Han Yoong
Why did you decide to study at the University of Edinburgh? And where did your interest in science come from?
I chose to study at the University of Edinburgh for two main reasons. First, the university has a rich history of contributing to the development of science—particularly physics—with renowned figures such as James Clerk Maxwell and Peter Higgs associated with its legacy. Second, I wanted to make a meaningful change in my life by moving to the beautiful and vibrant capital of Scotland, which made this decision an easy one.
My interest in science began at an early age. As a child, I was always asking questions—why things happen, and how the world around me works. Like many curious children, I was fascinated by nature and the underlying principles that govern it. Over time, this curiosity grew into a passion for understanding how things work through the lens of mathematics and physics.
How did you get where you are? 
After completing my MSc in Theoretical Physics, I found myself at a crossroads in both my personal and professional life. Around that time, my wife and I welcomed our first child, and while I had aspirations to pursue further academic study, securing a stable job became the priority.
Drawing on the Python skills I developed during a Quantum Computing module at university, I decided to pivot toward data science. I further honed these skills by enrolling in a data science bootcamp, which helped me gain practical experience and confidence. Following that, I applied to numerous roles in data analytics, and I was fortunate to secure my first position as a Data Graduate at InterGen in Edinburgh. After a year in that role, I moved on to join SSE as a Data Analyst.
At SSE, my day-to-day responsibilities revolve around transforming data into actionable insights to support decision-making across the business. My work contributes to initiatives such as maintenance planning, inspection strategies, and SSE’s broader net-zero carbon commitments.
One of the highlights of my career so far has been working with a diverse, knowledgeable, and supportive team. I believe that people are the heart of any organization. A collaborative and well-rounded team not only drives business success but also fosters personal growth, job satisfaction, and long-term wellbeing for everyone involved.
What did you gain from your time at the University and were there any experiences during your time at university which particularly helped prepare you for life after graduation?
One of the most valuable skills I developed during my time at the University of Edinburgh was the ability to communicate complex ideas and research findings clearly and concisely, while still preserving the essence and nuance of the subject. This skill has proven to be indispensable in my professional career, where effectively presenting datato stakeholders, is often the key to driving decisions and delivering impact.
This communication skill was reinforced through various modules in my MSc in Theoretical Physics, particularly those that required group work.. Working in a team with individuals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds taught me the importance of collaboration, active listening, and making the most of each team member’s strengths.
How are you using your knowledge and skills from your time at Edinburgh in your current role?
One of the key lessons I took away was the importance of thoroughly understanding the fundamentals—whether it's the underlying principles of a theory or the core objectives of a project. In my current role, this means taking time to clearly define the desired outcomes, understand the target audience, and assess the scale and complexity of the task before diving into analysis or coding.
Just as solving complex physics problems repeatedly helped me build fluency and intuition during my studies, I’ve found that the same principle applies when working with raw data or writing Python code. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to iterate are essential when cleaning data, debugging, or developing reliable analytics solutions.
Moreover, the advanced mathematical and statistical knowledge I gained—particularly in areas like probability, standard deviation, moving averages, p-scores, z-scores, and the application of theorems such as Cochran's—has proven directly applicable to my work. Whether I’m analyzing asset performance, evaluating risk, or developing predictive models, this solid mathematical foundation enables me to approach problems with rigor and accuracy.
Do you have any highlights or a favourite memory of your time at the School of Physics and Astronomy, the University or in Edinburgh?
One of the true highlights of my time at Edinburgh was meeting some incredibly intelligent and inspiring individuals. However, the most rewarding and lasting takeaway has been the friendships I formed during my time at the University. I was fortunate to meet kind, brilliant, and supportive people—many of whom I’m still proud to call close friends today.
Building those relationships in an environment that fostered both academic challenge and personal growth was a real blessing. Staying connected with those friends even after graduation has added a special dimension to my university experience—one that goes far beyond the classroom or lab. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful part of any journey is often the people you share it with.
What do you wish you had known as a student?
Looking back, I wish I had known the importance of prioritising my mental wellbeing and understanding my personal limits. Before embarking on my master’s degree, I studied part-time for my Bachelor's while working full-time. Balancing both commitments made it extremely difficult to fully appreciate the course content, and it took a significant toll on my ability to focus and maintain motivation.
In hindsight, I now recognise that I was dealing with undiagnosed ADHD, which made challenges like procrastination, stress, and avoidance even harder to manage. This often led to a cycle of worry and burnout that affected both my academic progress and overall wellbeing. I wish I had sought help and a formal diagnosis earlier in life. Doing so would have given me access to the right support—something I now encourage other students to do without hesitation.
Despite these challenges, I was fortunate to receive support from the University of Edinburgh during my MSc. They allowed me to extend my studies due to extenuating circumstances, which was a turning point that helped me complete the programme. For that, I am truly grateful.
My advice to any student would be this: don’t ignore signs of struggle and never hesitate to ask for help. Recognising and addressing personal challenges early on is essential—not just for academic success, but for building long-term resilience in life.