For Aryan Kumar Behera (Class of 2023), science was always more than a subject in school—it was a lens for examining the world. From his childhood curiosity about nature to his hands-on experiments in the UNIS Hanoi science labs, Aryan’s passion for biology evolved in pace with his education. Today, he’s studying genetics at the University of Glasgow, exploring the fundamental building blocks of life.
Aryan’s love for biology started young. Exposure to Alleviare Life Sciences–his family’s pharmaceutical business gave him a deep grounding in the business of science, and the countless hours he spent observing the world around him were a clue to where his future lay. But it wasn’t until his IB Biology internal assessment—when he extracted DNA from fruit using alcohol—that he realised genetics was his passion. "I could actually see the DNA," he recalls. "That was a real moment of inspiration for me."
While Aryan committed to his studies, he made time for opportunities at UNIS Hanoi that reflected his well-roundedness. However intense his IB coursework, he balanced it with a fervent commitment to basketball and volleyball. No small feat! Waking up before sunrise for training, rushing to biology labs straight after—these experiences shaped his discipline, teamwork, and ability to push through challenges.
At Glasgow, ranked the UK’s top university for genetics, Aryan is diving deeper into research that could one day tie back to his family's business. With his brother deeply invested in the business side of the company, Aryan hopes to pioneer cutting-edge genetic research into real-world applications.
Looking back at UNIS Hanoi, he’s grateful for the IB’s emphasis on critical thinking and independence—skills that have made the transition to university smoother. "In university, professors don’t chase you down. You have to be responsible for your own learning. The IB—and UNIS—prepared me for that."
Aryan’s story is just beginning, but one thing is clear—whether in the lab, on the court, or in business, he’s always thinking ahead.
- Alumni News