From curious explorer to publishing marine science research

Nathaniel Soon (Class of 2022) collecting samples for his marine science research. Image provided by Nathaniel.

“If there’s something out there that arouses your curiosity, don’t hesitate to pursue it wholeheartedly,” Yale-NUS alumnus Nathaniel Soon (Class of 2022) had this to say as he looked back on his personal and professional journey. “It’s been one of the only things I’ve remained true to and there’ve been absolutely no regrets.”

The curiosities of the natural world had always fascinated Nathaniel, who since young would dream about exploring the ocean and go on to photograph life beneath the surface. The act of immersing himself in nature humbled and inspired Nathaniel as he witnessed the resilience and ingenuity of species and their diversity and beauty, solidifying his belief that humans have much to learn from them.

Growing up, these passions temporarily took a backseat to everything else life had in mind. However, Nathaniel began rekindling them just before entering Yale-NUS College, which allowed him to reconnect with his deep interest in the natural sciences and investigate those same curiosities that had enthralled him as a child.

“Yale-NUS provided me excellent opportunities to explore the broad and deep areas of research I was inclined towards,” shared Nathaniel. He first acquired basic laboratory and field techniques such as Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) extractions and conducting Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) through hands-on modules such as YSC3253 Coral Reef Ecology and Environmental Change and YID3221 Wildlife Forensics and the Shark Fin Trade.

These gave him a comprehensive introduction to marine science and the available techniques used to conduct research in this field. During his Summer Research Project and capstone project, he refined his skills and received invaluable guidance from Assistant Professor of Science (Marine Biology) Benjamin Wainwright. “Asst Prof Wainwright was always available to answer questions or clarify doubts regarding lab protocols, managing data or the writing of manuscripts,” Nathaniel shared. “What I treasure most was never being told that a question I had was too niche or impractical. That allowed me to be ambitious and independent.”

Equipped with a firm foundation in marine science, essential analytical and research tools as well as support from Yale-NUS College faculty members, Nathaniel acted on his interest in undiscovered cryptic lineages in his final-year capstone project. He collected samples of Pteraeolidia semperi, a sea slug commonly known as the blue dragon, while scuba diving. Nathaniel then used DNA sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction, as well as an analysis of the external form and structure of the sea slug, and found that there was indeed understated diversity within Singapore’s waters. The second half of his capstone focused on how  the local offshore sites the samples were collected from significantly influenced the Symbiodiniaceae (a type of microalgae) communities that these nudibranchs hosted.

Nathaniel’s findings about the sea slug Pteraeolidia semperi comprising a cryptic species were completed together with Assistant Professor Benjamin Wainwright and Lecturer of Science (Life Sciences) Sebastian Pohl, and published in the Journal of Molluscan Studies earlier this year. “Without the dedication and belief in a liberal arts education that Yale-NUS College exemplifies, I wouldn’t have been able to throw myself into the deep end, and pursue from start to finish, questions that were borne out of my own curiosities,” said Nathaniel.

When asked about his future endeavours, Nathaniel shared that besides his love for the ocean, he has a soft spot for “small and weird stuff like nudibranchs, because of how beautiful and intriguing they are.” Presently, Nathaniel is working on various conservation projects, including a shark rewilding initiative, which reintroduces endangered sharks to the wild.

Just as Nathaniel’s spirit of commitment towards his curiosities has shaped his beliefs and actions, he would like to encourage others to do the same. When asked for words of advice for Yale-NUS students who would like to explore and develop their passions, Nathaniel said, “If you’ve an inclination towards an area of interest, stay curious, harness the resources around you, and see the process through till the end – it may get tough but there’s nothing more fulfilling. You’ll be proud of yourself once you’re on the other side of the bridge, trust me.”