Hendra was a curriculum coordinator, and educational researcher in Indonesia and the Netherlands before studying for his PhD in Chemistry Education. Today, he is an assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen. Name Hendra Agustian Degree PhD Chemistry Education Year of graduation 2020 Your Time at the UniversityPrior to my PhD, I had been working as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and educational researcher in Indonesia and the Netherlands. I have degrees in both chemistry and education, so when I came across a call for application for a PhD in Chemistry Education at the University of Edinburgh, I thought it was an opportunity not to miss.I applied for the scholarship, which was funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. I will never forget that one day before my interview with my supervisor, I received sad news that my father in Indonesia passed away after months of being ill. I couldn’t easily go back to Indonesia for his funeral, so I decided to go on with the interview. It was a mixed feeling when I heard from Professor Michael Seery that I got the position. That said, my time in Edinburgh was amazing. My research in laboratory education was unlike any other research at School of Chemistry, so I often felt alone, but my supervisor has been a great mentor who was not only there for intellectual stimulation, but also personal growth and professional development. I certainly learned so much about myself. Whilst pursuing the PhD, I received a choral scholarship to sing at a local cathedral choir, sang with the university chamber choir, went on a concert tour to Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, joined the humanist student association and the conferences of Humanist UK, and met some of the most interesting folks. To crown that, Scotland, Scots, and the Scottish accent were just so lovely. I have been living in several European cities, but when I have a chance to travel, Scotland is always high on my list to return to.Your Experiences Since Leaving the UniversityI am currently an assistant professor at the Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. I landed a tenure-track position following my postdoc at this department three years ago and will be transitioning to associate professorship soon. I do research in higher science education, focusing mainly on chemistry laboratory contexts. Students’ processes of learning and becoming a scientist, their engagement with chemical concepts and scientific practices, and instructional design that builds on neurodiversity are some of my focal areas. Apart from doing research, I also teach courses in didactics and pedagogy. My student populations consist of preservice high school science teachers, PhDs and postdocs, as well as some faculty members at the professorial level. Occasionally also medical professionals. I am happy I get to really use the knowledge and competencies I developed over the years, including the three pivotal years in Edinburgh. Alumni WisdomPlease take care of yourself. Being ambitious in terms of career is fine, but also know yourself. Succeeding in something sometimes comes at the cost of your own health, so please be kind to yourself. Know where, when, and who to reach out to when you have any problem, either in study, (part-time) work, or personal life. Your supervisor is the first point of contact, but lovely people at the counselling service are also there to help you. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Sing, laugh, be goofy. Also, being a nerd is awesome! Never let anyone tell you otherwise. This article was published on 2023-10-16
