Charlotte Hsu

Tell us why you chose UW.

I chose UW for its strong STEM and research environment, diverse community, and wide range of clubs and extracurricular opportunities. As an international student, its West Coast location also felt more accessible and supportive. UW offered both the academic foundation and community I wanted to grow personally and professionally.

What led you to study biochemistry?

I chose biochemistry because I have always been fascinated by healthcare technology and therapeutics, while also being interested in molecular biology and the science behind drugs. Biochemistry offers a strong scientific foundation and opens diverse pathways in research, healthcare, public health, cosmetics, agriculture, and many other fields.

What experiences at the UW have been the most influential to you?

The most influential parts of my UW experience have been my involvement in RSOs (registered student organizations), research, and interdisciplinary learning. Through RSOs such as Kompany, TOSA, and iGEM, I found supportive communities, built lasting friendships, and developed leadership and teamwork skills that have shaped my undergraduate journey. UW’s workshops, seminars, and networking events also exposed me to many different career paths and perspectives. In addition, the research opportunities at UW were especially impactful; joining a lab helped me grow academically and clarified my interest in drug development and biopharma. Finally, pursuing a Business Administration minor alongside my STEM coursework broadened my perspective, introduced me to different ways of thinking, and helped me explore paths beyond traditional research.

What do you want to do following your UW education?

Following my UW education, I hope to begin my career in the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in R&D or related cross-functional roles that connect science with therapeutic development. I want to continue exploring how scientific innovation can be translated into meaningful patient care. Before graduating, I hope to continue looking for different opportunities as an undergrad to broaden my experience in the biopharma industry via internship, research symposium, and summer programs.

What are your future aspirations or goals?

My long-term goal is to build a solid foundation in biomedical research and later pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical science or a related field. I hope to contribute to healthcare through roles that combine scientific rigor with translational impact, such as drug development, regulatory affairs, or other strategic functions in biopharma.

Tell us about your in-school activities?

At UW, I have been involved in several communities that have shaped both my academic and personal growth. In the Totah Lab, I work as an undergraduate researcher on drug discovery-related projects, specifically on new therapeutic candidate macrocyclic peptides and evaluating their efficacy and properties. The lab experience helped me gain experience in assay development, data analysis, and experimental design. In TOSA, the Taiwanese Overseas Student Association, I have served in leadership roles, including Finance Director, where I supported budgeting, sponsorship outreach, and fundraising event planning for the Taiwanese student community. In Washington iGEM, UW’s synthetic biology competition team, I currently serve as Finance Lead, helping support team operations, budgeting, and outreach while working alongside members across different subteams. I was also part of The Kompany, UW’s K-pop dance team, where I found a strong sense of community and collaboration through performance and team-based creative work.