With a keen interest in materials and their application, Yvonne pursued a B.Eng. in Materials Engineering from the Nanyang Technological University. An unexpected exposure to a course on Materials and the Environment served as a pivotal moment that connected her passion for environmental issues with her expertise in materials. This realisation led Yvonne to pursue further education, obtaining an M.Sc. and PhD in Environmental Engineering, spending close to 10 years researching on waste management and solid waste treatment.

Prior to joining RVRC as a Fellow in 2023, Yvonne worked in WWF-SG as a Materials Expert, providing guidance to businesses towards sustainable development, and simplifying the complexities of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) - a technical tool that evaluates the impact of different materials on the environment.

In her introspective moments, Yvonne contemplates the habits of individuals who might not be environmentally conscious, particularly when it comes to single-use items. She is motivated to find ways to communicate technological insights in a manner that resonates with students, ultimately aiming to influence behavioural change and encourage more sustainable practices.