Participating in the Educational UROPs under the mentorship of Dr Ch’ng has been an intellectually rewarding experience throughout my undergraduate journey.  Coming from a life sciences background with minimal exposure to quantitative and education research, I was initially unsure of what to expect. However, this project had pushed me beyond the conventional lab bench and into a reflective space that examined how students learn and the importance of refining teaching methods in effective education.
This research project explored the impact of practical formats on student motivation and engagement, a topic that is highly relevant in tertiary education yet surprisingly under-studied. Planning and executing a pilot study within the constraints of a single semester was challenging but with Dr Ch’ng’s guidance, what initially felt impossible quickly became achievable. He helped me frame my thinking clearly and guided me in mapping out the research process in a structured and methodical manner.
The initial data analysis phase was particularly daunting, as it required learning unfamiliar statistical methods. Throughout this process, I received consistent support by Dr Ch’ng and his lab members, who encouraged me to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of education research. Dr Ch’ ng played a key role in bridging the gap between pedagogical theory and scientific analysis, making complex concepts accessible while fostering my confidence in quantitative reasoning. 
A significant highlight of my research experience was the autonomy I was given to explore ideas on how to analyse the data, while taking ownership of my project. All while knowing that I had strong mentorship and support in place. The weekly feedback, sessions and constructive critiques pushed me to think more critically and helped me grow as a researcher. By the end of the project, I gained not just a deeper understanding of education research, but also a genuine appreciation for the principles of effective teaching. 
This UROPs was a leap of faith into an unfamiliar territory, however, through the thoughtful guidance and encouragement of Dr Ch’ng and his team, it shaped my confidence and sharpened my critical thinking skills, leaving me a lasting impact on my academic development.