How a research project turned into a career in medicine for Emma

Have you ever considered how a small decision can impact the trajectory of your life? For Emma Peh, a school research project turned her on to the field of STEM, ultimately leading her to pursue an internship with Abbott and then a career in medicine.

It all started when she was 16 at her school, Raffles Institution, in Singapore. Her class was working on a project related to healthcare innovations. This project captivated her attention and got her interested in what more she could learn about the field.

“While doing my research on Abbott, I learned that the company is always innovating new projects and puts the customer first. I found diversity was a core value for Abbott and putting women in STEM-related roles is a priority. I was impressed with these learnings and decided to apply for a spot in the program”, said Peh.

During Emma’s month-long internship with Abbott, she worked alongside fellow interns in the research and development, engineering and technology departments.

Initially she was intimidated and unsure about working in such a technical space given her age, but those concerns melted away when her colleagues welcomed her and gave her the confidence to learn and contribute.

“I found that my youth was a benefit because it meant I had the most to learn, and I was able to absorb knowledge with fresh eyes. My cohort and I had the opportunity to speak to Abbott scientists from around the world”, said Peh.

In her internship, Emma’s class was tasked with designing a heart-health nutritional product.

“We took a product from the development stage to distribution as an exercise and at the end of the program, we presented our findings to Abbott senior staff and leaders”, said Peh.

The Abbott High School Internship Program started in the US over a decade ago but is relatively new in Singapore. Since inception, more than 40 students in Singapore have participated in the program with a goal of inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.

“Now I’m 18 and pursuing a career in medicine, and I look back on my internship experience with great pride”, said Peh.

Watch how Abbott is changing the future of STEM