“We are much smarter if we are more diverse.”
When thinking about science, many people have a vague notion of what scientists do or what scientists actually are, hence the unconscious labeling on scientists. The truth is science is hardly solitary research work of few gifted ones, but the contribution of many individuals from many different backgrounds. In this talk, Bach, a Biochemistry PhD Candidate at Duke University, will explain how diversity can greatly benefit scientific research and argue the need for an inclusive environment to propel scientific progress and ultimately foster societal development.
Bach Nguyen is a highly motivated scientist who has been trained extensively in diverse biochemical disciplines. At Japan's Nagoya University, he was trained in organic synthesis and chemical biology, where he synthesized small molecules and tested their biological activities in plants. Since 2021, he has been pursuing a doctoral degree at Duke University School of Medicine. At Duke, he is researching enzymes' mechanisms and their potential applications in antibiotic development under the supervision of Dr. Kenichi Yokoyama. These studies involve knowledge and techniques in various fields including enzymology, chemical biology, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx