Van Tran, Ph.D.
Doctoral Thesis: The Function and Regulation of Molecular Motor, KIF3B, in Neuronal Morphology and Memory
Undergraduate Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Noteworthy Publications: Activation of diverse carbon–heteroatom and carbon–carbon bonds via palladium(ii)-catalysed β-X elimination, Nature Chemistry (2018); Ni(COD)(DQ): An Air‐Stable 18‐Electron Nickel(0)–Olefin Precatalyst, Angewandte Chemie, International Edition (2020)
Honors & Awards: WCC Merck Research Award (2019); AbbVie Scholar Award (2019); Genentech Graduate Student Symposium in Chemical Research Award (2020)
Favorite Aspects of Graduate Studies: "The best part of graduate school is being able to explore the frontiers of chemistry and follow my curiosity alongside passionate and supportive mentors and colleagues. Although the research at Scripps is top-notch, I would say the people make it a unique environment to work in. I always feel that I can learn from many avenues, including my advisor, the postdocs, the facilities, as well as graduate students—both younger and older than me—in my lab and in others. These various avenues of learning will definitely prepare me for my future endeavors."
Next Steps: "I will be working in process chemistry at Gilead Sciences in the Bay area to develop efficient routes toward pharmaceutical candidates."
Be sure to join us at 10 a.m. PDT on Friday, May 21 for our Virtual Commencement Ceremony! Tran's advisor and mentor, Prof. Keary Engle, will deliver a few words (as will Tran) about her graduate experience, and viewers can learn about our 41 other 2021 graduates, who are now setting out to build careers that will impact the future of biomedical research.
