Annabel Hii
Annabel Hii grew up in Kuching, Malaysia. She is in her third year of a degree specialising in Biomedical Sciences, following a neuroscience pathway, with an interest in genetics.
"I chose the University of Auckland because it is well-established and renowned for its scientific research, and it is affiliated with respected organisations, like the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank and exciting research like Dr Longhurst's Gene-editing treatment.
"Having grown up with a passion for science, my broad interest made it difficult to narrow my focus to a specific field. For this reason, a degree in Biomedical Sciences seemed like a great fit, offering a foundation that can lead to many different career paths.
"I enjoy learning how to use modern equipment for research, and the Biomedical Science facilities have really enhanced my learning. The equipment is very advanced and allows me to gain hands-on experience within the lab.
"At this stage, I aim to pursue postgraduate studies with a Masters in Biomedical Sciences, hopefully in neurogenetics.
I enjoy learning how to use modern equipment for research, and the Biomedical Science facilities have really enhanced my learning. The equipment is very advanced and allows me to gain hands-on experience within the lab.
"At some point, I would like to go to the United States of America, where many research institutions and regulatory frameworks have enabled the production of numerous FDA-approved gene therapies.
"During my undergraduate degree, I've discovered that picking up new languages is pretty fun through the General Education courses. Right now, I'm tackling my fourth one, French, and I am pumped to go from trilingual to quadrilingual. I grew up speaking Chinese, Malay, and English, but French is challenging. I must practice speaking more, but I love the whole adventure of pushing myself to learn more. I am thrilled that I have opportunities to learn about things outside my degree and my comfort zone.
"University clubs and accommodation have led to many friendships. Their support has been especially significant during stressful periods, with most of my family still based in Malaysia.
"I am grateful to have kind and polite lecturers who never hesitate to answer my questions or help me understand lecture content and personal matters.
"I am also very honoured to be chosen as the Undergraduate Board of Biomedical Sciences student representative, giving my peers and me a voice to help improve the programme.