Science Corps Fellows > Dr. An Tran

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Dr. An Tran​​​

Discovering Biodiversity Through Research: Dr. An Tran’s Lasting Impact at CVIF

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The Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) hosted Dr. An Tran as a Science Corps Fellow from January to June 2026. Drawing on her background in plant sciences, marine microbiology, and scientific research, she brought hands-on expertise directly into the classroom.

Dr. An earned her Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from the University of Cambridge, where she investigated how microalgae can be cultivated on a large scale for the production of high-value bioproducts. Her interest in the microbial world further inspired her postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she studies marine microbes associated with particles and their roles in global biogeochemical cycles. Her research contributes to a deeper understanding of the microorganisms that influence the functioning of Earth's ecosystems.

Beyond her scientific work, Dr. An is passionate about science communication and making scientific knowledge accessible to everyone. She believes in sharing the wonders of science beyond the laboratory and inspiring others to develop curiosity about the natural world. Outside research, she enjoys hiking, climbing, sailing, and seeking out new adventures in the outdoors.

During her fellowship at CVIF, Dr. An handled the Research Project and Capstone Project for Grade 12 STEM Section A. She mentored students as they developed their research projects, guiding them through scientific inquiry, research methods, and the process of presenting and communicating their findings.

Her contributions continued even after the school year ended. Dr. An collaborated with CVIF in developing Learning Activity Sheets (LAS), particularly focusing on Biodiversity and its applications in scientific research. This topic is especially relevant to CVIF students, as many of their research projects focus on marine science and the diverse ecosystems found in the coastal and marine areas of Jagna Bay. Through these learning materials, students gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity, its importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the scientific approaches used to study and document different forms of life. The lessons also provide valuable foundations for investigating local marine resources, understanding ecological relationships, and addressing environmental concerns through research.

Through her fellowship and continued collaboration with CVIF, Dr. An has contributed to strengthening the school's research instruction and expanding its science learning resources. Her work reflects the Science Corps mission of bringing scientific expertise into local classrooms and empowering students to become curious, critical, and independent thinkers.

Thank you, Dr. An, for sharing your scientific knowledge, passion, and commitment to research education with the CVIF community!