Ryan Nguyen
I fell in love with Portland and the campus when I first visited as a high school student. I strongly felt that I would receive a more personalized, engaging education at L&C than at a large state university—and I was not mistaken!
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What three words would you use to describe L&C?
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
I fell in love with Portland and the campus when I first visited as a high school student. When the time came to make a decision, I strongly felt that I would receive a more personalized, engaging education at L&C than at a large state university. And I was not mistaken!
What have you been doing since graduation?
After graduating in 2019, I moved to Maryland to start a fellowship in bioanalytical chemistry at the National Cancer Institute. My research there was primarily focused on improving and optimizing dosing regimens for cancer patients. After completing my fellowship in 2021, I relocated to Seattle to begin my doctoral studies in medicinal chemistry at the University of Washington. I currently work with Dr. Libin Xu to study the impacts of metabolism on environmental toxicology.
How did L&C prepare you for your PhD program?
L&C offers its students many wonderful opportunities outside of the classroom, one of which is the John Rogers Science Research Program. This summer internship, which is located on campus and open exclusively to the L&C community, gives students a full-time research experience with in-depth training from faculty. I had the pleasure of conducting research in the chemistry department during my junior and senior years, so my transition to post-graduate work (both at the National Cancer Institute and University of Washington) was seamless. I owe many thanks to the L&C Chemistry Department for their continued support (they still write me letters of recommendation!) and unwavering dedication to students/alumni.
What would you say is the most important thing you learned at L&C?
The most valuable skill I learned at L&C was how to effectively communicate scientific ideas. Students have many opportunities to discuss their research with other classmates in small discussion sections and seminars, but they also benefit from L&C’s excellent reputation throughout the greater Portland scientific community.
Why did you major in chemistry?
When I first enrolled in CHEM 110 (General Chemistry I), I had no idea that it would lead me to a degree and eventually a career in chemistry. I became fascinated by how chemistry can be utilized to explain both biological and physical aspects of the world. The small size of the chemistry department also allowed me to make lifelong connections with the faculty and my fellow classmates, many of whom have also gone on to pursue PhDs across the country!
How do you stay connected to L&C as an alum?
Although the pandemic made it difficult to connect in person, I am constantly discussing scientific ideas and interesting research topics with my fellow classmates and friends that I made during my time at L&C.
