Ming-Yu Ngai

Coming from a working-class Chinese immigrant family, where his mom was illiterate and his dad had only graduated from elementary school, the odds were slim for him to pursue scientific research, work as a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford and Harvard, and lead a research group at an R1 institute in the United States. However, three life-changing factors brought him to where he is now.

First, Ming's parents, who were very hard-working, immigrated from China to Hong Kong when he was a 7-year-old. They worked 15-hour days, seven days a week, to earn enough money to support Ming and his two siblings. As a result, he has personally experienced economic uncertainty and understands the lives, struggles, and missed opportunities of economically disadvantaged students. Second, Ming was given opportunities through scholarships to participate as an international student in a one-year undergraduate exchange program at the University of California at San Diego, followed by a Ph.D. program at the University of Texas at Austin. As an international student, Ming had numerous opportunities to interact with and learn from students from diverse backgrounds worldwide. He witnessed firsthand how diversity fosters innovation and creativity, strengthening academia. Third, Ming was fortunate to meet teachers and mentors who believed in him and invested in his development.

As someone who overcame numerous challenges to pursue his passion for chemistry, not only through his personal efforts but also with the love, support, and encouragement of his family, brothers and sisters in Christ, mentors, teachers, and friends, he fully recognizes the importance of his role as a teacher and mentor in helping students from all backgrounds succeed. Above all, he credits God for guiding and blessing his journey.