Pam’s Pathway: Biology and Business
To Shape a Sustainable Future
For Pam, the journey into the world of biological sciences wasn’t sparked by a single defining moment, it was something that quietly grew over time, nurtured by her surroundings, her interests and the opportunities she found at Bangkok Patana School. “I’ve always liked biology,” she says with a smile. “But I didn’t always know exactly what part of it. Being at Patana helped me explore so many different aspects, it helped me realise how broad and exciting the field really is.”
Pam joined Bangkok Patana in Year 7 and over those years, her interests evolved through lessons in classrooms, hands-on experiences in science labs and through the steady encouragement of teachers and mentors. “At first, I just liked science in general,” she recalls. “I wasn’t sure whether I’d go into chemistry, biology, or even physics. But through IGCSE and IB, I really started to connect with biology, especially the parts that had real-world applications.”
In the IB Diploma Programme, Pam chose Higher Level Biology, Chemistry and Business Management—an unusual but telling combination. “I didn’t want to be limited to one direction,” she explains. “I love the science behind biology, but I’m also interested in the business side, how we can apply biological solutions to solve problems at scale.” This interest in blending biology with entrepreneurship became a defining feature of her high school experience. She became involved in clubs like Healing Hearts, which fundraises for children in need of cardiac surgery, and CubeCare, providing medical supplies to rural areas in Thailand. “These clubs gave me a way to see the human side of science,” Pam says. “They reminded me that what we learn in class can have a real impact on people’s lives.”
Beyond school clubs, Pam ventured into the world of innovation and competitions. One standout project was EngineGuard, a prototype she designed for Blue Ocean entrepreneurship competition ’24. The device, which helps reduce car exhaust pollution, earned her a place in the top 30 out of more than 10,000 global entries. “It was nerve-wracking at first,” she says, laughing. “I wasn’t sure anyone would even notice it. But making it to the top rounds gave me a real sense of validation. It made me think, maybe this is something I could really pursue.” Pam’s curiosity didn’t stop with school competitions. Inspired by her mother, a fashion entrepreneur, Pam launched EarthCraft, a small sustainable business that turns recycled plastic into stylish tote bags. Working with textile suppliers, designers and photographers, she produced and sold the first 100 bags both in and out of school. “I wanted to try something real,” she says. “It wasn’t just about the product, it was about understanding how sustainability, design and science can come together.”
Outside of academics and enterprise, Pam also found balance through sport. She’s been on the Varsity Tennis Team since Year 7, and has also played badminton and softball in earlier years. “Tennis has been a constant for me,” she says. “It’s where I found a lot of friendships and structure.”
Pam had the opportunity to attend a summer programme at Chulalongkorn University, which eventually led her to join a research project studying durian metabolism. “I had learned about chromatography and lab processes at school, but this was the first time I got to apply it in a real research setting,” she says. “It was incredible to see how something like durian metabolites could even be used in cosmetics. That was the moment I saw how biology connects to so many industries.” She also participated in a biotech speech competition, presenting on how biology and chemistry shape our everyday lives. “I had to prepare an essay first, and then deliver a speech in front of a panel,” she says. “It was nerve-wracking, but also exciting.”
As Pam prepares for her next chapter at Northwestern University, she’s both eager and reflective. “I’m really looking forward to narrowing down what I want to do and getting more independent,” she says. “There’s still so much I want to explore.” One area she’s especially curious about is nutrition, a field that merges her scientific interests with personal experiences at home. “Helping out in the kitchen at home made me more aware of how food affects our health. It sparked my interest in nutrition.”
As she reflects on her time at Patana, it’s the people and the sense of possibility she’ll miss most. “These last few weeks really made me realise how far we’ve come,” she says. “It’s been a journey,from Year 7 till now, and I’m grateful for every part of it.”
