“This experience has solidified my desire to pursue genetics and genomics – as a career and as a way to change lives.”
Natalie Wan
Participant of HKGI 2025 Student Attachment Programme
Natalie has always been drawn to the world of life sciences. Her fascination with genomics was sparked after undertaking a course in genomic technologies for treating acute blood cancer. After that, she joined the Student Attachment Programme at Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI), receiving the opportunity to explore genomics in action alongside other students. Her journey reflects HKGI’s commitment to nurturing talent and cultivating scientific curiosity at every age.
At HKGI, Natalie was able to put theory into practice, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge genomic technologies with guidance from HKGI’s experts. She witnessed the applications of genomic medicine and learnt how this new field of modern medicine is having life-changing impacts. Together with other students, she immersed herself in a research project on nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, exploring how genetic variants might align with patient symptoms. As part of the Attachment Programme, Natalie had the invaluable opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals and observe the collaborative environment at HKGI and its partnering centre.
The Human Side of Genomic Medicine
Genetic counselling is a crucial part of clinical practice in genomic medicine, and for Natalie, attending these sessions was nothing short of transformative. During one particular session, she observed a mother discussing test results for her 13-year-old son with a genetic disease. The counsellor patiently broke down complex information and procedures into simple terms, empowering the mother to understand her son’s condition and make informed decisions about his care. That moment crystallised Natalie’s ambition.
“I was struck by the mother’s determination to ask many complex questions. She conducted thorough research and gathered a wealth of information through her own initiative,” Natalie recalled. “She was actively seeking potential clinical trials so her son could receive the best possible treatment.”
The mother’s wish for more breakthroughs in genomics to help children with similar conditions also left a profound impression on Natalie. “It was such a powerful reminder of the importance of public awareness surrounding genetic diseases. This whole session was incredibly inspiring, heartwarming and admirable – a truly unforgettable experience for me,” she said.
Looking to the Future
Alongside gaining a comprehensive perspective on genomic medicine and its clinical applications, Natalie believed her experiences at HKGI have solidified her decision to pursue genetics and genomics in future. Although her journey in genomic medicine has just begun, her passion exemplifies how nurturing young scientific minds today fosters healthcare innovations tomorrow.