#IamUCI – Curtis Hu
B.S., pharmaceutical sciences | School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Curtis Hu’s career path was shaped by his upbringing in a family of doctors, with roots in a Taipei, Taiwan, clinic blending Eastern and Western medicine. These early experiences sparked his interest in healthcare and business. Now, as a student at UC Irvine, Hu has delved into diverse academic interests, gearing up for a career at the intersection of healthcare and business management. “I’m truly excited by advancements in drug delivery and gene therapies,” he says. Currently, Hu assists in a research project at UC Irvine’s BioTherapeutics Engineering Laboratory that focuses on improving gene therapy by encapsulating adeno-associated virus vectors with extracellular vesicles. Postgraduation, he plans to further his expertise at Northwestern University with a master’s in biotechnology.
Who at UC Irvine has been an influence or made a significant impact on you?
Professor Young Jik Kwon [pharmaceutical sciences, chemical and biomolecular engineering, biomedical engineering, and molecular biology and biochemistry] has made the most significant impact on me, sparking my passion for making a difference through biotechnology.
What advice would you give to a student starting their academic journey at UC Irvine?
Treasure and enjoy the moment! Four years may sound long, but they pass quickly. Use this time to connect with others and explore your passions!
What makes you a proud Anteater?
The dedication of our faculty members and the supportive learning environment at UC Irvine have truly shaped my academic journey. It fills me with pride to call myself an Anteater. Zot! Zot! Zot!