I was born and raised in San Francisco to Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants. I’m also the eldest daughter and the first in my family to attend college. I pursued a B.S. in biology at San Francisco State University (SFSU) but had no idea about the types of career I could pursue with my degree. My curiosity about life and things around me was my motivation to pursue science. 

During my higher education as a STEM student, I often felt both invisible and visible. As a Southeast Asian (SEA) American, I grappled with stereotypes that didn't entirely define me. I also felt like my experiences as a first-generation college-going SEA student was not ever represented in my classrooms. After graduating, I took some time off but ultimately made a decision to return back to SFSU to pursue a M.S. at SFSU. This path provided me with the opportunity to execute a research project inspired by my own journey as an undergraduate. My research uncovered recommendations for better supporting students who are arguably overlooked in higher education, specifically SEA students. During this time, I also had my daughter, who is now 3 years old. Being both a full-time graduate student and parent wasn’t easy but my amazing daughter was the driving force in completing my degree.

These experiences have shaped my educational perspective, emphasizing student-centered work. As an academic advisor, I recognize the valuable assets students bring from their homes and communities into educational spaces. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where students’ voices are heard, and their needs are advocated for as they navigate higher education. I look forward to my many interactions with students and learning from them. 

Fun Fact: I’m a huge foodie! Food adventures are my favorite. Some of other favorites that fill my soul are: traveling, music, thrifting, stand-up comedy, and spending quality time with my daughter.