Jaein Kho

As a foreigner living in the Philippines, opportunities for STEM related research are not easy to come across. Therefore, taking the initiative in reaching out to programs overseas has helped me grow into the person I am today. Specifically in research programs that ElioAcademy has provided in my search for a future field to specialize in. The pandemic regarding COVID-19 has shaped my visions for a career I would like to pursue, especially regarding Immunology and Pharmacology being incorporated into the research I do now. 

I have always been a more artistically inclined person however, while growing up. At a certain point, I would have wanted to pursue a career in the arts than my current passion for Immunology. It is through the people around me and the circumstances of the pandemic that I found myself growing passionate about healthcare and the pharmaceutical sciences industry. Rather than having to choose between my interests, I hope to find a balance between them and discover careers that can take account of both aspects. 

Through the 2023 Extended Research Program at ElioAcademy, I’ve strengthened my growing interest in pharmaceutical research and Immunology. This program helped me understand key components of forming a White Paper, understanding research articles to the extent of developing cohesive discussions about HIV and understanding beyond my current area of knowledge, which previously included Oncology. This way I can apply my knowledge in my future careers and future programs that I wish to apply to in hopes of obtaining more knowledge in the field of Immunology. 

Statement of Purpose

If there is one thing I desire as someone who is pursuing Biology, it is to help people as much as I possibly can with the applications of both the arts and sciences. It is through this desire that I aspire to work in a pharmaceutical field that helps those in need, especially in the ever growing future of technology and arts. 

First and foremost, my main goal is to be able to apply my art skills and knowledge to biomedical science in order to create something that could sooner bring more innovation and open-mindedness to a fast growing society. My first introduction to this path was through the help of a student studying pre medicine, where I was stunned between choosing a path of arts or a path of sciences and medicine. It was only recently I learned that it is possible to apply both passions in my studies, and I wish to learn more in order to grow further and quickly help those in need of my particular skills.

What speaks to me the most about Biomedical Science is the understanding of our own human bodies on a distant molecular level, and how even the smallest details can change so much in human anatomy. There is yet to explore Biomedical science further but by taking this first step is the only way I can bring myself closer to learning more about my interests as someone who is still a growing junior. 

Over the past two years, COVID-19 has shaped the world into what it is today. With its effects in the world also came the possibilities for more biomedical solutions and thus the start of my own interest for biomedicine and the different applications that can be provided with it. In biomedicine, I believe that there is always so much more to explore and find, which makes it so endearing to study for. Throughout the years we've been stuck in our homes from COVID-19, I've conversed with students studying pre medicine or biology online and have been deeply inspired by their studies and their neverending help for my career choices. With my knowledge of immunology and oncology projected into art, I chose to use it for my CAS projects in my IB course, and will continue to create more digital works for the sake of my growing passions as both an aspiring artist and scientist. 

So through the application of my personal skills and the knowledge of my passions, I would like to bring a more diverse environment to the table and without a doubt, will keep performing my utmost best to maintain a perfect balance between the arts and sciences for my own future choices.

As much as possible, I want to gain as much experience as I can for my future plans and to build a better portfolio for myself in order to help people in need. Before taking the Cancer Biology course and learning more in-depth information about Molecular Biology, I've only ever had to do projects on my own and handle advice from people across the globe. However, I believe that my experiences through my past course only further grew my interest in the subject. From genetic engineering to the research of gene effects in diseases, this kind of knowledge only drives me to learn more about biomedical technology and research on a greater level.

In the long run, the more opportunities I take in gaining more knowledge of the biomedical field, the closer I am to applying my research to contribute to better healthcare in society.