Wu Tianxing, a BNBU student of the Class of 2022 from the Food Science and Technology, has stepped into a new chapter from food science to biomedical research. He is currently working at a leading pharmaceutical research company in the US, on the preclinical development and transformation of scientific and technological achievements of the stem cell therapy products.
A risky and life-changing decision
Back in 2019, Wu was a first-year student at a local university in China, but something felt off. He was lost, Wu recalled. Then he stumbled upon here, and resolutely took a leap for its liberal arts education and full-English teaching environment.
"At first, I thought English was just a tool. Later, I realised it was a key to a much larger world," Wu said. However, adjusting to a new life wasn't easy. Mid-semester entry, all-English courses, and the sudden transition to online learning during the pandemic tested him to the core.
Determined to catch up, Wu crafted a grueling study schedule. He took good advantage of his classes and the communications with his teachers. "Prof Xu Baojun encouraged me to slow down, adjust my learning strategies, and trust the process," he said. That guidance helped him catch up academically — and grow exponentially.
Beefed up capability, cross-discipline learning
BNBU's liberal arts education proved transformative. Besides his major classes from the Food Science and Technology programme, courses on biology, chemistry, nutrition, physiology, toxicology, and applied ethics also fostered his interdisciplinary thinking. A discussion on assisted reproductive technologies in an ethics course reshaped his views on science and social responsibility, while his undergraduate research experience deepened his scientific curiosity.
Pursuing Biomedical Dreams in the US
In 2022, Wu was admitted to several top US universities for graduate studies in biology. Drawn to medicine, he chose the School of Medicine at Boston University. However, his admission required an additional IELTS score.
Confident in his UIC background, Wu contacted the admissions office, explaining his full-English education. After persistent communication, he secured an IELTS exemption—an "adventure that paid off."
During his master's, Wu specialized in oncology and pathology, interning at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he contributed to CAR-T therapy research. This hands-on experience solidified his passion for biomedical innovation.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Now working in regenerative medicine, Wu is optimistic about AI in accelerating drug development. However, he acknowledges ongoing uncertainties, emphasizing adaptability, resilience, and communication for researchers.
To aspiring biomedical students at UIC, he offers three key tips: master core sciences, gain hands-on research experience, and refine academic writing and cross-cultural communication skills.
Last month, Wu attended the UIC Boston Center inauguration, where he was appointed a board member of the UIC Alumni Association in the US. He hopes to strengthen alumni connections and support fellow UIC graduates abroad.
"We may not always make the right choices, but we can always make our choices right." Looking ahead, Wu remains committed to bridging scientific innovation with real-world applications, embracing lifelong learning.
From MPRO
Reporter: Uki Zhou
Photos provided by the interviewee
Editor: Cecilia Yu
