Dr. Chutimon Khemtong, a foreign student from Thailand, graduated with a Ph.D. from the Institute of Sports Sciences at the University of Taipei (UT). Currently, Dr. Khemtong works as a full-time lecturer at the College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University in Thailand. In terms of academics, she is responsible for guiding the planning of the undergraduate and graduate curricula, while also continuing to conduct research in the field of sports science. The goal of her research is to provide scientific foundations for athletes’ performance and injury care, as well as establish strategies to enhance and maintain athletes' performance levels in terms of their muscles, fitness, and other areas. In addition, Dr. Khemtong has been invited to serve as a presenter at numerous international conferences to share her knowledge in the field of sports science. Through these presentations, she hopes to engage in exchanges and collaborations with other researchers and expand upon her cross-cultural experiences gained during her doctoral studies in Taiwan. Dr. Khemtong is committed to further enhancing her research capabilities and establishing more international collaborations.

Dr. Khemtong’s decision to pursue her Ph.D. at the Institute of Sports Sciences at UT was based on several factors. First, UT possesses high-quality laboratories and facilities that fulfill the requirements of many different areas of research in sports science. Second, Taiwan offers scholarships—provided by both universities and the government—for international students, which is a significant advantage for international students who want to advance their academic careers. Moreover, all of the institute’s courses are taught by experts in the field of sports science, ensuring that students are taught with the highest level of expertise. The friendly community atmosphere in Taiwan also creates a warm environment for international students, akin to being with family. This hospitable environment not only aids academic development but also facilitates the establishment of extensive professional connections.

During the 2.7 years she spent pursuing her Ph.D., Dr. Khemtong received guidance from Assistant Professor Giancarlo Condello and sports nutrition expert Professor Chia-Hua Kuo at UT, and ultimately successfully completed her doctoral dissertation. For her, these two mentors were not just professors and supervisors but also part of a larger family. While most professors typically focus on students' academic progress, Professors Condello and Kuo went above and beyond. Aside from students’ academic development, they also cared about students’ physical and mental well-being, life in Taiwan, and other important matters. Professors Condello and Kuo provided a lot of support to the students, so when Dr. Khemtong transitions into the role of a professor, she also hopes to care for and support her students just like her mentors did, ensuring that they feel comfortable and safe.

Dr. Khemtong, in her current role as a lecturer, is sincerely grateful to all the professors who have taught her. During her time pursuing her Ph.D. in Taiwan, she was a member of the "Taiwan Aliens" group comprising international students from various countries including Italy, the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. They built beautiful friendships and shared their respective cultures, experiences, and joys. Although time flew by quickly, and their lives soon transitioned from studenthood into professional work, they maintained strong connections. There was no competition among them during their studies at UT, but rather a spirit of mutual assistance. Students who had stronger English language skills willingly helped those whose first language wasn't English, and likewise, Chinese-speaking students actively assisted international students who didn't understand Chinese. Therefore, all members of the "Taiwan Aliens" group worked together to achieve common goals, which was one of the important factors contributing to Dr. Khemtong's success during her studies and research in Taiwan.

Dr. Khemtong eagerly hopes that all students with an interest in learning can become part of the UT family. UT is committed to providing a high-quality education environment and helping students achieve their goals through its excellent teaching resources and support systems. Whether your aspirations are academic research, professional career development, or personal growth, UT will always wholeheartedly support your efforts. By joining UT, you will become part of a vibrant academic community that is full of potential. This will be an ideal place for your growth and development as well as the realization of your dreams. Regardless of where you come from, UT warmly welcomes you and looks forward to working with you to create a bright future.