For his thesis, Kenneth Hsu ’25 combined biochemical curiosity with hands-on lab research, resulting in a project that contributes a new tool to scientists studying microbial enzymatic systems. His chemistry thesis, “Expanding the Combinatorial Biosynthetic Toolkit,” focused on a novel enzyme, vulcPPT, derived from Japanese volcanic bacteria, and its potential to activate a key protein involved in producing type II polyketides—medicinally important natural products created by microorganisms.
“I was drawn to Professor Lou Charkoudian’s research because I am fascinated by the ways that microorganisms use teams of proteins and enzymes to create complex organic compounds,” Hsu, a chemistry and history double major, says. His project aims to provide researchers with improved access to and a deeper understanding of the enzymatic systems that produce these compounds. “The activation of the ACP is a prerequisite to studying how the entire enzymatic system operates, and my thesis provides researchers in my field with a powerful new tool,” he says.
Working under Charkoudian’s mentorship, Hsu found space to grow not only as a scientist but also as a leader. “She encouraged me to continuously engage my curiosity, driven by the belief that ‘there are no stupid questions,’” he says. As his thesis progressed, he began planning experiments independently, troubleshooting challenges, and mentoring underclass students in the lab. “The thesis experience was a lot of work, but in the end it made me a much stronger scientist and researcher.”
The project’s impact extended beyond Haverford’s campus. Hsu first-authored a manuscript reporting his thesis findings and is now eager to deepen his experience in research. Hus is joining Penn Medicine’s Image-Guided Interventions Lab as a research assistant, a position he hopes will help him decide whether to pursue an M.D., Ph.D., or both.
“My experience as a student researcher at Haverford has provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to conduct research,” he says. “I am looking forward to further immersing myself in the research world.”
In addition to his work in chemistry, Hsu also completed a second thesis in history, focused on witchcraft in 17th-century Spain. In balancing STEM and the humanities, he found the two disciplines reinforced one another. “Working and editing my history thesis made me a stronger communicator and better writer for my chemistry thesis,” he says. “The chance to engage deeply with both STEM and the humanities is a rare opportunity not available at other institutions. It is a powerful demonstration of the versatility of the liberal arts curriculum.”