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Wenkai (Kevin) Huang

Class of 2025

Why did you choose to pursue a Childhood Education/Biology, BS major? Why did you choose to attend ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ?

I chose an education major because I enjoyed working with children in summer camps in Shanghai, China, where I am from. Biology was also one of my favorite subjects in high school, and when I realized my passion for research in my junior year at ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ, I continued with my education major and enrolled in as many biology and chemistry courses as possible.

ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ came up on my radar because one of my best friends had been admitted, and, since ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ offered an education major (my primary interest at the time), I applied and decided to enroll.

You have been accepted to Penn State’s Plant Biology PhD program. How has your experience as a student at ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ prepared you for this extraordinary achievement? Tell us about all the research opportunities you’ve had with the New York Biology department and its faculty.

One of the advantages of the Biology department is that it is a small department with a high faculty to student ratio, which allows students to have both closer relationships and more research opportunities with them.

In my sophomore year, Professor Eric Brenner, PhD, introduced me to research, and, with funding from ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ’s Provost Office, I presented my work on plant movement in his lab at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, California. It was a wonderful opportunity, as I got to experience what it is like to attend a conference and make great connections with fellow undergraduate researchers.

In my junior year, I was fascinated by Professor Jeanmaire Molina’s (PhD) research on the endangered Rafflesia (a parasitic plant, as well as the world’s largest flower) and became a paid research assistant in her lab, thanks to funding from a National Science Foundation grant. She also funded me to attend the world’s largest plant biology conference, the American Society of Plant Biologists, in Hawaii, where I shared our research. Additionally, I have co-authored two papers with Professor Molina, one published in , and another in . It has been amazing to have two academic publications as an undergraduate, and I believe this was a huge advantage when applying for PhD programs, as research skills and publications are heavily valued.

It has been amazing to have two academic publications as an undergraduate, and I believe this was a huge advantage when applying for PhD programs, as research skills and publications are heavily valued.

At a conference at the WPUNJ Symposium at William Paterson University, funded by the biology department, I presented posters for my research with both Professors Brenner and Molina, and each won second place in their respective categories.

Other key faculty include Professor William Eaton, PhD, who expanded my research and analytical skills, including scientific writing, data analytics, and statistical testing, and Professor Mauro Fa, PhD, who provided constructive criticism on my research papers. Further, I am grateful to Professor and Lab Director Kelly McDaniel, PhD, who keeps students safe in the labs.

What other activities have you been involved in as a student?

I’m the founder and president of the , the idea for which was to create a community for plant lovers at ÃÛÌÒ¹¤×÷ÊÒ. Some of the events we have hosted include tea talks on the medicinal properties of teas, potting events, terrarium days, and more. This role has allowed me to practice leadership, planning, and collaboration skills.

What advice, if any, would you like to give to students?

Self-doubts are real, but if we truly have the passion, we can achieve way more than what we believe. Also, be kind to and forgive yourself if the outcome isn’t what you were wishing for. Everything that happens is arranged for the best, even if it may not feel like that in the moment.