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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The people in the biochemistry department are truly the best thing!! Everyone here truly roots for your success!

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Just reach out!! Everybody in the department is amazing and they will be happy to help you out with anything.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned at K is the value of reaching out! Don’t be afraid to connect with others, whether it’s your professor, an old friend, or your classmates. Often, these small connections can provide significant help!

What has been your favorite class at K?
I’m cheating by mentioning two, but they are Biophysics (PHYS-205) with Dr. Wilson, and Biochemistry 2 (CHEM-465) with Dr. Stevens-Truss. Both classes were challenging but exceptionally interesting! They helped me draw connections across fields: from physics, and chemistry, to biology.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
My open curriculum has allowed me to branch out of my field (slightly). I was able to satisfy my artistic side by participating in theater productions and also challenging myself with pure and abstract math.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I am a big rock-climbing enthusiast! I have also been a chemistry and biophysics teaching assistant (TA), and a student researcher at both Dr. Furchak’s and Dr. DAR’s lab. Last summer, I was also a student researcher at Dr. Hosseinzadeh’s lab at the University of Oregon as a Rosetta Intern!

What is your SIP?
I am planning to do a biochemistry SIP, researching both computationally and experimentally the interaction between proteins and nucleic acids!

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
My plan right now is to pursue a Ph.D in Biochemistry after K.

What is a random fun fact about you?
My Vietnamese name in English is Nguyen Nguyen. So, if I’m very crunched on space, I can just write Nguyen^2.