Cuong Diep
For Cuong Diep, studying molecules and proteins is where it’s at. It’s not only given him a career, but also has led to the kind of research that changes lives. Learn more about him in this week’s Meet Our Faculty feature.
What is it about the biology field that initially drew you in—and ultimately keeps you interested?
I was initially drawn to the intricacies of molecular biology and how molecules like proteins work to regulate biological processes. What kept my long-term interest was how these biological processes affect our health and that understanding them can lead to treatment for diseases.
Why do you enjoy teaching in this discipline?
It can be hard for students to learn about things that they cannot see, such as cells and proteins. I like the challenge of making complex processes easier to understand and demonstrating how basic science research can be translated into technology and treatments.
What advice would you give students about how to succeed in college?
I would recommend getting research experience starting as a freshman, reading as much as possible, and always asking questions.
Tell us something most of your students may not know about you.
I commute 90 minutes each way to IUP.