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Ming-Yu Ngai

A Bit About Ming

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.

Education

2011-2013 

2009-2011

2004-2008

2002-2003

2000-2003

Harvard University, Post-doctoral Fellow, Advisor: Professor Tobias Ritter

Stanford University, Croucher Post-doctoral Fellow, Advisor: Professor Barry M. Trost

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), Ph.D., Chemistry, Advisor: Professor Michael J. Krische

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Exchange Student, Advisor: Professor Michael S. VanNeuwenhze

The University of Hong Kong (HKU), B.Sc. Chemistry, Advisors: Professor Chi-Ming Che and Professor Wai-Kin Chan

Awards & Honors

2023
Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Texas at Austin
2021
Maximizing Investigator Research Award for Established Investigator (NIGMS, 2021-2026)
2019
Discovery Prize Finalist (SBU)
2019
Young Academic Investigator (ACS-Division of Organic Chemistry)
2019
NSF CAREER Award (2019-2024)
2018
Young Academic Inventors Award (National Academy of Inventors SBU Chapter)
2017
ChemComm Emerging Investigator
2016
Maximizing Investigator Research Award (NIGMS, 2016-2021)
2016
Individual Development Awards (SBU)
2016
Thieme Chemistry Journal Award 2016
2015
Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry New Talent
2009
Croucher Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2009-2011)
2007
Wendell Gordon Fellowship (UT Austin)
2007
Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award (Environmental Protection Agency, US)
2007
William S. Livingston Award for the Outstanding Graduate Student Academic Employee (UT Austin)
2004
Robert H. Hamilton/Eugene P. Schoch Fellowship (UT Austin)
2003
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (UCSD)
2002
HKU Worldwide Undergraduate Student Exchange Program Scholarship
2000
Deans Honors List (HKU, 2000-2003)
2000
Cheung King Pak Memorial Scholarship (HKU)
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