Undergraduate Profile

 

Major: Biochemistry and Chemistry

Projected graduation: Winter or spring 2027

 

Tell us why you chose the University of Washington (UW)

I chose UW first because of its strong academic reputation, second because of its location since I wanted to be close to my family during undergrad (not out-of-state), and third because I received better financial aid help compared to other universities.

What led you to studying your program(s)?

Before the pandemic, I used to love math and thought I wanted to have a career within or adjacent to this field. But during the pandemic, my experience with math changed for the worse, while on the other hand, I took my first chemistry class and enjoyed it quite a lot thanks to the teacher and because it incorporated algebra, which I really like! So, in my second year of Running Start, I decided to do the General Chemistry series, and it was a challenging but great experience. By the winter of the first year at UW, I made the decision to major in chemistry. During the organic chemistry series, I met a lot of biochemistry students which sparked my interest for the major. Then the next year, after taking some of the general biology classes, I came across the PHRMSC 312 The Science of Drugs course and decided to take it, so this was my introduction to pharmaceutical sciences. What I enjoy from these PHRMSC classes is seeing the bridge between what I learned in chemistry and biology to a field that continues discovering and growing to improve human health, so I hope to continue taking classes within this area.

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

Being accepted in a chemistry research lab around the end of spring quarter of my second year is an experience I am grateful to have had. Though it was a short experience, it helped me learn more about the process of organic synthesis. What made the difference was having a great graduate student mentor that allowed me to join and ask as many questions as I had whether it was about the research or options after a PhD. Secondly, being part of the NMP (School of Pharmacy’s Nelson-Mendenhall Summer Scholars Program) during the summer helped me recognize the different sides to research and the many roles that are involved in the process. This program helped me solidify my goal of taking part and belonging in research in my undergrad years and after.

What do you want to do following your UW education?

I want to be part of research in industry for one to four years, to gain experience there for my next career step.

What are your future aspirations or goals?

My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in a field adjacent to biochemistry and become a Research Scientist.

What is one piece of advice that you have for potential new students or one thing you wish you knew before beginning your studies?

I actually have three pieces of advice! 1. It’s ok to make mistakes! Things will not go as planned, but that does not mean that it’s over. 2. Don’t give up! I know it’s mentioned a lot, but it really is a key to the goals you set your mind to. I recognize that being resilient is one of the major factors that has helped me be where I am! So, if you really want something, don’t give up, whether it be in your classes or when reaching out to join research. The process is difficult but at some point, you will be able to look back and see how much you have grown. 3. Work with others! There is a definitive and huge difference going through a class by yourself vs. with others. Classes that I thought would be the worst have actually become the best or at least better thanks to finding a group of students I can work with.

What is a fun or interesting fact about you?

I love watching thriller movies/series!