Matthew Nguyen has been named one of our Winter 2023 Undergraduates of the Quarter; and we’re so proud.  Mathew is from Beaverton, Oregon and is currently studying chemistry here at Oregon State University. Being close to home as well as the largest research university in Oregon are the main reasons that Mathew decided to attend Oregon State. Mathew was never interested in chemistry until he took AP chemistry in high school, where he had a chance to develop his interest. Despite being in this course at the height of the pandemic, and only watching experiments through the screen, Mathew knew that this was the right pathway for him. 

Beginning his freshman year, Mathew was quick to get into research. He was very eager to start experimenting and figuring out exactly what aspect of chemistry interests him the most. He asked his organic chemistry professor about labs to join, and one particular lab, Dr. Kyriakos Stylianou’s lab came up as a recommendation. After talking to various professors, and reading some recent publications, Mathew decided that the chemistry of Kyriakos’s lab was the most interesting and decided to make the commitment of attending the research meetings. Later on, he was able to officially join the lab and begin projects of his own.

Currently, Mathew is doing research on Metal Organic Frameworks, or MOFs. As of now, he is working on two different projects – one is studying a nickel-based MOF, and the other is studying a cerium-based MOF. The Nickel MOF project is focused on studying its water capture properties, in addition to experimenting with its synthetic pathways through the use of polymer beads. The cerium MOF project focuses on its properties in photocatalysis, in addition to finding new uses for this material. This Cerium project also extends into identifying new MOFs, where he is studying synthetic pathways for derivatives of the Cerium MOF.

After he completes his undergraduate degree Mathew will be moving on to complete his Masters in chemistry. Past this Mathew is deciding between pursuing a Ph.D. or going to medical school. Both of which have been dreams of his. Right now, Mathew is just focused on pushing out publications.

Outside of the chemistry lab, Mathew can be found rock climbing or preparing for meetings with the Vietnamese Student Association for which he is an officer. He can also be found playing the guitar or eating Phở.

We’re so proud of everything Matthew has accomplished so far, and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in the future.