Carl Andersen Tan - About me | Carl Andersen Tan

WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO?

What has always drawn me in isn’t studying cells or molecules for their own sake—it’s the possibility that knowledge can improve someone’s life. For me, science has always been about turning understanding into action; after all, what value does knowledge hold if it isn’t used to make a difference? During my adolescence, I thought that path would be to become a doctor, the most direct way to serve others through medicine. Over time, I realized that the same purpose can be fulfilled in many ways, by applying knowledge thoughtfully and working alongside others toward meaningful solutions.

My journey has often been about stepping into the unknown and learning as I go. When I first joined a lab in Japan, I wasn’t given a project or clear instructions. I had to navigate dense, unfamiliar literature, identify gaps, and figure out where I could contribute—even as an undergraduate who did not understand all the fancy jargon. Many of my first ideas didn’t work, and some were rejected entirely. It was frustrating, but it taught me patience, persistence, and the value of learning through trial and error. Looking back, those moments of struggle were some of the most important in shaping how I approach challenges today.

This experience inspired me to pursue a dual degree in Biology and Agriculture, seeking both a deep understanding of life at the molecular level and a practical perspective on how discoveries translate into innovations that improve people’s lives. My biology degree taught me the workings of cells, while my agriculture degree showed me how those insights are applied in medicines, technologies, and other real-world solutions. Together, they shaped how I approach problems: with analytical rigor and a focus on the people my work ultimately serves.

Alongside my academic journey, living and studying across the Philippines, Japan, and the United States has taught me how much we can learn from one another. Collaborating with people from different cultures and backgrounds highlighted the importance of empathy, communication, and shared effort. I’ve come to value not just achievement, but the ways we support and grow with each other along the way.

At my core, my motivation hasn’t changed since I first dreamed of being a doctor: I want to work with people to serve people. I’m eager to bring my resilience, curiosity, and cross-disciplinary perspective into a dynamic environment where complex ideas can be transformed into solutions that make a real, human impact.

Bringing understanding into action to serve others

My Lore

I was born and raised in the Philippines to a Chinese family, with two younger siblings who I spent much of my childhood chasing around or playfully bothering. From an early age, I was what we call 'kulit'—mischievous, adventurous, and always asking questions. As I grew older, that curiosity expanded beyond childhood antics into a love for exploring the world, discovering new music, experimenting with science and technology, and finding joy in small everyday discoveries—from hidden cafés to fascinating facts learned from a random documentary. That hunger to understand and experience the world has always driven me to seek out new opportunities and challenges.

When the pandemic hit, it limited the kind of learning and adventure I craved, and dissatisfied with online classes in the Philippines, I decided to take a leap abroad to Japan on a scholarship. My curiosity in science caught the attention of a professor, who invited me to assist in research—my first real exposure to hands-on scientific inquiry, and the moment I fell in love with exploring ideas in a tangible way. Later, an opportunity arose to pursue a second degree in the United States through an experimental program, and I eagerly embraced the challenge, completing two years’ worth of courses in just one.

Along the way, I learned to navigate new cultures, meet people from all walks of life, and discover that the most meaningful connections often come from simple gestures and shared experiences. Today, back in the Philippines, that same curiosity continues to guide me—whether in friendships, work, or life in general—reminding me that every day is a chance to learn something new, meet someone inspiring, and make a small difference in the world.