Two NYU Shanghai Sophomores Named Amgen Scholars

Two neuroscience majors, James Chen ’24 and Valeria Zhou ’24, have been selected for the 2022 Amgen Scholars Program. Sponsored by the Amgen Foundation, the program provides undergraduates with opportunities to conduct research at 24 top universities and research institutes around the world. Chen and Zhou, who are the first-ever NYU Shanghai students to be selected for the program, will join 20 other students in an eight week biomedical research program at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Tsinghua University.    

In addition to conducting research alongside top faculty, Amgen Scholars at Tsinghua and other global universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Cambridge, will participate in seminars and networking events, and take part in symposia with their peers and leading scientists. They will be provided with tuition housing, meals, air tickets, and a living stipend.

Though only in his second year at NYU Shanghai, Chen has already built a significant research resume, having participated in a Deans' Undergraduate Research Fund project last summer, and working in Professor Tian Xing’s neuroscience lab this year. “I feel lucky for the rich research opportunities open to undergraduates at NYU Shanghai,” he said.“Those lab experiences helped me to build a solid foundation and learn the basics of doing research, which I believe are the essential factors in my successful application to the Amgen Scholars Program.” 

James Chen presenting ideas in class.

“Also, from guiding me to figure out the research direction to writing recommendation letters for me, I really appreciate the great support from our professors during the program’s application process.”

At Tsinghua this summer, Zhou said she hopes to focus on neural engineering and ways it can be applied to improving the lives of people with disabilities. She said her inspiration came from a video shown by Assistant Professor of Neural and Cognitive Sciences Cai Xinying in his course, Introduction to Neural Science. “The video was about decoding peripheral nerve signals to help physically challenged persons to function with robotic prostheses. The science behind it is the combination of neuroscience and engineering, exactly what I’m learning and hoping to dig into. Tsinghua’s specialty in this intersection area fits well with my interests, ” she said. 

Valeria Zhou volunteered in Huaihua, Hunan Province, 2021. She taught hip hop and scheduled events for the kids in the program.

Associate Professor of Neural and Cognitive Sciences Tian Xing has mentored both students, who are currently enrolled in his course on Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience. “They are both top students in the cohort of rising juniors, and have expressed extreme passion for neuroscience research,” he said.

“As Amgen Scholars, James and Valeria are joining a community of committed researchers around the world. They should be congratulated not only on their selection for such a competitive and well-regarded global award, but also for having the courage to apply for it. Behind the success is a lot of hard work and preparation, with close support from their mentors and faculty,” said Anna Kathryn Kendrick, Director of Global Awards. “Valeria's and James’ success paves the way for future students from NYU Shanghai, who will benefit from their widened experiences and gain new models and renewed inspiration in pursuing social impact through biotech research.”