NYU Shanghai junior Yolanda Huang spent eight weeks in the Amgen Scholars Program this summer, a prestigious undergraduate research program at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
Tsinghua University in Beijing, China
Amgen Scholars join a faculty member’s lab to contribute to a biomedical research project as well as participate in a series of academic activities, including weekly lab meetings, group discussions, presentation training, and campus-wide seminars. A faculty member guides them through the program, while a technician or graduate student offers an additional perspective.
Yolanda’s research focused on red-light activated photocatalysis for protein proximity labeling. In other words, her project aimed to develop and test a method to label proteins within their natural surroundings with the help of photocatalysts that set off a chemical reaction. “Participating in the program meant that I could dive into pharmaceutical studies, which relies heavily on biochemistry,” Yolanda says. “I’ve found biochemistry harder than other fields of natural sciences, so being admitted to the program was a challenge but also an opportunity to improve myself in my weakest area.” In addition to enhancing her research skills, the program has helped Yolanda improve her scientific communication abilities. She plans to pursue a doctorate after graduation, continuing in academia as a researcher and scholar. These crucial skills will help her excel in addition to connections made with a new network of scientists-in-training.
“Even though NYU Shanghai also has students from different parts of Asia, we all attend an American school and people are more or less influenced by American culture,” Yolanda explains. “The diverse educational and cultural experiences of other Amgen Scholars are fascinating. After the program concludes, I hope to continue to contact them and meet with them again in the future.”
Huang performing oboe at the end-of-semester show in Fall 2022.
While the cultural immersion and practical experience at Tsinghua University have helped Yolanda grow as a researcher and student, she’s excited to return to NYU this fall. She’s also looking forward to once again experiencing the state-of-the-art lab equipment, world-class faculty, and uplifting atmosphere at NYU. “For students who enjoy scientific research, NYU can provide them with unmatched opportunities, guidance, and support,” Yolanda says. “And now, I feel even more prepared to conduct research at NYU Shanghai due to my improved research skills from the Amgen Scholars Program.”