Carl Andersen Tan

Nice to meet you!

I am Carl Tan, a scholar driven by curiosity and a passion for connecting ideas. After graduating high school, I took a leap abroad on a scholarship to study at Kyushu University in Japan, where I discovered a deep passion for research. This experience later led to a second scholarship and a dual degree opportunity at Northern Arizona University in the United States. My academic dedication was recognized when I graduated from Kyushu University as Valedictorian.

These experiences taught me to adapt quickly, communicate effectively across cultures, and tackle challenges with empathy. I aim to apply my scientific training and analytical mindset to create meaningful impact across disciplines and communities.

Core Values

Growth

I define perseverance as the steadfast commitment to see a challenge through. I thrive on the process of solving complex problems, where breakthroughs are built on the foundations of diligent, and daily effort. There is a profound satisfaction in maintaining that focus, and trusting that with sustained resolve, the path forward will become clearer.

I believe that growth comes through challenge, which is why I intentionally take paths less traveled. This belief shaped my personal and academic journey: I became the first student from a Japanese public university to earn two undergraduate degrees on two continents in just four years—a milestone that reflects both ambition and a commitment to embracing new experiences.

Perseverance

Empathy

My empathy is rooted in the honest understanding that we all face setbacks, perfection is not the goal, but growth is. Having navigated my own share of challenges, I've learned to lead with compassion. I strive to create an environment where others feel safe to be imperfect, because I believe the strongest teams are built on trust and mutual support, not on the illusion of flawless performance.

My Research

E-cigarette vapor alters gut microbiota composition in zebrafish

My research focuses on developing a new therapy for a common genetic kidney disease, Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). This condition is often caused by having only one functional copy of the PKD1 or PKD2 gene, which leads to insufficient levels of crucial proteins and results in cyst formation.

To address this, I engineer custom proteins that act like molecular guides. They precisely locate the cell's own genetic instructions for PKD1 and PKD2 and enhance the cell's ability to read them, thereby boosting production of the needed proteins. This approach offers a promising path to correct the underlying cause of ADPKD without altering permanent genetic code. More about this research→

This research explores the potential health impacts of e-cigarettes, going beyond the lungs to understand their effects on our gut and brain. Using zebrafish as a biological model, we investigated how exposure to e-cigarette vapor, both with and without nicotine, influences the body.

We discovered that the vapor significantly alters the community of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome. These microbial shifts were linked to changes in the fish's behavior, including increased activity and a reduced response to stress. Our findings suggest that e-cigarette exposure can disrupt the vital connection between the gut and the brain. This work highlights that even nicotine-free vapor can induce biological changes, providing crucial evidence that the potential risks of e-cigarettes may extend far beyond nicotine addiction. More about this research→

Targeted Upregulation of PKD1/PKD2 with Programmable PPR Proteins: A Versatile Approach for Addressing Haploinsufficiency