Boone Prentice and Yu Tin Lin collaborate in the Prentice Lab. Photo by Michel Thomas.
Fueling Passion: Yu Tin Lin Finds New Focus In Research
Yu Tin Lin, a third-year undergraduate with a triple major in chemistry, biology, and statistics, began his freshman year with his sights set on becoming a physician. However, Lin’s undergraduate research involvement in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences changed his entire trajectory.
As a recipient of a variety of awards, including the CLAS Scholars Program and the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, Lin is thankful for the support he’s found at UF. The opportunities have crystallized his desire to pursue a career in scientific research. He only wishes that more students could be provided with similar opportunities to cultivate their success. “These experiences really encourage students like me to nurture the learning process and develop their goals,” Lin said.
Born and raised in Taiwan, Lin initially struggled to adjust to his new learning environment at the University of Florida. Still, he persevered, taking courses across a variety of disciplines to develop his skills. An introductory research class offered by Beyond120 lecturer Jacob Watson first piqued Lin’s interest, inspiring him to pursue an internship in the Department of Chemistry’s Prentice Lab.
“I didn’t have any experience in a lab, and I was afraid to even touch the equipment at first,” he recalled. But Lin embraced the opportunity to learn from leading chemists, finding mentors in Boone Prentice and Ramon Miranda Quintana. Lin attributes much of his academic development to the encouragement and empowerment provided by his mentors.
“Transformation is possible, and the catalysts are research opportunities,” Lin said. “But underlying everything should be curiosity; it’s what drives us all forward.”
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