Celebrating the Completion of My Master’s Degree Journey – The Fabulous Scientist is now M.Sc.

I did it! The journey was anything but easy, filled with long hours, sleepless nights, moments of doubt, and even a few tears. But after all the challenges, I finally completed my Master’s degree. Today, I submitted the last of the requirements, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I’ve come.

Last week was a whirlwind. I spent my days preparing my thesis manuscript for printing, tracking down my thesis panel and the institute director to sign the endorsement letter, and finally hauling all the documents to the print shop for binding. Since my graduate studies weren’t funded, I had to dig into my own pockets to cover the printing costs—and wow, it wasn’t cheap. But when I think about the countless hours I’ve poured into this research, refining my skills and pushing myself to the limit, the price seems small in comparison. I’ve invested so much of my life into this study, so today I’m celebrating by sharing this milestone with you.

After receiving my hardbound thesis manuscript, I immediately turned my focus to preparing my research paper for publication—a crucial step in completing my degree. Once my co-authors and I reached a consensus on the final draft, I went through the meticulous process of submitting the manuscript online. Now, my paper is under peer review, so I’ll keep the details under wraps for the time being.

I can’t wrap up this article without expressing my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me on this graduate school journey. Looking back, I’m amazed that I made it this far. Balancing motherhood with two kids, household chores, and jobs as a Teaching Associate and Museum Research Associate, completing my research felt like an uphill battle. But I wouldn’t have made it without my incredible support system.

To my mom and siblings, who always had my back —I’m endlessly grateful. A special thanks to my thesis advisers, doc Jing and doc Allan, and my thesis reader, ma’am Sylvs, for guiding me every step of the way. Jem, my co-author, your help with the machine learning models was invaluable. And to my thesis examiners, ma’am Gennie and doc JD, thank you for asking the toughest questions (which, looking back, made me see my study in entirely new ways—haha). To my husband who loves me so dearly, thank you for being my soundboard when the going got so rough. To Charles, my youngest brother, thank you for helping me edit my photos, Nitnat. To my two boys, Gugu and Chabibi, thank you for the hugs and kisses and play time that helped me relax.

This journey has taught me that a thesis isn’t just the work of one person—it’s the culmination of a community’s effort. I’m deeply thankful to each and every one of you.

To ma’am Sanna and daddy in heaven, I offer up this thesis to you. I wish I can send a copy to the heavens so you’ll know that your brave girl nailed it.

xoxo,