Hello! My name is Elena Bolonova and I’m originally from Russia. Currently I’m a year 1 PhD student at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).
PolyU was my first choice for postgraduate studies because of its excellent research opportunities and international environment, which I believed would greatly facilitate knowledge sharing, research advancement and personal growth.
Research projects in PolyU, in particular those in the field of Biological Science and Chemical Technology, are of current importance and impactful. My current project aims to study β-lactamases, enzymes responsible for resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin), and their inhibitor-resistant variants. Hopefully, our project outcomes can be applied to optimize the drug development in the future. Through various exposure at ABCT laboratory, we are able to equip ourselves with the knowledge, techniques, and problem-solving skills necessary for a successful career in chemistry and biotechnology. I found that working in the laboratory at ABCT actually motivates me to set my ultimate career goals; to make impact to the society, to contribute to the satisfaction of human needs and to improve our quality of life.
Besides professional growth, getting familiar with different cultures and languages while living in the campus and student hall is another unique and fruitful experience you can get in PolyU. Even though Hong Kong is in the heart of Asia, PolyU postgraduate students do not have to worry about the language barrier, as the postgraduate programme would be entirely in English. Throughout my time at PolyU, I have also received the warmest support and advice from my supervisor and fellow students.
HKPFS gives PhD students an amazing chance to pursue their academic and research goals, while enjoying multicultural atmosphere at the same time. I am thankful to the Research Grants Council, PolyU and ABCT for providing this opportunity to me, because without it I would not be able to start an amazing journey in Hong Kong!
PolyU was my first choice for postgraduate studies because of its excellent research opportunities and international environment, which I believed would greatly facilitate knowledge sharing, research advancement and personal growth.
Research projects in PolyU, in particular those in the field of Biological Science and Chemical Technology, are of current importance and impactful. My current project aims to study β-lactamases, enzymes responsible for resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin), and their inhibitor-resistant variants. Hopefully, our project outcomes can be applied to optimize the drug development in the future. Through various exposure at ABCT laboratory, we are able to equip ourselves with the knowledge, techniques, and problem-solving skills necessary for a successful career in chemistry and biotechnology. I found that working in the laboratory at ABCT actually motivates me to set my ultimate career goals; to make impact to the society, to contribute to the satisfaction of human needs and to improve our quality of life.
Besides professional growth, getting familiar with different cultures and languages while living in the campus and student hall is another unique and fruitful experience you can get in PolyU. Even though Hong Kong is in the heart of Asia, PolyU postgraduate students do not have to worry about the language barrier, as the postgraduate programme would be entirely in English. Throughout my time at PolyU, I have also received the warmest support and advice from my supervisor and fellow students.
HKPFS gives PhD students an amazing chance to pursue their academic and research goals, while enjoying multicultural atmosphere at the same time. I am thankful to the Research Grants Council, PolyU and ABCT for providing this opportunity to me, because without it I would not be able to start an amazing journey in Hong Kong!
