Van Q. Truong

Introduction

Hi, I'm Van! I am a data scientist specializing in computational immunology and translational biomedical informatics. Currently, I am co-mentored by Dr. Marylyn Ritchie and Dr. John Wherry at the University of Pennsylvania Genomics & Computational Biology PhD Program and Wharton School Dual-Master's in Statistics & Data Science.

I am primarily a computational scientist, but sometimes I wear other hats. I previously served as the liaison between the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective and the Penn Interdisciplinary Network for Scientists Promoting Inclusion, Retention, and Equity.

Additionally, I am committed to the mentorship and empowerment of underrepresented students. Previously at age 19, I biked solo across the country to fundraise for this cause which is close to my heart. I continue to closely mentor high school, college, post-bac, and graduate students.

JUST FOR FUN

My interests outside of science include mountain biking, rock climbing, playing on the Wharton "Wildebeests" rugby team, previously playing on Penn Women's "Venus" ultimate frisbee team, camping, cooking, foraging, freelance scientific illustration, designing interactive art sculptures, and serving as the Executive Director of Village Bridges, a Vietnamese heritage organization I co-founded with a team of young women from my village to serve our diaspora community.

Some things I've put together:

NEWS

2023

2022

2021

2020

FEATURED PRESS

Penn Graduate Student Center Newsletter, Three PhD Students from Penn Selected as 2022 Microsoft Research PhD Fellows, https://gsc.upenn.edu/2022-microsoft-research-phd-fellows 

The Huffington Post, "One Florida Student Turned Studying Into Art"

USA Today, "Art meets science: Florida student's creation catching campus' eye"

The Gainesville Sun, "UF students' community projects gain financial support"

Lake Alice, University of Florida College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Magazine featured a profile on my relentless drive and perseverance as a first-generation immigrant and college student

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CONTINUING EDUCATION

van-conference-and-meetings