Dian Kun Yin
Dian Kun Yin is a sophomore from Auckland, New Zealand, pursuing a BA in Chemistry and Economics at Amherst College. She is interested in a wide range of careers spanning health policy and pharmaceutical development and is passionate about advancing global health equity.
As a SUMR Scholar, Dian Kun works on two research projects. The first, under the mentorship of Dr. Holly Fernandez Lynch, examines the bioethical implications of accelerated drug approval pathways under exceptional circumstances. This research explores the level of evidence necessary before a product is brought to market, as well as how to address the needs of patients with very rare diseases or conditions that are otherwise difficult to study.
Dian Kun’s second project, under the mentorship of Dr. Christina Roberto, evaluates the effects of healthy food policies on consumer purchasing decisions and dietary quality. In this role, she assists with participant-facing and operational tasks related to collecting data on nutritional habits.
At Amherst, Dian Kun enjoys hiking local trails, exploring new restaurants, and singing with the DQ Acapella group. She is also actively involved in the Asian student community as treasurer of the Asian Students’ Association, mentors new students as a residential advisor, and speaks with prospective students as an admissions tour guide. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, planting exotic fruit trees in her backyard, and creating crystal-beaded bags.