Student Profiles: Women in Male-Dominated Fields
Amanda Trinh
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2022 - December Graduate
1. What inspired you to get into the field of STEM and your respective major?
For as long as I could remember, I’ve dreamed of becoming a dentist, and that was my biggest motivation to get into the field of STEM. When applying to colleges, I was torn between two majors – biology and chemistry. I really enjoyed learning about both subjects in high school, so it made my decision that much harder. Eventually, I decided to major in biochemistry because I would receive a well-rounded education in both areas of study.
2. Have you faced struggles or met challenges being a woman in STEM?
One of my biggest challenges of being a woman in STEM is dealing with impostor syndrome. For those who are not aware, impostor syndrome is the idea or feeling of “never being good enough for X.” As a biochemistry major following the pre-dental track, I found it difficult to find my own community. Over time, I found supportive and like-minded individuals at Pacific who consistently encourage me and believe in me and my dreams. To be transparent, I still struggle with impostor syndrome occasionally despite my accomplishments, but I always remind myself of how far I’ve come when I felt like I was never good enough for STEM or dentistry. Only you can give these thoughts power, so instead use that energy to believe in yourself!
3. What or who inspires you?
My family continues to inspire me every day. Both of my parents are immigrants from Vietnam, and they sacrificed parts of their lives so I can be successful. Ever since I was little, my parents told me to always chase my dreams, no matter how big or small. With their love and support, this motivates me to become the best person I can be.
4. How would you like to see the field of STEM or area that you specialize in change in the future?
Moving forward, I’d like to see mental health being prioritized in the field of STEM. Institutions need to focus on providing accessible mental health resources for students, faculty, and/or staff that are struggling. Especially in the field of STEM, certain voices are silenced due to the system put into place. I hope that students can find a safe space to communicate their concerns without the fear of being rejected or ridiculed.
5. Fun Fact Section – learn more about Amanda and her interests here!
A fun fact about me is I love painting my nails! I could spend hours creating intricate designs and seeing the final result was what makes it all worth it in the end. A lot of my inspiration for nail art comes from Pinterest, K-POP idols, and even objects I see in my daily life. I love nail art so much that there was a time when I would have a different design every day!
Byianca Vasquez
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2023
1. What inspired you to get into the field of STEM and your respective major?
My equal interest in both biology and chemistry inspired me to major in Biochemistry, the merging of these two subjects made this major a perfect choice for me.
2. Have you faced struggles or met challenges being a woman in STEM?
As a woman in STEM, one personal struggle I have faced is being very critical of myself and my work, but I made substantial self improvements that have been influenced by both the support of my advisors and professors.
3. What or who inspires you?
My beautiful daughter, Ellie.
4. How would you like to see the field of STEM, or area that you specialize in, change in the future?
Changes and advancements in the area of bioremediation in biochemistry.
5. Fun fact Section – learn more about Byianca and her interests!
Aside from my love of science, I also have a passion for art. I enjoy painting and entered an art contest here at Pacific last year which was a wonderful experience.
Munachimso Aghasili
Major: Biochemistry
Class of 2022
1. What inspired you to get into the field of STEM/your specific major?
Ever since I was in high school, I have always enjoyed learning about mathematics and sciences. I decided to focus on sciences and chose to study biochemistry because it offers healthcare-related opportunities such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and optometry.
2. Have you faced struggles or met challenges being a woman in STEM?
I haven’t met challenges being a woman in STEM, particularly in sciences. The biochemistry department at UOP is almost equally female and male-dominated, so I haven’t faced any form of gender inequality in terms of resources and mentorships. I am also very transparent about how I feel when I have disputes or issues with my colleagues and professors.
3. What or who inspires you?
The improvements in drug design and pharmaceutical therapies inspire me to study biochemistry. My mum and dad are one of my hugest inspirations, even though they don’t have STEM careers they are always supportive of my academic goals.
4. How would you like to see the field of STEM or area that you specialize in change in the future?
I would like to see more advancements in analytical instrumentation such as HPLC and LCMS as well as prioritization of the study of natural products in drug discovery. Many compounds produced by natural products possess biological properties such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial activity. It is a very growing branch in the field of pharmacology and drug design since most of the bioactive compounds are derived from plants and fungi. I also hope to see more mentors that are women in STEM and more outreach to women who are interested in the STEM field.
5. Fun Fact Section – learn more about Muna and her interests!
I love watching sci-fi, action, and fantasy movies and tv shows. I highly recommend shows like the House of Dragon, the walking dead, the boys, the 100, and the originals. I play table tennis, and badminton and do cardio in the gym to destress. During my leisure time, I listen to afrobeats and classical and electronic music. My favorite artist is the Weeknd and my favorite album is Beauty behind the madness. I normally use music to study, cook and relax.
I have tried many cuisines in Stockton and suggest getting Phở from Saigon Bowl Noodle House and beef hot soup from Tasty Pot. I have visited the Haggin Museum in Stockton twice and have seen many beautiful art pieces and historical artifacts on display. I also like to go bowling and thrifting. I don’t have any pets but I hope to get a Holland lop bunny.
Secillia Tram
Graduate Student: Chemistry PhD
Class of 2025
1. What inspired you to get into the field of STEM/your specific major?
In high school, I struggled the most in chemistry which made me want to pursue a chemistry degree and master the subject. Back then, I could not understand anything from the slides, and even though the slides are still difficult to understand, I learn a little more about the world every day.
2. Have you faced struggles or met challenges being a woman in STEM?
As a woman in STEM, I have not faced any challenges during my time at UOP. Despite the lack of challenges, the other women in my program are extremely amazing and talented people, and I am glad to be a woman in STEM alongside them.
3. What or who inspires you?
Being able to wear a lab coat is what inspires me to work hard in my program. Wearing it signifies that I am a part of a group that will lead to amazing things, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with my peers.
4. How would you like to see the field of STEM or area that you specialize in change in the future?
For chemistry research, I would like more people to recognize the importance of simply just knowing rather than having a direct reason for studying a compound. Having a research goal to combat a particular problem is significant, but I think that sometimes just finding an interesting characteristic about a chemical is enough for recognition, because all knowledge is commendable.
5. Fun fact section – learn more about Secillia and her interests!
Once I get all of my assignments done, I like to end the day by playing games. Even when the days are long, there is always time for League of Legends games or Genshin Impact dailies.
