Source: School of Marine Sciences
Written by: Chen Yuanxin, Huang Yuying
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

Sandra Chinwendu Akagha, born in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a Marine Science doctoral student at the University of Lagos, Akoka. Supported by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), she came to the School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China to begin her doctoral fellowship program in Professor Yin Kedong’s laboratory in 2014.

During her one-year study in China, Sandra thinks that China is a good place to do her research and she is excited about the Chinese unique culture.

Let’s approach Sandra and know more about her study and life in China.
Q1: Hi, Sandra, during your study in China, what do you think about China?
Sandra: I think China is doing well in economic, social and cultural area. Compared to what I learned before,the education system in China is well developed. The postgraduate study is research oriented and that’s very good. Students all over the world have come here to study.

I love Chinese food. I think the Chinese people are very creative in the preparation of food, so, there’s a variety to choose. Apart from the language barrier, the Chinese people are friendly, and I feel really welcome.

Q2: What do you think about the School of Marine Sciences? And how about Professor Yin?
Sandra: I think the School of Marine Sciences comprises of the right mix of faculty members. There is the availability of well-equipped laboratories, also, there’s a lot of ongoing researches and projects.

Well, Professor Yin is passionate about his area of research, working with him has been a rewarding experience for me. I have really learnt a lot.

Q3: Would you please simply describe your work in Professor Yin's Lab this year？
Sandra: My experience in Prof. Yin's lab has been exciting. I have successfully isolated some microalgae from coastal waters southwest of Nigeria. I also identified and characterized these microalgae species using microscopy (light microscope and electron microscope) and molecular techniques. The laboratory members were helpful and I am indeed thankful.

Q4: What do you think is the most difficult problem you have encountered during your study in the School of Marine Sciences?
Sandra: Language difference has been challenging for me. But I have been able to cope with it because most people in the school can communicate in English.

Q5: Did you learn a little Chinese before you came to China?
Sandra: I learnt a few Chinese words, especially how to greet in Chinese.

Q6: You have mentioned that the language has been quit challenging. Could you please tell me what inspired you to come to China to do part of your doctoral research study? Because I think it must have really been a tough decision to choose to stay in a foreign country for such a long time.
Sandra: I was convinced that I could excel in my doctoral fellowship programme in China because I was fortunate to get a supervisor that is doing well in research and can communicate fluently in English language. The OWSD fellowship award and financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has been encouraging.

Q7: Apart from language issue, what else do you think was challenging in your study? Have you ever met any academic problem? And if so, how did you deal with them?
Sandra: Apart from the normal research related challenges, I have not had any spectacular academic problem during my study here, probably because I am an optimistic person and the members of all the laboratories in which I worked were helpful.

Q8: What do you think the School of Marine Sciences need to improve?
Sandra: I must say that the School of Marine Sciences is making so much effort in terms of research. There is need for more diverse scientific research study and collaborations with other professionals from other part of the world. These collaborations should include field observations and laboratory studies, hence, there will be great improvement in research processes and findings.

Q9: What do you like to do in your spare time? I mean your hobbies (like jogging, swimming, dancing or anything else).
Sandra: I hang out with Chinese and some other foreign friends at my spare time.


It was really an ice talk with Sandra. She is such a smart, lovely and confident lady. I believe she will make a great breakthrough in her study and she will cherish her experience in Sun Yat-sen University.