Peng Zhang

Mentor

I was born on an oasis in the desert.  My parents dedicated their youth for the prosperity of Northwestern China.  My childhood was full of wildness with yellow sand, until later the whole family moved to the Southeastern part. Then life became colorful.

Probably because I am afraid of the feeling of being locked-up in the desert, my heart always leads me to seek new challenges in a bigger world. I graduated from Beijing Medical University.  With the curiosity in life sciences, instead of becoming a doctor, I chose to join a Masters program in biochemistry and molecular biology at Peking University. Eventually, I also completed a Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry in the USA, with emphasis on medicinal chemistry research in anticancer and antiviral medication development.  After graduation, I worked in NIDA to continue my interest in medicinal chemistry research in neuro-disorder treatment.  Currently, I am working in a pharmaceutical company, providing technical support for medicine manufactory and generic drug application.

Strict education and working experience in life sciences have taught me to always think in an efficient way, which also benefits my personal life. After the chaos at the first beginning, now I can handle my 2-kid family with a pretty busy schedule. Again, it is time to move on. This year, I called it an elegant year, a year to improve my understanding of life, of culture, of woman, of responsibility, of self-value.  Thanks for the opportunity to be a mentor.  I am sure this will be the starting point for my next stage, to give back to society, to share my experience, to pass on my lessons, to spread my ideas of cross-culture and of independence.​