What do you know about structure of an atom?
How much do you remember about the periodic table of elements?
Have you ever conducted an experiment to test for a chemical reaction?
Odds are, you’ve dappled in the world of chemistry.
As for Joe Truong, a chemistry major, he is in his element as soon as he steps into the chemistry lab.
“What I really like about chemistry, first, is that it’s not a lot of memorization like biology and doesn’t have a bunch of calculations like physics. And it’s got a cool-artsy style to notetaking; I get to draw stuff out,” Truong said.
Delving into the study of science, Truong initially decided to major in cell and molecular biology, but quickly discovered that analytical chemistry was his true passion.
“I had a chemistry minor. I took a classical minor, which was analytical chemistry, and I fell in love with it,” he said. “It’s just the major I want.”
Making the transition from biology to chemistry, Truong discovered his place in the field of science, absorbing and digesting complex chemistry concepts with fascination and zeal.
Representing science enthusiasts as a student
Like a true chemist, Truong did his research when he was deciding on a school to pursue his undergraduate degree.
As an international student, he looked at many schools in the United States.
Missouri State stood out to him, because of its affordability.
“It’s really expensive on the coast. And to start off…I’m a science major, so most importantly, obviously, (is to get my) PhD. My undergrad doesn’t affect too much, so I’m going to the best school financially,” he said.
Truong stays close to campus and remains involved with several on-campus organizations in the chemistry department.
This year, Truong stepped up as a student officer for the American Chemists Society (ACS). He currently serves as the treasurer for the ACS, where he says he oversees the group’s financials.
“ACS is a group of chemistry enthusiast students who work together to attract more people to them,” Truong said. “We don’t necessarily hang out with just chemistry people. We like to meet up with anyone. Science enthusiasts.”
Truong found his place among other aspiring chemists. He says that the ACS likes to perform chemistry demonstrations at nighttime.
He recalls a fun time of science experimentation around Halloween-time last year when the group gathered in the courtyard of the Roy Blunt Hall to “blow stuff up” and “make some explosions.”
Truong also serves on the Student Leadership Board for the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS).
“Basically, I collab with the entire CNAS student body — all the leaders from student chapters, so chemistry, biology, geology…” he said. “We work with them to give a voice to CNAS.”
His leadership in the chemistry department has given him valuable educational experiences.
Researching takes you places
Getting serious about his studies, Truong knows the importance of research in the study of chemistry.
Since his sophomore year, he has been involved in several research classes, providing him with essential knowledge for projects that will benefit his future academic and professional endeavors.
Truong credits Dr. Adam Wanekaya for building his confidence and expertise in research. Despite Truong’s initial lack of research experience at the start of his academic career, Wanekaya still made a place for Truong in his research lab.
“He has prepared (me for) everything it takes to go to PhD school,” Truong said about his professor. “He also prepared me mentally; research isn’t always going to be (smooth sailing), so it’s gonna take a couple of breakdowns until I can actually stand on my own feet.”
Thanks to the guidance of Wanekaya, Truong has had many opportunities to conduct and prepare research at Missouri State.
“I recently published a paper in June, and it was huge. From what I know, not a lot of undergrads have a paper published,” Truong said.
His paper is called “Improving the quantum yield of nitrogen-doped carbon dots by varying dopant ratios and pH,” a thorough study about nano-sized carbons.
By the end of his senior year, he hopes to win several of the chemistry and biochemistry department’s yearly awards, such as the Outstanding Physical Chemistry Student Award, Outstanding Biochemistry Student Award, and Outstanding Senior Award.
With his bachelor’s degree in his sight, Truong is aiming to graduate in spring 2024.
Truong is looking forward to continuing his education, and later in his academic journey, he hopes to apply to PhD programs at Harvard, MIT, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, University of Wisconsin – Madison, and University of Colorado Boulder.
Although Truong is not entirely certain about his future plans, he is motivated to use his love for chemistry in order to help others understand it better.
“If money isn’t a problem, I would want to be a professor. I would want to inspire people and make organic chemistry easier for students, because a lot of people are struggling with organic chemistry and I enjoy it. So I want to make it easier for everyone else too,” Truong said.
Looking into the future, he is also considering the possibility of working in an inter-research position to potentially develop new drugs.
Truong advises current and future chemistry students to make the most of their opportunities for research.
“I would say get into a chemistry class as soon as possible, because for the chemistry major, we can take classes that count for credit, but we can also get research experience,” Truong said. “I would suggest to talk to your advisor. Talk to your professor; see if they are working on a research (project) that you would like to work on. That way, you will be able to have hands-on experience a lot with lecture, and then you got research experience for your grad school, CVs, and maybe get a paper out of it.”