Superstar scientist Mai Phuoc Minh Quan is on a mission to save lives – and six of the world’s most prestigious institutes are putting their hands up to help him.

Spoilt for choice
Currently studying chemical engineering at UC Berkeley, the brilliant 22-year-old has received two PhD programme scholarship offers from the University of Chicago, as well as offers from Cornell, the University of Southern California, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School, City of Hope and Scripps. The only problem? Deciding which one to accept!

“What’s interesting is that some of these programmes are purely research institutes (Scripps) or large oncology hospitals – MD Anderson is the largest oncology hospital in the world and City of Hope is also a leader in oncology and the birthplace of synthetic insulin,” says Quan.

“I’m still weighing the pros and cons of each PhD programme as they are all exceptional places, with world-class research professors and amazing facilities that can support translational research and clinical trials.”

Man on a mission
Wherever he ends up, Quan will receive full tuition fees, health insurance and stipends (salaries) and will be a giant step closer to realising his dream of helping fight cancer.

“As a high school student, I wanted to be a doctor as I wanted to have an impact on patients' lives. However, some self-reflection told me that being a doctor can only save patients on a case-by-case basis. I want to impact more people on a larger scale, by doing research and creating/helping create a blockbuster drug that can save millions of lives!

“I want to work in the biopharmaceutical industry and push as many therapeutics/oncology drugs as I can into the market to save lives. I see myself working in oncology as there is so much more we still don't know about this disease and it’s still one of the leading causes of death despite the many creative therapeutic modalities scientists have found/created.”

Academic excellence
After graduating from AIS, Quan headed to UC Berkeley to study chemical engineering, quickly making a name for himself. He was recognised as a high-achieving student, making the Dean’s Honors List five semesters in a row, and earning a slew of awards, including a Chevron Scholar Award and the Leadership Award from UC Berkeley Alumni Association. Awards from world-renowned biopharmaceutical company Genentech and the AbbVie Award of Excellence were other personal highlights.

“There are a few moments in my academic career that I’m proud of, including my search for an internship in my third year. I was interviewing with AbbVie and they were looking mainly for PhD / graduate students. However, the hiring manager changed her mind after talking to me and I was extended an internship offer over other graduate students. I believe many factors played into her decision, mainly my attitude, work ethic, and some research experience beforehand. I completed the internship at AbbVie and received their Award of Excellence for characterising a new angle to their drug's mechanism. It was a very challenging yet rewarding experience as I was pushed to become an independent researcher and to think critically about scientific problems.”

Study smarts that get results
Achievements like these take great dedication and sacrifice. Effective study skills – like those mastered at AIS – are a must.

“I’ve learned how to study effectively, plan out everything I have to do, and strategize around that. I’m always working and researching while studying, so I’m always overwhelmed with work. I just have to learn to adapt to this and chase every available opportunity. I keep knocking on doors until someone answers me with an opportunity. I always sleep early (I’m proud to say I’ve never pulled an all-nighter!) and wake up early because that is when I work most effectively.”

Laying foundations at AIS
Luckily strong foundations for success were laid during Quan’s years at AIS, creating a robust framework for the future.

“AIS has an awesome tight-knit community that you can always lean on. I was pushed to do my best, step outside my comfort zone and ask hard questions; this mindset has been crucial in my journey so far! The International Baccalaureate created many opportunities to be exposed to research - the Extended Essay or the IAs were awesome research exercises. The diverse culture at AIS also prepared me well for life at Berkeley.”

Extracurriculars provided additional value.

“Aside from academics, I was involved in band, non-profit work, volunteer work, and MUN. Having the chance to participate across different areas allowed me to develop holistically and gain different perspectives.”

Navigating the highs and lows
Studying abroad has opened up a world of opportunity for Quan and the experience has garnered great personal and professional growth.

“Career-wise, I never thought I’d work in science, much less huge pharmaceutical companies. I’ve learned to chase all the opportunities available and push myself as hard as I can. Living-wise, I never learned how to cook or handle paperwork and taxes until studying abroad. I’ve faced numerous challenges and overcome them. The journey hasn’t always been roses, but it has helped me grow a lot holistically.”

ENDS

Possible pull through quote:

“AIS has an awesome tight-knit community that you can always lean on. I was pushed to do my best, step outside my comfort zone and ask hard questions; this mindset has been crucial in my journey so far!”