I Loved You

Chapter 2 New Journey at Berks & Berks

Just like many other technology companies, Berks & Berks has chosen Reading as its main site. Located near Thames Valley Park, the office building offered its staff a very nice river view, which Yilan appreciated. As a Junior Research Scientist, Yilan did not have her own project yet. Instead, she was going to join a team led by a Senior Research Scientist, who would guide her and supervise her on her process and progress. During the interview, Yilan had already expressed her interest in developing new drugs for treating the fatal infection caused by the Ocean Virus, and presented several ideas generated from her own research project in her master's programme. What she did not know was, the most promising Senior Research Scientist in Berks & Berks, who was also leading the Ocean Virus Group, was impressed by Yilan's ideas. It was her who has made the final decision of Yilan's employment, and recruited Yilan into the group. Her name was Dr. Seo-yeon Park, a name that Yilan should never forget.

Yilan was nervous on her first day at Berks & Berks. When Seo-yeon came to the reception to get her, she squeezed out a feeble smile showing that she was fine. Without explanation, Seo-yeon understood Yilan. Everything about Yilan. Growing up in South Korea, and fighting herself for a way in the UK as an East Asian female scientist, she could see herself in Yilan, the feeble smile, the nervous expression, the hope and curiosity in the eyes, everything from Yilan was reminding her of herself 11 years ago. Naturally, Yilan and Seo-yeon, the only two East Asian female scientists in Berks & Berks, built up a special bond from the first day.

'Currently we have designed several compounds that are effective in inhibiting the Ocean Virus. Surely you have heard of Professor Hitchney. He used to be the leading scientist here in Berks & Berks, researching on the Ocean Virus inhibitors, but around three years ago he joined University College London, saying that he is going to change into a slower paced lifestyle and gradually retire.' Seo-yeon walked into the lab while introducing their research to Yilan, hoping to help Yilan adapt to the new working environment as soon as possible. 'Yes I know Professor Hitchney. He discovered the first compound that can effectively inhibit the Ocean Virus in vivo, and named it Poseidon. He is a nice gentleman with lots of enlightening ideas. I attended his lectures when I was at UCL and told him my ideas.' Yilan smiled. The mention of Professor Hitchney reminded her of her master's programme, and the happy time spent in UCL, where she met new friends and was trained for further scientific research. It was her golden time, the devotion towards pharmaceutical research, the enthusiasm towards the dynamic London, the always-so-bright BT Tower... Life was so beautiful before she finally entered the society.

Seo-yeon was glad to see Yilan's smile. Young and beautiful, she thought. She sincerely hoped that Yilan would be happy at Berks & Berks, in her group, where she could not only conduct the research that she has always been dreaming of, but also find something meaningful, just like Professor Hitchney, and use that as a great start for her career path. It was not easy for women to be in STEM subjects as scientists, and as a female scientist who has already achieved some success, of course Seo-yeon would like to help the younger generations as much as possible. 'That's nice! Now we are trying to improve the synthetic routes for Poseidon and its derivatives. Professor Hitchney has already proven that they all have high efficiency in inhibiting the Ocean Virus in vivo, especially Aeolus. It can reduce the activeness of the Ocean Virus by 34% in vivo! If we can find a route more environment-friendly and more cost-saving for these compounds, FDA would consider approving the new anti-Ocean Virus drugs, and that would be very helpful for the patients!' There were sparks in Seo-yeon's eyes as she became excited when speaking of her beloved research project, with the commitment towards drug development shining on her like the precious natural light in a winter day. Yilan was affected by her passionate, and started her work as soon as Seo-yeon finished her introduction and instruction.