Celebrating Diversity - Xuan Le

May: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In the College of Engineering, all are welcome. To better share the stories of how our faculty, staff, students and alumni are diverse in their many varying forms, we are celebrating various heritage and other nationally recognized months. This recognition will include stories about those in our greater engineering community, as well as sharing events and other opportunities.

Xuan Le

Student: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Q: Describe a bit about your personal and/or professional background.

A: I am a senior studying chemical engineering here at UNL. I had an opportunity to do a co-op in the Spring of 2020, where I worked at a chemical plant that produces phosphoric acid. I was born and raised in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I started my studying abroad adventure when I was 13, attending high school in Bellevue, NE.

Q: What is your role in the College of Engineering – and what do you enjoy (love!) about what you are doing?

A: I consider myself very fortunate to have been awarded the UCARE grant the past several years. I work as a student researcher for Dr. Wei Niu’s research group. My research focuses on the engineering of Carboxylic Acid Reductases (CARs), which are multidomain enzymes that catalyze the direct reduction of carboxylic acids into their corresponding aldehydes. I love doing research because I feel that I am making a positive impact. I also really enjoy working with my lab group.

I am very involved with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). I have served as the organization’s Outreach Chair, Treasurer, and I am excited to lead as President for the next school year. I also act as a liaison between SWE and the College of Engineering Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I feel very honor to have the opportunity to voice my concerns, to be heard, and also listen to different perspective.

Q: Why is your heritage meaningful to you and your family? Is there a specific example/event/tradition of how you showcase or celebrate your heritage in its many forms?

A: Cultural celebration fosters respect and open-mindedness. It is important to celebrate my heritage because I get to commemorate the events and traditions that have made me who I am today. Celebrating heritage doesn’t need to be huge; it can be as little as enjoying a home cooked meal with your family or dressing up in your traditional clothes.

Q: What advice can you give students or others considering or pursuing engineering as a career?

A: I have been told numerous times that persistent is key. There will be times where it seems impossible to come up with an answer to a homework problem for example. However, this goes to show that you are still learning and enriching your knowledge. Keep going!