At DataXight, we believe that our people are our greatest strength. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Ivy Tran, the newest addition to our growing team. Ivy recently joined us as a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist, bringing with her a passion for data discovery, and making meaningful impact in the life sciences.
We sat down with Ivy for a short conversation to learn more about her background, what inspired her to join DataXight, and what she’s most excited to work on.
Interviewer: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Ivy:
I was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, and spent the last decade in the United States, where I pursued my passion for science through graduate studies. I earned both my Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics at the University of Georgia. During that time, my main research focused on identifying genomic regions associated with cyst nematode resistance in soybean through quantitative trait loci mapping and genome-wide association studies. After completing my Ph.D., I joined Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham as a postdoctoral researcher, where I focused on pharmacogenomics and pharmacometabolomics related to asthma treatment. Throughout my academic journey, I became increasingly drawn to bioinformatics. What began as a tool to support my work gradually grew into a deep interest in how data and computational approaches can be used to answer important questions in life science. I took courses, experimented with new tools, and developed skills that I’m excited to continue building in the long term. Outside of research, I enjoy volunteering, hiking, reading, listening to podcasts, and discovering different cultures and cuisines.
Interviewer: What pivotal moment or experience made you realize you wanted to work in life sciences/data?
Ivy:
I first became interested in life sciences during my undergraduate studies, when courses in molecular biology and plant breeding helped me see how science and technology could accelerate crop improvement beyond traditional methods. This early interest deepened during my Ph.D. studies, where I worked in a large, collaborative lab on genomics and breeding projects. Through that work, I became increasingly aware of the value of data and computational tools in making plant breeding more efficient and precise. That growing interest in data continued into my postdoctoral research, where I had the opportunity to work with large-scale omics datasets from the Mass General Brigham Biobank. Building on the foundation I developed during my Ph.D., I was able to apply those skills in a human health context, exploring important research questions in asthma topics. These experiences confirmed my long-term passion for bioinformatics and its potential to uncover insights that drive innovation across the life sciences.
Interviewer: Why did you return to Vietnam and join the DataXight team when you had the option to stay in the US?
Ivy:
I decided to study abroad before because I wanted to pursue novel, cutting-edge topics and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I not only gained strong scientific training, but also experienced new cultures and perspectives that truly broadened my mindset.
Even then, returning to Vietnam was always part of my long-term plan. My family is here, and Vietnam is my home. The questions were always about when I should come back, and what I could work for. When I decided to pursue bioinformatics as a long-term path, I started to notice more opportunities emerging in Vietnam, especially with companies like DataXight where the local team is now engaging with real-world scientific challenges and contributing to global research. The field of bioinformatics is clearly growing and I am excited that I am able to contribute to this field from right here in Vietnam. That’s why I felt the timing was right to return.
I often imagine myself as a tree, capable of adapting and growing in different environments. With the right support and the right soil, I believe I can continue to grow and thrive here in Vietnam, and I’m excited to do that with DataXight
Interviewer: When you first heard about DataXight, what stood out to you the most?
Ivy:
When I started thinking about returning home after completing my postdoctoral training, I began looking into opportunities to continue working in bioinformatics in Vietnam. During that search, I was excited to come across a job posting from DataXight that closely matched my interests and long-term goals. What truly stood out to me, though, was the opportunity to speak with the leadership team during the hiring process. Through those conversations, I gained a clear understanding of the company's vision, strategic direction, and core values. I was especially inspired by their commitment to building a strong bioinformatics foundation in Vietnam and their belief in its potential to make a real impact. That combination of purpose, innovation, and forward-thinking culture made DataXight a place I truly wanted to be part of.
Interviewer: What are you working on now, and what are you most excited about?
Ivy:
Right now, I’m working on a proteomics project called ProtoXight, which gives me the opportunity to explore a new layer of omics data. If you look at the multi-omics framework, you'll notice a natural progression from genomics to transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics and this project is allowing me to continue that progression and expand my domain knowledge across the full spectrum. What excites me most is that the leadership team trusts my potential and has given me the opportunity to take on something new. Every day feels like a learning experience, and I’m motivated by the challenge of tackling complex questions and contributing to impactful work in life science.
Interviewer: How would you describe the team environment here in just three words?
Ivy:
Supportive, motivated and dynamic!
Interviewer: Any advice for someone thinking about joining DataXight?
Ivy:
If you're considering joining DataXight, I highly encourage it, especially if you’re passionate about bioinformatics and its potential to address real-world challenges. DataXight offers a supportive environment where learning is continuous, innovation is valued, and your work contributes to meaningful progress in life sciences. It’s a great place to grow both technically and professionally while being part of a team that is building something with long-term impact.
Interviewer: Any final thoughts?
Ivy:
I’m just excited to grow here. There’s so much to learn and so many opportunities to contribute meaningfully. I feel like I’ve joined a team that’s working on something that really matters—and that’s all I could ask for.
“Every day feels like a learning experience, and I’m motivated by the challenge of tackling complex questions and contributing to impactful work in life science.” - Ivy Tran, PhD, Senior Bioinformatics Scientist at DataXight
Welcome to the team, Ivy!
We’re thrilled to have you on board and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make. Stay tuned for more employee stories and behind-the-scenes looks at life at DataXight.
