Dr Li Hongying

Dr Li Hongying is a research scientist in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a mother of two. Balancing between two roles provides her with ample growth opportunities as a mom and a professional.

Inspired by a quote of Helen Keller:
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience in trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

She is always keen on embracing challenges in life and work to achieve continuous self-improvement and career advancement. Equipped with research knowledge and life experiences, Dr Li is happy to share them, especially to female colleagues in STEM. With this aim, she constantly publish, supervise, mentor and work with many colleagues as a team. Riding on her passion in clean technology for sustainability, Dr Li capitalised her strength in fluid dynamics to lead and involve in translating science into solutions that contributes to the well-being of people and society, in Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Environment.

Watch the video to find out more about her work in Clean Water and Clean Air for the ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2021. 

Who is your female role model and how has she inspired you?

As a female scientist, I draw inspiration from my mother, who worked tirelessly to support the family during difficult times. 

My mother’s wisdom, perseverance and determination have been a driving force behind my passion for research and pursuit for a better life. 

How have your mentors influenced your personal and professional growth?

My mentors have provided me with guidance and support during challenging times, helping me build confidence and resilience. Under their mentorship, I received valuable advice, learnt and benefited from their experiences, which have helped me in navigating complex situations.

Professionally, my mentors have been instrumental in shaping my career. Besides identifying my strengths and areas for improvement, opening doors to new opportunities while expanding my professional network, the knowledge and experience shared by my mentors have been crucial in advancing my career and achieving my professional goals while developing essential skills.

Overall, the impact of mentoring has been transformative in both my personal life and professional journey.

• Knowledge Transfer: Ensures that valuable expertise and best practices are preserved and shared, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career Development: Contributes to a highly skilled and capable workforce, enhancing community growth.
• Networking and Collaboration: Fosters collaborations and partnerships through strong professional networks.
  

In summary, mentorship plays a crucial role in enhancing an individual’s skills, confidence and opportunities, which ultimately supports the growth and development of the broader community.