Andrew Hua Law
Singapore
Class of 2009

I want to experience what a chemist does, and what being a scientist is really about.

Global perspective: At 21, Andrew’s older than the average first-year Behrend student, and brings with him a unique worldview. After completing his O level at Saint Andrew Secondary School in Singapore, Andrew spent a year at Columbia International College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Then it was back to Singapore for two years of compulsory military service.

He chose to pursue his degree in the United States “because the way teachers approach their subjects is very interesting, and they seem to be passionate about what they teach. There’s a willingness to connect with students” Andrew said, adding that to him, office hours were a foreign concept.

Future scientist: Andrew won the college’s CRC Press/Outstanding Freshman award given by the School of Science; he hasn’t chosen a major yet, but knows he’ll remain in the school. He’s arranged to begin an undergraduate research project in the fall, working with Alan Jirictano, associate professor of chemistry, to build microcycles; Andrew describes these synthetic ligands as “Superman compounds.” “I want to experience what a chemist does, and what being a scientist is really about,” he said.

Only in America: Full immersion in American culture “is a unique and interesting experience.” Slang threw Andrew for a loop, as did country music. “That was new to me. Have you ever heard the song ‘She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy?’ What is that?” (Andrew prefers hip hop.)

Andrew’s picks:

Book: The Bible

Movie: “Anything animated.”

Music: “Anything with a fast beat.”

Ringtone: Standard. “The only thing worth mentioning about my phone is that I washed it and dried it and it still works.”

Technology I couldn’t live without: Andrews knows that there’s nothing he couldn’t live without—he already has. “In the military they take everything from you, even your watch,” he said. “You have nothing and you get used to it.”