Amgen Scholars participants come to the program with many different motivations and inspirations. Thomas (Phu Minh Triet) Nguyen travelled from the University of Adelaide to undertake research after his mother experienced cancer when he was young. During his time in Melbourne, he investigated the underlying mechanism of intestinal cell death induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family using a simple cell line model, under the supervision of Professor Ross Bathgate.
“Something that motivates me to pursue this research is dedicating it to my mum, Thuy. She was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant with my little brother back in 2004. I still remember watching my mom suffering from severe side effects of the breast cancer treatment. I promised to myself to become a scientist to study the underlying mechanism of breast cancer treatment-induced gut toxicities so that the outcome of my research could contribute to a tiny part in helping patients with breast cancer like my mum.”
Thomas’s experiences at the Amgen Scholars Program were key in building his research skills and preparing him for further research. To prospective applicants, he advises: “Whether you are looking for your first hands-on experience or gaining more research experience in a particular research area of interest, go for it! Participating in the ASP is a once in-a-lifetime experience. It’s not only about academic achievement but also about professional and personal maturity.”
Thomas is now continuing to study, now completing his Masters degree and working as an academic tutor in physiology.