What do chemical engineering, the aurora borealis, semiconductors and badminton all have in common? That would be Hsiao-Hsuan (Renee) Wan, a third-year chemical engineering Ph.D. student.
Wan came to her academic choice organically because her Taiwanese family has a strong background in chemical engineering. Her mother holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and her father has an M.S. in chemical engineering. Growing up in this environment naturally sparked her interest in the field.
Wan’s parents had successful career paths and seeing the impact of their work inspired Wan to follow a similar path. She was drawn to how chemical engineering principles can be applied to rapidly advancing and cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors and biosensors, and her research focuses on those two areas.
Wan’s research takes place in the lab of Fan Ren, Ph.D., a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Her work is helping her reach her goal of contributing to “developments that improve people’s lives, whether by enhancing medical diagnostics or advancing electronic devices. The idea of creating something impactful motivates me every day,” she explains.
When not focusing on her schoolwork, Wan is passionate about badminton and has been playing for over 15 years. She is in UF’s badminton club and represents the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering in tournaments. She is particularly proud of her team’s first place win in a 2022 regional competition. Once she graduates and has more free time, her bucket list includes traveling to Iceland to witness the aurora borealis.
By Ada Lang
Marketing & Communications Specialist