I believe that math is extremely crucial for developing fields such as bioinformatics, computer science and business analytics.
Linh Truong
- Alum
Mathematics
A Conversation with Linh Truong
What has been the most important realization you have found during your studies at A&M-Commerce?
Math. If I did not know math, I would not have been able to continue my research in biochemistry. I believe that math is extremely crucial for developing fields such as bioinformatics, computer science and business analytics. As the saying goes, “I used to hate math, but then I realized the decimals have a point!” Math is not just about solving algebra problems and passing classes with a long list of complicated formulas. To me, math is truly about applying the understanding of those formulas to understand chemistry equations and concepts.
Would you, as an undergraduate researcher, talk about a time when you used your mathematical skills?
I had a chance to participate in SCUDEM, a mathematical modeling competition in Spring 2018. My group mates and I studied a published biology research paper and came up with a logical differential equation to model a scenario about the survival mechanisms of zebrafish when living in the same environment with their predators.
It was a challenge for all of us, but we managed to pull through it and achieve an Outstanding award.
The competition has taught me to derive equations from research work. During my summer biochemistry research at Houston Methodist Research Institute, I applied the knowledge I learned from mathematical modeling to analyze my research data and prove the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum size change and cholesterol levels in a zebrafish model.
Education
- M.S., Physician Assistant Studies, The University of Texas Medical Branch, in progress
- B.S., Chemistry and Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2020
Experience
- Occupational Health Equity Coordinator, UTMB Center for Violence Prevention, 2021-present
- Certified Pharmacy Technician, Walmart Pharmacy, 2018-2021
- Undergraduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2017-2020
- Research Intern, Houston Methodist, 2018
- Undergraduate Student Researcher, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2017
As a chemistry major, learning math at a higher level has helped me tremendously both in my undergraduate classes and in my research work.
Math is not just about solving algebra problems and passing classes with a long list of complicated formulas. To me, math is truly about applying the understanding of those formulas to understand chemistry equations and concepts.
I had a chance to participate in SCUDEM, a mathematical modeling competition, in Spring 2018 in which my group mates and I studied a published biology research paper and came up with a logical differential equation to model a scenario about survival mechanisms of zebra fish when living in the same environment with their predators.
It was a challenge for all of us, but we managed to pull through it and achieve an Outstanding Award.
The competition has taught me how to derive equations from research work. During my summer biochemistry research at Houston Methodist Research Institute, I applied the knowledge I learned from mathematical modeling to analyze my research data and prove the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum size change and cholesterol level in a zebra fish model.
If I did not know math, I would not have been able to continue my research in biochemistry. I believe that math is extremely crucial for developing fields such as bioinformatics, computer science, business analytics and many others. As the saying goes, “I used to hate math, but then I realized the decimals have a point!”