having opportunities to practice speaking with an instructor, which helped me become more confident communicating in English. Since English is not my first language, this support was especially helpful.

How I prepared to apply:

The application required several components, including academic transcripts, a CV, a research proposal, personal statements, and two recommendation letters from individuals who could speak about my academic and research abilities.

I prepared these documents carefully and focused on presenting a clear narrative about my academic background, research experience, and long-term research interests. I also spent time learning about the research of potential supervisors and preparing for interviews.

How Does Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Support International Students?

NTU provides support for international students in several ways. The university offers on-campus housing options and provides guidance for students relocating to Singapore. Additionally, the relocation support included in the SINGA scholarship helps make the transition to a new country smoother.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe one of the strengths of my application was having a clear and consistent academic trajectory. During my undergraduate studies, I gained research experience through long-term involvement in research groups, which strengthened my interest in regenerative medicine. I then pursued a master's degree in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine at UCL, where I further specialised in the field.

By the time I applied for PhD programs, I could demonstrate both research experience and a well-defined motivation for pursuing translational biomedical research. I also believe that reaching out to potential supervisors before applying helped me better align my interests with available projects and demonstrate genuine interest in their work.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

If I were going through the process again, I would spend even more time speaking with current students before making my final decision. Researching supervisors and projects is important, but conversations with current students can provide valuable insight into the day-to-day research environment, mentorship style, lab culture, and overall experience.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship

My biggest piece of advice is to start early and be proactive, take time to research potential supervisors, understand their work, and reach out to them before applying whenever possible.

I would also encourage applicants to speak with current students in the research groups they are considering, these conversations can provide valuable perspectives that are difficult to obtain from university websites alone.

Also, build research experience whenever you can. My time volunteering in research groups during my undergraduate studies was extremely valuable and helped me develop skills that strengthened both my scholarship and PhD applications.

The application process can be long and sometimes challenging, but persistence is important, every experience, whether through coursework, research, mentorship, or extracurricular activities, can contribute to building a stronger application and helping you find opportunities that align with your goals.