Biochemistry major Alexis Ngo '22 spent her four years at Whittier College laying the foundation for her ultimate career goal of becoming a surgeon.
In 2019, Ngo traveled to Panama with her peers as part of the Medical Brigades program to provide healthcare to underserved communities. This trip served to cement her professional aims.
Ngo was subsequently awarded a Fletcher Jones Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship that allowed her to conduct research in chemistry. Her work was ultimately presented at the Spring 2022 American Chemical Society Conference this spring.
“Research has its ups and downs, but it can be really interesting and fun,” said Ngo. “It’s not going to be perfect or what you expect the first time; troubleshooting is part of the process.”
Off campus, Ngo was a BEPI Intern at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and a volunteer for PIH-Whittier.
While Ngo is modest about her achievements, during the Spring 2022 Honors Convocation she was awarded the W. Roy Newsom Award in Chemistry and Undergraduate Research Award in Chemistry. Moreover, this spring she graduates with highest academic honors, summa cum laude.
When asked what advice she’d give her first-year self, Ngo said “Don’t hold back, just go for it, believe in yourself, and have fun.” Advice Ngo has already taken to heart.
