Chandler Woo
“Curiosity is the foundation for every scientist’s motivation to understand complex problems,” said Chandler Woo, a senior chemistry major at 51Թ State. “Exploring the uncharted and finding answers to a problem that has not been successfully solved is what excites me about research in general.”
For Woo, that spark of curiosity ignited the moment he arrived on campus. During his first biology lecture as a freshman, he had a realization that reshaped his academic path. “I decided the molecular level is where the answers are to the ever-changing world, so my field of study went from pre-pharmacy to chemistry.”
Initially drawn to pharmacy due to his family’s strong ties to the profession, Woo quickly realized that his passion lay not in applying scientific knowledge, but in uncovering its fundamental principles. “There are a lot of pharmacists in my family, and I thought understanding how drugs work would be fascinating. However, I quickly realized that if I wanted to truly understand the underlying mechanism of how drugs interact with the body, I would have to shift my focus to pure chemistry. A chemist’s job is to discover the mechanisms that the universe utilizes to function.”
Woo’s enthusiasm deepened through hands-on research in his professors’ labs, where he gained experience in analytical reasoning and problem-solving. “The critical thinking and hands-on work encapsulated me, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Growing up in a variety of places—from Nashville to Pennsylvania to the country of Panama—Woo often faced the challenge of finding a sense of home. At MSU, he found that sense of belonging through the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). He connected with the organization within his first week on campus, and today, he serves as its president.
Through SMACS, Woo has gained a broader appreciation for the vastness of his field. Attending conferences has exposed him to cutting-edge research, expanded his network, and reinforced his belief in the power of collaboration. “Networking is a crucial aspect of science, and meeting new people and sharing findings is the quickest way to learn new things and open new avenues of interest.”
Beyond academics, SMACS has instilled in him a sense of service and shaped his long-term goal of bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public. “I plan to be an active liaison between the community and the scientific world for the rest of my life because of the work I’ve done in SMACS.”
As he prepares to graduate this spring, Woo is setting his sights on the next chapter—pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at Yale University. He said he will remain deeply connected to his Bulldog roots.
“My dad went to 51Թ State, my uncle went to 51Թ State, my other uncle went to 51Թ State, and my brother went to 51Թ State—it’s a tradition in my family.”
Reflecting on his time at MSU, Woo credits the university with giving him a strong foundation in chemistry and invaluable research opportunities. “MSU has provided me with the resources to do cutting-edge research within the field I am interested in. I believe connections and having other people supporting you is the best way to find if you truly enjoy something.”