Congratulation Video and
Messages to 120 Years of
Physiology!
In a heartfelt video, both past and present staff, students and friends of Department of Physiology have come together to celebrate the department’s rich history and the lasting impact it has made.
A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful tribute. Here’s to another 120 years of excellence in Physiology!
Avinash G. Bahirvani
Medical Lead (Hematology), IM & Medical Governance Lead, NovartisDear Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni,
It is with immense pride and joy that I extend my warmest congratulations on the 120th year celebration of our esteemed Physiology department. As a proud alumnus from the class of 2014, I am honoured to commemorate this milestone—marking 120 years of excellence, research, innovation, and commitment to education.
This department has long stood as a beacon of knowledge, nurturing countless minds and shaping futures. Our professors and mentors ignited curiosity and inspired us to reach our highest potential.
Reflecting on my time here, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and opportunities. The rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and vibrant community all contributed to my growth. The friendships, challenges, and memories created continue to resonate deeply.
As we celebrate this legacy, let us also look ahead with optimism. This illustrious history inspires future generations to aspire to greatness.
With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes,
Avinash
Sheryl Tan
Senior Director, Wider Asia Head of Medical & Scientific Affairs, HaleonAs I reflect on the decade (2006–2015) spent at the Department of Physiology, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. My journey from a Life Sciences undergraduate to Ph.D. student and postdoctoral fellow was transformative and enriching. The department nurtured my appreciation for the wonders of science and research.
What made the experience truly special were the people—professors of diverse expertise and high-calibre lab managers, always warm and ready to guide. As a research fellow, mentoring students across levels was incredibly fulfilling. I’m especially grateful to my Ph.D. supervisor, Prof. Celestial Yap, and fellowship supervisor, Prof. Thai Tran, whose mentorship was instrumental in shaping my career.
To this day, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and experiences from my time here. The Department of Physiology has been a cornerstone in my professional development. Thank you for being an integral part of my journey.
Shen Yiru
Founder, GentleFoodsUnder the supervision of Professor Soong Tuck Wah, Shen Yiru, a PhD candidate in the Department of Physiology back in 2007, is being groomed not just as a researcher, but as an innovator.
Professor Soong fosters a culture of curiosity and resilience, encouraging Yiru to push boundaries, ask bold questions, and refine her ideas through rigorous scientific inquiry. A pivotal part of her journey was the opportunity to spend time at Johns Hopkins University, where she immersed herself in cutting-edge research and collaborated with global experts.
This exposure reinforced the importance of embracing uncertainty, learning from failure, and thinking beyond conventional limits.
Warm Regards,
Shen Yiru
Mohammed Zacky Ariffin
Compliance Officer, Office of the Deputy President (Research & Technology), NUSOn this occasion, Team Physiology celebrates its 120th year—a significant milestone that reflects enduring success and the continued growth of a vibrant community of researchers and educators.
Many of my formative years were spent in the department: long lab sessions into the night, coffee-fuelled experiments, venting over failures, celebrating successes, and building friendships that last to this day. The department has been, and will continue to be, fertile ground for new ideas and collaboration across all ranks.
Congratulations, Team Physiology!
Ananya Pal
Postdoctoral Fellow, Washington University in St Louis, Medical School, USAPursuing my PhD under Professor Reshma Taneja in the Department of Physiology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, has been a transformative journey. When I first arrived in Singapore, it was the first time I had ever left home and family. Yet, the moment I joined Taneja Lab—alongside the supportive environment of the department—I immediately felt welcomed and cared for. Today, I continue to regard NUS as my second home.
My time there taught me more than just academic lessons. The kindness, curiosity, and resilience fostered by Professor Reshma and everyone around me profoundly shaped me as a person. The values she helped instill—integrity, compassion, and perseverance—have become my guiding light as I venture forward.
I will forever cherish NUS as the place that nurtured, cultivated, and empowered me to become who I am today.
With heartfelt gratitude
Ow Jin Rong
Senior Scientist I, RNA Modulation for Novel Therapeutics Lab, IMCB, A*STAR, SingaporeIt is with immense pride and gratitude that I join in celebration of this extraordinary milestone - 120 years of excellence in physiology. Reflecting on my time as a PhD student in the department brings a flood of memories, both humbling and inspiring. The long hours spent in the lab troubleshooting experiments that refused to cooperate were as much a rite of passage as they were a testament to the persistence and passion that science demands. Under the tutelage of Reshma, art of doing science was rigorously imbued into my being, and her teachings have guided my principles of research to this very day. Equally memorable was my experience with the Physiology Graduate Student Society. We enjoyed companionship through candid conversations over meals and bonded over trips to Malaysia. That sense of camaraderie, of being part of something larger, shaped not just my path in life, but also my identity as a scientist. The Department of Physiology has always stood out for its commitment to mentorship and a culture that fosters academic excellence. The legacy of the department, carried forward by generations of faculty, students, and staff, has been instrumental in shaping the study of life science at NUS. Here’s to the 120 years of discovery, resilience, and impact, and to many more ahead.
With much appreciation and heartfelt congratulations
Mahima Sharma
Research Scientist, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, California, USAHeartfelt congratulations to the Department of Physiology, NUS, on 120 years of excellence! As an alumna (PhD, 2013–2017), I look back with deep gratitude and fond memories. The department was more than a place of learning—it was a vibrant, supportive community that shaped my development as a scientist. Being part of the Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Lab was an incredible experience, and I was fortunate to collaborate with faculty across the department, learning from their diverse expertise.
The friendships I built—with lab mates and peers—made the journey even more meaningful. Some of our most memorable science discussions happened over kopi at the kopitiam, filled with curiosity and excitement. Highlights included the Graduate Science Conference, Physiology Day outings, and the guest speaker series, along with Work-in-Progress seminars and JASS competitions, all of which enriched our learning. I also appreciated the opportunities to share our science with the wider community, including school students.
The department has instilled in me a lasting passion for discovery and collaboration. I’m proud to be part of its legacy and excited for its future.