Vivian Dien, Ph.D.
Doctoral Thesis: A Chemical Approach Towards the Optimization of a Semi-Synthetic Organism
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Noteworthy Publications: Optimization of Replication, Transcription, and Translation in a Semi-Synthetic Organism," Journal of the American Chemical Society (2019); "Progress Toward a Semi-Synthetic Organism with an Unrestricted Expanded Genetic Alphabet," Journal of the American Chemical Society (2018)
Favorite Aspects of Graduate Studies: "I really appreciate the Indoors Club and all of those that play Pokémon Go for incorporating little doses of joy amidst the long days of experiments. I always looked forward to those little breaks. I also loved my time as NWiS (Network for Women in Science) outreach coordinator, and fully loved sharing my research with younger minds. I also fully appreciate my labmates, especially those who worked with me through long growth experiments. My favorite experience at Scripps was meeting all of the people who make Scripps what it is. I was able to interact with scientists with similar and different goals, but all with a common passion and drive. Their presence in daily interactions allowed me to grow into a more mature scientist. Furthermore, the challenging tasks and projects have taught me much about self discipline and problem solving, all of which has prepared me for a future in industry."
Next Steps: Dien will be transitioning into the biotech industry where she hopes to make contributions to oligonucleotide drug development.
Be sure to join us at 10 a.m. PDT on Friday, July 31 for our Virtual Commencement Ceremony! Dien's advisor and mentor, Prof. Peter G. Schultz, will deliver a few words (as will Dien) about her graduate experience, and viewers can learn about our 43 other 2020 graduates, who are now setting out to build careers that will impact the future of biomedical research.
