An NYU Shanghai Junior Finds the Best of Both (Research) Worlds

At Tsinghua University, Amgen Scholars join a faculty member’s lab to contribute to a biomedical research project. Scholars also participate in a series of academic activities. These include weekly lab meetings, group discussions, presentation training, and campus-wide seminars. Faculty mentors, technicians, and graduate students guide them through the program, offering additional perspectives.

Yolanda’s research during the eight-week program 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 in situ—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 Amgen Scholars was a challenge but also an opportunity to improve myself in my weakest area. I hope that my wet-lab skills greatly improve over the course of the program.”

In addition to enhancing her research skills, the program has helped Yolanda improve her scientific communication abilities. This crucial skill will help her excel in her future career. After graduating from NYU Shanghai, she plans to pursue a doctorate, with the goal of remaining in academia as a researcher and scholar.

The opportunity to network with other scientists-in-training is another one of Yolanda’s favorite parts of the program. “Even though NYU Shanghai also has students from different parts of Asia, we all attend an American school. So, 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.”

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 Shanghai this fall. Last year she served as first oboe of the NYU Shanghai Orchestra and vice president of the Society in Natural Sciences club. She’s also looking forward to once again experiencing NYU’s state-of-the-art lab equipment, world-class faculty, and uplifting atmosphere.

“For students who enjoy scientific research, NYU can provide unmatched opportunities, guidance, and support,” Yolanda says. “Now, I feel even more prepared to conduct research at NYU Shanghai due to my improved research skills from the Amgen Scholars Program.”