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Jet Dung

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Finalist

Bio

My name is Jet Dung, and I am a senior at Central High School. I have a strong interest in chemistry, specifically organic chemistry, and I plan to pursue a career as a pharmacist or within the pharmaceutical industry. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and engaging in various other hobbies.

Education

Central HS

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Pharmaceuticals

    • Dream career goals:

      Live comfortably with a purpose

      Sports

      Volleyball

      Varsity
      2021 – Present5 years

      Research

      • Construction Trades, Other

        Fathers Self Employed — Assistant
        2019 – Present

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation — Cleaner
        2025 – Present
      Aaron Libson Champion of Human Rights Scholarship
      Growing up, I learned that medicine did not always come in a prescription bottle; sometimes it came in many forms. It could be an herbal concoction or a foreign practice passed down from my grandparents. These practices all came from my background as an Asian-American. Although they seemed strange at the time, I grew accustomed to them. Though as I learned more about modern healthcare, my trust in its effectiveness had me question: Does traditional Chinese medicine really work? As I searched Google for answers, I found that some practices are effective, while others can be harmful. Although information exists online, much of it remains under-researched. Another problem I found was that it was not always accessible or clearly communicated. Especially to those who need it most, such as those who commonly practice traditional Chinese medicine. Many people, such as the Chinese elderly, rely on traditional Chinese medicine without fully understanding its effects. Others dismiss these practices entirely, overlooking treatments that can have real medical value. Language and cultural barriers often leave these communities vulnerable to misinformation and a lack of clear, reliable information. Recognizing this gap made me realize that this issue needed to change. A social change centered on educating communities about healthcare through a cultural lens. My goal is to not only research the effects of traditional Chinese medicine but also to use that knowledge to educate various communities about the true value of this ancient form of medicine. I want to share my findings through science-based evidence without undermining the cultural significance that it holds for many people like myself. Traditional Chinese medicine is important to my family and many others, and I want to highlight the good while spreading awareness. Healthcare advice is shaped as much by culture as it is by science. This intersection of culture, medicine, and access to reliable health information is what led me to choose pharmacy. As a pharmacist, I want to conduct research focused on traditional Chinese medicine and communicate the evidence-based findings to the communities that rely on it. Whether it's the humble streets of Chinatown or the neighborhoods of Philadelphia, I want to encourage communities to embrace the traditions that are meaningful, as well as spread healthy medical practices to people who may be unaware of them. By bridging the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with evidence-based research, I hope to leave a lasting impact, helping people heal and make informed decisions that honor both their culture and their health.