Peirong Chen is a second year graduate student in Temple University’s Dual Bachelor’s Master’s Degree (DBMD) Program, who plans to graduate in May 2011. Animal science was her undergraduate major at Tunghai University and now she studies molecular biology.

“I love Philadelphia,” says Peirong, “Students who enjoy a big city with a historical setting will feel right at home here.” Another advantage of Philadelphia is its proximity to New York City, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., making it a hub for national travel. In addition to these, Peirong has traveled to Maine and Arizona.

Peirong works just two miles north of Temple’s Main Campus on the Health Sciences Campus as a research assistant. She conducts experiments under the supervision of a faculty advisor in the Fels Institute, a molecular biology laboratory. Currently, the Fels Institute’s policies and programs are oriented toward research and training in cancer-related basic biological and biochemical sciences, with progressive extension into the areas of molecular, developmental and chemical biology to advance knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of cancer. A major goal of the Institute is to utilize the advances made in basic science programs to develop novel targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer. This is Peirong’s second semester assisting at the Fels Institute. She lives in housing on the Health Sciences Campus to make the commute easier.

“Temple’s DBMD program has been a rewarding experience for me,” remarks Peirong. “The faculty are very knowledgeable about the DBMD program and are constantly checking in and asking how I am doing. The faculty and advisors really care about you and if there is a problem, they solve it immediately.” Individualized attention is given to each international student by both a program director and a coordinator and they are very accessible for advising and counseling help.

Peirong is an active member of Temple’s Taiwanese Student Association (TSA). Recently, she attended a Chinese New Year celebration in Philadelphia sponsored by TSA which was attended by Senior Vice Provost of International Affairs, Dr. Hai-Lung Dai, Taiwanese Consulate members and students from University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.

After graduation, Peirong would like to find a job in the United States, perhaps in the pharmaceutical industry that is so prevalent around Philadelphia. She is also thinking about pursuing a PhD in molecular biology.