2016 Recipients
Justin Chang – San Gabriel, CA
Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
My name is Justin Chang, and I look forward to majoring in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on circuits and embedded systems or integrated circuits. I grew up in San Gabriel, CA, and am very active in my community. I have participated in many extracurricular activities such as basketball, cross country, track and field, Math club (Vice President), Future Business Leaders of America (Treasurer), Engineering and Mathematics Club (Events Coordinator), Kiwanis Key Club, and Rotary Interact Club for all of my high school years. I look forward to joining IEEE, an engineering club in College and hope to join the honors society, Eta Kappa Nu and also conduct undergraduate research for professors. I also hope to participate in an internship program in my sophomore year alongside having hands on experience with OPS in IEEE and one day make a contribution to our world’s technology, seeking to improve efficiency and effectiveness of many items. My passion in Electrical Engineering was sparked by a presentation in my 7th grade career day. The presenter discussed the limitless capabilities an LC circuit had and truly shocked and inspired me to become much more engaged in learning about its properties. As a result, I began to investigate the many different types of products my mom was buying for her business, discovering there were many items with circuits and attempted to apply whatever knowledge I could muster based on my online research to analyze the circuits.
Cindy Chou – Beaverton, OR
International Relations, George Washington University
In the fall of 2016, Cindy Chou will be a sophomore at the George Washington University. Born in Portland, Oregon to Taiwanese parents, Cindy was involved in her Chinese school’s folk dance team and Lunar New Year carnival, where she emceed and performed the ribbon and lion dance. In high school, she was the president of Model UN and Key Club. Because of her passion for Model UN and her Taiwanese upbringing, she is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in International Affairs, with a focus on US foreign policy and cross-Strait relations. In college, she is involved with Agape and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and is currently interning at Formosan Association for Public Affairs. She hopes to become a foreign service officer. Last summer, she participated in a summer missions program in Changhua, Taiwan. She will return to Taiwan this summer to intern at a think tank.
Ciara Fields – Red Rock, TX
Human Biology, University of Texas, Austin
I was born and raised in Texas, and was accepted by the University of Texas at Austin for the 2016 fall semester. I will graduate from Cedar Creek High School fourth in my class, having taken numerous Advanced Placement classes in order to fully prepare myself for college. I enjoy reading and dancing, and am the Co-Captain of my Drill Team, the Soaring Eaglettes. I have worked at the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire in Texas for multiple years, and have engaged myself actively in community service, being a member of the National Honor Society as well as President of the Cedar Creek Interact Club, a ‘service above self’ organization. I plan on majoring in Biology at UT, due to my fascination with how the world works at a molecular level. I hope to eventually become a molecular researcher that will make significant breakthroughs within the scientific community. My grandparents, on my mother’s side, are Taiwanese, and have pushed me to achieve my goals all these years. I loved visiting them – the Taiwanese cuisine, the mahjong competition and the random snatches of Taiwanese coming from both them and the TV. Despite the language barrier, communication with them was never strained; they taught me that words are not needed to show kindness and love. I learned so much from them; their lessons diffusing through all aspects of my life – socially and academically. Sadly, my grandmother passed away this year due to cancer, but her continuous enthusiasm for my future supports me even today, and I hope to make her and my grandfather proud.
Willis Hao – Johns Creek, GA
Chemistry, Emory University
Willis Hao, a senior at Chattahoochee High School, is rising into the class of 2020 at Emory University and is beyond excited! Although he loves the sciences and intends to major in Chemistry, he loves the fine arts first and foremost. When he’s not studying or working, you can catch Willis in a dance, theatre, or a vocal class. He finds perfect balance in being athletic, artistic and technical. He intends to extend his knowledge both in a logical and abstract sense and hopes that his artistic side will help progress him in the pursuit of science!
Eugenie Juan – Chino Hills, CA
Media Arts, University of California, San Diego
Eugenie Juan ’18 studied in Taiwan for eight years and is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese. She is a senior who will graduate from Chino Hills High School in California in June. At Chino Hills High, Eugenie was the co-captain and the founder of her school’s California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Badminton Varsity Team. She also participated in Key Club, Christian Club Leadership, and many more. During her high school years, she managed to volunteer at Asian Pacific Film Festival as well as working as an Unit Production Manager (UPM) for Blue Penguin Production She made her first documentary film on the history of salt production field at Jiangjun 將軍 in Tainan, Taiwan. Eugenie has a great passion in film and she hopes to deliver messages of the people who don’t have of chance to share their stories. Eugenie got accepted by the University of California, San Diego, the Department of Visual Arts. She will take a major in media arts with a minor in filmmaking. In the future, she dreams to make a movie in Hollywood. She hopes to help Asian Americans take more stand in this industry and to help people see the beauty of Taiwan.
Timothy Kao – Van Nuys, CA
Business Economics, University of California, Los Angeles
My name is Timothy Kao and I am a Taiwanese American. I was born in Northridge, California, and have lived in Van Nuys, California in the Los Angeles County ever since I was born. My parents and their entire generation are from Taiwan, they are both Taiwanese citizens, and they moved to the United States before having me. This fall, I will attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as a freshman. I plan to major in Business Economics in order to either go to a business school and get a MBA or a law school and get a law degree. I am also considering the possibility of dual majoring in Computer Science. This scholarship means a lot to me. The cost of attending college keeps going up every year, and even with financial aid, it will be difficult for my family to pay for my tuition. This extremely generous scholarship will go a long way to help ease up my student loans and debt, and I am very grateful to the Taiwanese American Scholarship fund for awarding me with this money. My parents and I now have one less thing to worry about as I prepare to go off to college, and I cannot thank the TASF enough. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future!
Dexter Lin – Covina, CA
Environmental Studies, Pitzer College
In the fall of 2016, I will attend Pitzer College in Claremont, CA. I hope to pursue a field in the sciences/economics. Both my parents immigrated from Taiwan and raised me in Walnut, CA, where I grew up for the majority of my life. In high school, I enjoyed participating in environmental activism with my high school environmental club, ECGA. My most memorable high school memory is when I joined the Walnut Solar Car Team and participated in the 2015 Solar Car Challenge in Texas. My main inspiration at school would be my friend Rhea Lin, a TASF scholarship recipient from last year, whom I met and got close with during my time in the Walnut Solar Car Team. At home, I am extremely appreciative of my family and everything they have done for me. I would like to thank TASF for giving me this opportunity and supporting my college funds. I hope that one day, I am able to pay it forward and give back to the community.
Chia Chun (Josh) Lu – Tustin, CA
Computer Science, University of California, Irvine
In the fall of 2016, Joshua Lu will be continuing his studies at the University of California, Irvine as a freshman majoring in Computer Science. Joining the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, Joshua hopes of one day being able to join a tech startup where new designs and new technologies may be used to help change people’s way of life. He was born in Taipei, Taiwan and immigrated to the US in 2001. He is very thankful to have a supportive family and is grateful for their encouragement throughout his life. In high school, he participated in various extracurricular activities including church, music, and volunteering as a tutor. He also greatly enjoys photography and filmography. Joshua is honored by the Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund for choosing toinvest in him and his college academics, and is beyond words in gratefulness for their belief in him and his vision.
Sharon Lu – San Gabriel, CA
Political Science, Wellesley College
My name is Sharon Lu and I am from San Gabriel. While I was born in California, my father is a Taiwanese citizen who immigrated here in hopes of getting better opportunities. I will be attending Wellesley College in Massachusetts as a freshman this Fall where I plan on majoring in Political Science with the dream of becoming an ambassador for the United States. In high school I was involved in several extracurriculars and community service clubs such as Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, Basketball, National Honor Society, HOSA, and much more. I have gone to the State Championships in Speech and Debate for four years in a row and have been a 3 year Varsity in both Mock Trial and Basketball. I was also a part of San Gabriel’s Youth in Government Program where I was inspired to look more into public service as a career. I am so thankful for the Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund because it will give me the chance to transition into my first year of college without the added stress of looking for a job. If it wasn’t for this scholarship I would have had to adapt to balancing my academic life with work all while trying to ease into the college experience. Now I can look forward to my first year at Wellesley where I hope to gain different perspectives on the world around me and learn about how I can give back to those in need.
Joann Moomaw – Corvallis, OR
Chemical Engineering, Oregon State University
I was born in Virginia, USA in 1998 to my Taiwanese mother and American father. We moved to Taipei, Taiwan when I was two years old. I spent eleven years in Taiwan before relocating to Oregon, USA in 2010. I have a younger sister who was born in Taiwan. I attended Chi-Jen Elementary (私立及人小學) and Nanmen Elementary School. In the sixth grade, I was honored to receive the Role Model Award (市模範生獎) from Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-pin (郝龍斌). Acclimating to life in the USA has been both a significant challenge and a noteworthy personal accomplishment. Moving to Corvallis, Oregon, USA in the summer of 2010, I received my first introduction to life in the USA and started my American education entering the seventh grade. I struggled to adapt to the new culture and language but, with support from family and teachers, overcame the challenge. Currently, I am preparing to start college as a freshman in Oregon State University, aiming for a career in healthcare and medical research. I grew interested in health sciences through four years of volunteering at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon. My goal in college and work is to build on academic interests and volunteer experiences toward a degree in engineering or chemistry, which I feel will prepare me for a career in healthcare.
Alex Renn – Berkeley, CA
Human Biology, University of California, Berkeley
Alex Renn will attend University of California, Berkeley as a sophomore during the Fall of 2016 where he will be majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Alex graduated from Mira Loma High School as a Salutatorian Scholar, where he led the school’s Health Occupation Students of America team in addition to volunteering at the local hospital and elementary school. Alex also participated in ML’s Future Business Leader of America team in which he served as the public relations director and public speaking events coach. He was born to two Taiwanese immigrants whom moved to the Bay Area from Taipei during their early 20s – their sacrifices are a large motivating factor to Alex. Beginning from a young age, Alex has always been interested in science, whether it was from anatomy books, to science class/projects and science fiction novels. This interest manifested itself in Alex’s research project that he conducted over the summer of 2015 at the UC Davis School of Medicine. His research project, regarding the topic of colon cancer, is still progressing and he hopes to publish his results by 2017. Alex is looking forward to this upcoming summer in which he will be interning for Dynavax Technologies as a research intern for a lung cancer project. Finally, Alex would like to thank his parents for their unconditional support and love, and of course TASF, for their generosity and kindness.
Jiunn Siow – Hacienda Heights, CA
Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
Leo Siow will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles and will try to double major in electrical engineering and bioengineering. He is the son of Taiwanese immigrants and resides with his family in Hacienda Heights, California. In high school, he served as the co-founder and president of Future Business Leaders of America, president of Habitats for Humanity, and participated in Science Olympiad. He also created his own 3D printing company, which currently remains self-sustaining and profitable. Leo hopes to become a cardiovascular surgeon in the future, while using his engineering background to enhance his technical abilities. Leo is extremely grateful for the TASF scholarship, as it will help his family will be support the education of their two children.
Jonathan Sun – Diamond Bar, CA
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley
In the fall of 2016, Jonathan Sun will be attending the University of California, Berkeley as a freshman to pursue the Bachelor of Science major program in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Born in Stamford, Connecticut to Taiwanese parents and moving to Texas and later to Diamond Bar, California, Jonathan has taken in Taiwanese culture at home, Chinese classes at schools and on occasional trips to Taiwan. Jonathan has passionately pursued cello performance as a hobby and contributed plenty to his high school’s music program, leading the school symphony orchestra’s cello section and regularly playing for community events and chamber recitals on behalf of the music program. Meanwhile, he has performed with the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra as a cellist for the past four years. Jonathan also serves the community through the volunteer orchestra group World Relief Chamber Music, where he has played for five consecutive years and served as fundraising committee co-chairman and fundraising concert co-president. In addition, he has developed a significant interest in computer programming during his high school years, creating personal programming projects ever since first taking AP Computer Science in sophomore year and later creating a computational model on vascular network growth for a biomathematics team at UCLA as an internship project. Jonathan seeks to continue exercising his passion for design and music through hobbies like cello practice, drawing, as well as programming and aims to use these passions for society’s benefit in the future through creative projects and endeavors in computational biology research.
Ethan Teng – Temple City, CA
Human Biology, University of California, Irvine
My name is Ethan Teng and I am a Taiwanese America from the San Gabriel Valley. I am currently a senior at Temple City High School and I will attend the University of California, Irvine next year. I am a passionate energy driven individual pursuing the path of medicine. As of now, I am a full time student with a part time job as a Teacher’s Aid working with students in Math, Language Arts and Sciences. I am also currently the President of the club JTASA (Junior Taiwanese American Student Association) at Temple City High School. As a community driven club, our club helps spread the Taiwanese culture and help give back the community through any volunteer events we can find. Some accomplishments I’ve achieved throughout the years are my memberships in the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation along with my 1st degree Black Belt that I obtained in 2014 after eight years of rigorous training. Nevertheless, these activities help me realize my dream of wanting to become a Physician. However, my ultimate decision to pursue medicine was a self-found passion that I had for helping people. As a part of a growing maturity and a newfound goal, I’ve dedicated my next eight years to studying medicine. I am an individual pursuing my lifetime goals of wanting to wear the Rod of Ascelpius on his shoulders. I see myself as an individual destined for healing and medicine, ultimately aiming to meaningfully alter the world that surrounds us all.
Danielle Valencia – Torrance, CA
Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton
Two years ago, the fear of losing a father after his diagnoses of lung cancer, along with the motivation of striving for a better education system, brought me to the decision of leaving the country I’ve grown up in, Taiwan, and furthering my education in the U.S. This decision drew me away from the environment and family I’ve grown up with since I was two years old, facing drastic transitions of language and lifestyle. Including studying in a second language, continuing and transferring classes, and taking on the responsibility of caregiving for my dad who’s in need, and my own demands on a daily basis. After his surgery, my dad lost physical functions needed to accommodate everyday lives. Therefore, I learned how to drive, cook, and how to take care of a household. In addition, I learned effective skills on caring for my father and administering his tests and treatments, including measuring blood pressure, assisting with insulin shots, and managing medications to assist with his overall rehabilitation process. My mother on the other hand, has given me trust throughout the transition, allowing me to gain independence from the tough situations I’ve faced along the way. Even though we are now sixteen hours apart, she continues to give me courage and inspiration every day. My personal experience continues to motivate me towards a higher education, as well as given me the passion to pursue my career in the medical field.
Sean Wang – Walnut, CA
Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Sean Wang will enter his sophomore year of college in the fall of 2016. Midway through the transfer admissions process, he has transferred from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he was an electrical engineering major, and has been accepted to Vanderbilt University, where he hopes to double major in biomedical and electrical engineering. He graduated from Fullerton’s Troy High School’s Troy Tech Specialized Secondary School Magnet Program in Math, Science, and Technology. As a result of this program, he studied biology and computer science throughout his high school career, and discovered his passion for both fields. Born in Taiwan, he immigrated to Walnut, CA at a young age, but grew up distant from his ancestral roots, except for family and the occasional trips back home. As a result, he currently aims to reconnect with his heritage and strives to eventually study abroad at the National Taiwan University, whose academic achievements are lauded around the globe. Through his international education, he hopes to further interconnect the fields of technology and medicine, while becoming more involved with his culture. This summer, he will teach English to Taiwanese children, where he hopes to truly immerse himself in the unique Taiwan environment. He is thankful for the Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund for easing the financial burden that he carries through his studies. Because of the much needed financial aid, Sean can now focus less on working part-time jobs, and instead direct more attention towards his academic endeavors and his career goals.
Maureen Wu – Rochester Hills, MI
Physics, University of Michigan
In the fall of 2016, Maureen Wu will attend the University of Michigan as a sophomore majoring in Business Administration. She was born to parents who immigrated from Taiwan and is from Rochester Hills, MI. Maureen is currently involved in doing pro-bono management consulting for 180 Degrees Consulting, an organization with a focus on non-profits and social enterprises. Additionally, she is heavily involved in Dance Marathon at UM, a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for pediatric rehabilitation programs, and is part of the Corporate Relations Foundation Leadership Team. She is also a volunteer at the UM Health Systems and competes on the UM Figure Skating Team. Upon graduation from Michigan, Maureen hopes to pursue a career that combines her interest with business and healthcare.
Shang- Jung (Sharon) Wu – Houston, Texas
Business Administration, University of Texas, Austin
Sharon Wu was born in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Houston, Texas. All her life, she has strived to stay in-touch with her cultural roots by returning to visit Taiwan every summer and actively educating herself on Taiwanese traditional and pop-culture. She has also dedicated much time and effort to maintaining a high proficiency in both Chinese and Taiwanese as she feels that it is important to pass on her Taiwanese heritage to future generations. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar and drums as a member of her church’s praise band, hugging her dogs, and exploring new places. She served as president of Rho Kappa (Social Studies National Honor Society) and secretary of the Science National Honor Society at her high school. She was able to give back to the local community in Taiwan by volunteering with the Assisting Individuals with Disadvantages Summer Program, teaching English to underprivileged elementary school students in remote areas. She will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, in the fall and plans to pursue a double-major in Global Studies and Statistics. In the future, she hopes to play an integral role in bridging the gap between the East and West, the two regions that make up her Taiwanese-American background.
Hao-Yin (Brenda) Yu – Pleasanton, CA
Graphic Design, San Jose State University
My name is Hao-Yin Yu. In the fall of 2016, I will attend San Jose State University as a freshman. I was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Pleasanton, California since 2012. I am the first generation immigrant in my family. In my childhood, I join many teams in school and participate in many volunteer jobs outside of the school. As soon as I move to the United States and attend high school, I join many cultural clubs such as Chinese Club, Chinese Yo-Yo Club, and Japanese Club. I also participate in the Global Classroom Program which allows me to host student who comes from other country and help them on learning new things in the United States. I am most excited for this summer where the hosting program is starting to sign up for participation. At San Jose State University, I am looking forward to develop new skills and get more connection with the society in order to accomplish a better me than before. Lastly, I want to thanks all the people who have provided me so many supports and helps, especially my mom and my friends. Without them, I am not able to accomplish such a great success for my life. Thank you!
Chiayu (Jackie) Yuan – Moorestown, NJ
Management/ Economics, Villanova University
I’m Chiayu Jackie Yuan, people usually call me Jackie. In the fall of 2016, I will attend Villanova University School of Business as a freshman. Although currently undeclared, I’m planning to major in either Management or Economics and minor in International Business. I was born in Taiwan and later my family immigrated to the U.S. when I was 13. Although struggled to assimilate into the American culture and learn a new language at first, throughout my six years in the states, I never give up any opportunity that is given to me. For instance, besides participating in Track and Cross Country, I also hold certain positions in various clubs. I am the president for the Photography Club, fundraising manager for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), co-council for the International Affairs Club, and have participated in our high school’s orchestra all four years. I’m also member of Interact Club and Urban Challenge Club where we use our ability to give back to the community by volunteering in various events locally. Knowing the hardships to learn a new language, I also volunteer at Chinese School of South Jersey every Sunday as a teaching assistant, hoping to use my knowledge and understanding in Chinese to assist the students. In fact, my choice to study business in college is related to my interested in culinary arts and photography. Although this goal sounds slightly different to the majority of the people, one day, I hope to utilize the knowledge I learn in business school to become an entrepreneur that start my own baking business. Lastly, I would like to take a moment to sincerely appreciate the Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund for helping me to pursue my education.