Growing up in a household where science was an everyday language, I have had a penchant for science as long as I can remember. My father used to question me constantly about the scientific explanations behind everyday phenomena, and to this day, I find the answers to these questions fascinating.
It was to no one’s surprise when I decided to study Biochemistry, obtaining a B.S. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ultimately, I am planning on going to medical school as I am fascinated by human physiology and diseases. I began my training by studying science as I believe medicine and science are closely intertwined. Many important medical discoveries in drug development and disease treatment depend on an in-depth knowledge of biological systems as well applications of this knowledge through biotechnology. Moreover, the biological systems in our body involve countless biochemical reactions. In order to find out the location and structure of target disease genes, molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry are vital.
In addition to science, I’ve also always been involved in the performing arts. I’ve sung in choirs, acted in school musicals and performed in cultural shows. Recently, I came across the opportunity to be an actress in a film, and decided to audition. The film, called “Beautiful Daydreams” opened up doors to help me discover more about myself. Unexpectedly, being a scientist was very helpful in this project – the knowledge about natural phenomena and sense of creativity I have gained through science enable me to improvise and understand my surroundings.
As well as acting and singing, I’m also an amateur hip-hop dancer. It's a hobby for me - I am not particularly talented or professionally trained, but since starting hip hop in my early teenage years, I have always enjoyed it. Hip hop gives me a sense of empowerment and strength that I feel is much needed in many fields where women are still underrepresented.
Lastly, I am a phenomenal dessert freak. Like my love for science, my passion for desserts is inherent! I especially enjoy baking, not only for the final product but also the process (which resembles many chemistry experiments that I run). It is fun and exciting to witness chemical reactions in the kitchen. Just like for a scientist, the key attributes of a successful cook are precision and determination (through numerous trial and error experiments!).
My father has always been my most influential mentor. A philosopher and scientist, as a child he read vastly and contemplated many subjects. He obtained a Ph.D. under the mentorship of one of the top organic chemists in the country and managed to start his own biotech company in Taiwan using the knowledge he possessed and the novel technology he later acquired on his own. As a result, I was heavily exposed to science, history and philosophy since the day I was born. My father taught me the value of discovering the truth and the power of knowledge. I remember him telling me at a young age “Never believe what you have heard until you can prove it”. He instilled in me an appreciation of the value of persistence and logical thinking and made me appreciate that the skills that we develop through scientific training are applicable to many different fields and allowed me to see that science is happening at every moment in the world around us.
Another important mentor I have had is Dr. Huiying Lee from UCLA. Dr. Huiying Lee was my mentor when I worked for the UCLA medical center dermatology department. I was her first lab assistant right after she received a faculty position following her Ph.D. degree. She constantly encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and challenged me to design my own experiments. She was very pleased with my work and encouraged me to pursue a doctoral degree in science and a career in academia – a field where women are underrepresented and often overshadowed. While I have decided not to go into academia, she made me see that I am capable of accomplishing more than I imagined and she made feel proud to be a scientist.
I am currently in the process of obtaining a M.A degree in Biotechnology from Columbia University. This degree allows me to integrate my past textbook knowledge in science with the real world. Through this course, I have been able to attend several interesting business school classes about the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, as well as seminars with entrepreneurs. These classes have helped me realize that knowledge of business is crucial in this day and age. It is one thing to develop a technology but it is another thing to successfully market and sell your product.
I see myself in a career that integrates science, medicine and business in the future. Besides becoming a practicing medical doctor, it is possible that I’ll end up working in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries performing clinical studies. With these possibilities in mind, I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to receive training and exposure to the field of biotechnology from one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Being in New York City is great as an artist too. The city is dynamic and rich in all art forms while always exerting new and creative energy. This is where I can find a balance between the many unique aspects of my personality.
