Forging into the unknown to uncover new inspirations — that’s the Diplomat way. For He Zhuo ’24, this meant exploring different fields before discovering an unexpectedly acute interest in chemistry. Now, he’s pursuing a doctorate in chemistry at Vanderbilt University. 

“Majoring in chemistry at F&M provided me with a robust foundation in the subject,” Zhuo said. “The faculty were not only knowledgeable, but also deeply invested in students' academic and personal growth.”

Zhuo is a member of F&M’s Class of 2024. Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

He Zhuo ’24

Major: Chemistry

Pursuing: Doctorate in chemistry at Vanderbilt University

What did the first six months after graduating from F&M look like?

After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College, I transitioned directly into the chemistry Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University. The initial months were quite intensive, involving rotations through three different research groups, enrolling in two graduate-level courses, and serving as a teaching assistant for the general chemistry lab. This period was demanding, but the comprehensive education and hands-on experience I received at F&M equipped me well to handle these challenges.

How did your F&M experience prepare you for where you are now?

Majoring in chemistry at F&M provided me with a robust foundation in the subject. The faculty were not only knowledgeable, but also deeply invested in students' academic and personal growth. My mentor, (Charles A. Dana Professor of Chemistry) Jennifer Morford, played an important role in developing my research skills and deepening my understanding of chemical concepts, which have been invaluable in my graduate studies.

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at F&M?

My current academic path differs significantly from what I envisioned during my first year at F&M. At that time, I was attending classes online from Shanghai due to the pandemic and hadn’t decided on a major. It was through my positive experience in the general chemistry course, taught by the professor who later became my mentor, that I discovered my interest in chemistry. This unexpected interest has since evolved into a dedicated pursuit of a Ph.D. in the field.

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

Reflecting on my college selection process, I chose F&M because of its supportive and engaged faculty. The college’s status as a small liberal arts institution allowed for meaningful interactions with professors, fostering an environment where students could develop both academically and personally.

He Zhuo ’24 said a positive experience in a general course helped him discover an interest in chemistry. "This unexpected interest has since evolved into a dedicated pursuit of a Ph.D. in the field," he said.

While the initial months of Vanderbilt University's chemistry Ph.D. program were intensive, Zhuo was empowered by the robust foundation he built at F&M. "The comprehensive education and hands-on experience I received at F&M equipped me well to handle these challenges," he said.

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