Graduate Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Sylvia Loh
Summer 2016 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Education
The University of Texas at Arlington
M.S. Biomedical Engineering; August 2016
B.S. Biology; 2015
Career
Bioengineer at HNu Photonics in Maui, Hawaii
Summer 2016 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Education
The University of Texas at Arlington
M.S. Biomedical Engineering; August 2016
B.S. Biology; 2015
Career
Bioengineer at HNu Photonics in Maui, Hawaii
“Prior to my Archer Fellowship experience, I believed that researchers were only sought to work in research facilities. My experience as an Archer Fellow has changed my perspective on the possibilities that can be found in 'hard' sciences. In the political world, there is a great need for researchers and scientists to implement changes in science-based policies."
Q & A with Sylvia
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
I currently work as a bioengineer for an engineering firm that is creating a device to conduct automated biological research on the International Space Station. I work to improve the design and conduct cell research with neuroblastoma.
What has been your general career path?
I was enrolled in a combined five-year fast track program to obtain a B.S. in Biology/M.S. in Biomedical Engineering. During my last summer at The University of Texas at Arlington, I participated in the Graduate Program in Public Policy to work at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a research intern. I have since begun working at my current place of employment as a bioengineer.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
Prior to my Archer Fellowship experience, I believed that researchers were only sought to work in research facilities. My experience as an Archer Fellow has changed my perspective on the possibilities that can be found in 'hard' sciences. In the political world, there is a great need for researchers and scientists to implement changes in science-based policies.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
The thing I value most as an Archer Fellow in the Graduate Program in Public Policy are the memories I made with my cohort. We learned and grew together in the D.C. environment. We explored the museums, the exhibits and national monuments. We shared dinners and networking opportunities. We all balanced a full-time internship on top of Graduate Program in Public Policy classes and navigating through the public transportation system.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The most important thing I have learned as an Archer Fellow is the power of networking and socializing. It is the single most important tool that drives everyone forward.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
I value the network of Archer Alumni the most. It is amazing to meet Archer Fellows across the nation (and world). We even have Archer Fellows in Hawaii! It's amazing to think that if at any time we would like to start job hunting in D.C., we just need to express our interests to alums currently in D.C.!
What is your favorite memory from the program?
One of my favorite memories of being a part of the Graduate Program in Public Policy is attending the UT vs Fisher case in Supreme Court with several of my fellow Archer Fellows. It was even more amazing when the court ruled in favor of UT!
Do you have advice for prospective students?
For students considering the Graduate Program in Public Policy, this is not merely an internship. It is truly an unique experience that you will not find elsewhere. You will go in for the job experience and/or resume booster, but you will obtain so much more. You will also find yourself creating life-long friendships and leaving a part of yourself in Washington, D.C.
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
I currently work as a bioengineer for an engineering firm that is creating a device to conduct automated biological research on the International Space Station. I work to improve the design and conduct cell research with neuroblastoma.
What has been your general career path?
I was enrolled in a combined five-year fast track program to obtain a B.S. in Biology/M.S. in Biomedical Engineering. During my last summer at The University of Texas at Arlington, I participated in the Graduate Program in Public Policy to work at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a research intern. I have since begun working at my current place of employment as a bioengineer.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
Prior to my Archer Fellowship experience, I believed that researchers were only sought to work in research facilities. My experience as an Archer Fellow has changed my perspective on the possibilities that can be found in 'hard' sciences. In the political world, there is a great need for researchers and scientists to implement changes in science-based policies.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
The thing I value most as an Archer Fellow in the Graduate Program in Public Policy are the memories I made with my cohort. We learned and grew together in the D.C. environment. We explored the museums, the exhibits and national monuments. We shared dinners and networking opportunities. We all balanced a full-time internship on top of Graduate Program in Public Policy classes and navigating through the public transportation system.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The most important thing I have learned as an Archer Fellow is the power of networking and socializing. It is the single most important tool that drives everyone forward.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
I value the network of Archer Alumni the most. It is amazing to meet Archer Fellows across the nation (and world). We even have Archer Fellows in Hawaii! It's amazing to think that if at any time we would like to start job hunting in D.C., we just need to express our interests to alums currently in D.C.!
What is your favorite memory from the program?
One of my favorite memories of being a part of the Graduate Program in Public Policy is attending the UT vs Fisher case in Supreme Court with several of my fellow Archer Fellows. It was even more amazing when the court ruled in favor of UT!
Do you have advice for prospective students?
For students considering the Graduate Program in Public Policy, this is not merely an internship. It is truly an unique experience that you will not find elsewhere. You will go in for the job experience and/or resume booster, but you will obtain so much more. You will also find yourself creating life-long friendships and leaving a part of yourself in Washington, D.C.
