Graduating Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Khoa Nguyen
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Major: Human Physiology BA
Minors: Integrative Neuroscience & Public Health
Activities you are involved in: Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC), Asian American and Pacific Islander Students Promoting Inspiration, Resilience, and Empowerment (ASPIRE), Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota (VSAM), Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC), Wallin, College Possible
What is your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory is goofing off with friends in a Sanford Hall study room while trying to study for chemistry. Even though the class was super difficult, we bonded over it and established long-lasting connections while in a study group together. The late nights with each other were worth it in the end.
Did you participate in any student organizations, Learning Abroad programs, research or internship opportunities, or other related experiences? How have you learned from them?
I was involved with many student organizations such as APARC/ASPIRE, VSAM, ASU, and MAPS. I also participated in research with the O'Connell Lab. I developed a lot of skills from my participation in these organizations and learned a lot about my community. The most important thing I learned was that there are people out there to support you and help you grow; as a community, we all build each other up.
What is your favorite class that you took in CLA? Is there a professor that you particularly enjoyed working with? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
My favorite class that I took in CLA was CNRC 3071 - Greek and Hellenistic Religions. I took this for fun my senior year because I had space and it was so much fun to relive my past obsession with Greek mythology and culture. Dr. Ranjani Atur was an amazing professor and taught us how to critically analyze anything in any subject.
How would you describe your time in your major?
My time in my major can be described as difficult yet developmental. All of my STEM courses took a lot of time and commitment, and sometimes, it was just rough to get by. But, I feel so fulfilled that I made it through. I feel like I developed a lot as a student and a professional, based on what I took away from my major. I feel proud of what I have accomplished during my time here and am grateful for the resources that my department had to offer.
What's next for you? What are your post-graduation plans?
My next step is graduate school! Starting this upcoming fall 2023, I will be pursuing a master’s of public health in sociomedical sciences with a certificate in health and human rights at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. I hope to learn more about the field of public health and be equipped with the tools I need to work on health equity and support underrepresented communities in medicine.
