Seven questions with Lydia Hong

Why are you interested in the subject you are studying and what do you plan to do in the future?

I have always wanted to know what is happening in living organisms at a molecular level. For example, I think it is very intriguing that all cells in our body contain the same set of DNA, yet they display such a wide variety of characteristics.

In the near future, I would like to explore science media for children, as I think learning science can pique our curiosity in learning and it encourages us to think critically.

What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

It has to be a volunteering project that I founded in early 2014, called Science 4 Kids. We deliver science workshops to organisations like schools to inspire young children to enjoy learning science.

I initiated this project after volunteering for a fantastic NGO two years ago in Mumbai, called CanKids, which works in the area of childhood cancer. It inspired me to develop my own motto for volunteering - "start from where we are, with what we have."

Science 4 Kids is still in its infancy. At the beginning of this academic year, I was the sole person running the project because volunteers from the previous term had left UCL. It was very challenging managing the project on my own, from recruiting volunteers to reaching out to schools, but I am thankful to UCL's Volunteering Services Unit (VSU), which provides excellent support for student-led projects.

With my project supervisor Taz's help, we recruited about 16 volunteers. In term one, volunteers planned science workshops during weekly meetings, and in term two, we delivered them in primary schools.

Leading this volunteering project has been a humbling experience for me. I believe that children deserve the highest quality of education available and I learned to take their interests and questions seriously.

I am proud of the team, who were dedicated to making the workshops happen, and it is reassuring to know that the project will be in good hands after I leave UCL. We always welcome new volunteers to help take Science 4 Kids further, so do look out for us at future volunteering fairs!

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL? (Quiet study spaces, coffee shops, shortcuts around campus, interesting events, gigs, bars etc.)

International students will know that it is difficult to have authentic dishes from their home countries when they are studying abroad. That is why I am excited to have discovered a good Malaysian restaurant near Euston and have been going there regularly for a taste of home!

What are your top three things to do/see/go to in London?

• See West End productions. It was a new experience to me when I first came to London and I was very impressed by their professionalism on stage.
• Get involved with The Royal Institution. It engages the public with science. I particularly like to go to the lectures and volunteer at 'Family Fun Days'.
• Eat out with friends at restaurants that serve their home cuisines. You can learn about their food culture first-hand and know which restaurants serve the most authentic food!

If you were Provost for the day, what one thing would you do?

If I were Provost for the day, I would strap a GoPro to my head and film a day of my life at UCL. This would promote awareness and transparency of a Provost's responsibilities among students.

Who inspires you and why?

Magnus Scheving. He is a gymnastics champion who, through a television programme, encourages young children to lead a healthy lifestyle. He has a very positive attitude in general and never compromises in the things he delivers to children.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

Most people in their first encounter with me, would be surprised that I want to pursue a career in media after a molecular biology degree. But I believe that when deciding on our career paths, it is about the transferable skills we acquire throughout our formal education combined with the issues that we are passionate about that have the most impact. Besides, I will still be very much in touch with science!