American University
WASHINGTON – After growing up in Singapore- a nation with some of the world’s most severe drugs laws- American University graduate student Tommy Gunawan has dedicated his life to drug research.
Gunawan was born in Indonesia and was raised in Singapore. He adores his family, but the society in his home country was harsh growing up. In Singapore, it was always taught to Gunawan that if one did drugs it would ruin their life. This intense pressure led him to be curious about researching drugs and their effects on humans’ lives.
“The drug problem is not as black and white as people would like to say and I’m working at piercing that narrative,” he said.
Gunawan studies drug addiction in humans and rats and has worked with nicotine and cocaine. “When I first got into research, I was in pursuit of truth of the natural world we live in. I wanted to know about drugs and their relationship with humans,” Gunawan said.
He feels there are different benefits and downsides to working with humans and rats. No matter who or what animal the test subject is, they are always treated with respect. “They are helpful in different ways. Rats can be more controlled than humans, but humans are ideal in certain studies,” Gunawan said.
A good friend and colleague of Gunawan, Christopher Tripoli, is always prepared for an intellectual debate when Gunawan is around. Tripoli said, “Tommy skips over the small talk and is always ready for a philosophical discussion.” Tripoli knows Gunawan will come in every morning with a new interesting topic for debate.
Gunawan is also known for his catchphrase. Tripoli said, “Gunawan never starts his intellectual comments without saying ‘It’s tricky right?’ and it always makes me smile. It’s kind of is his official catchphrase.”
It is not only talking that Gunawan is interested in. “He truly is interested in others’ opinions and is just as much of a listener as he is a talker,” Tripoli said.
Tripoli is inspired by the high standards Gunawan has for his students. “He really tries hard to shape the scholarship of his students. He’s great to the undergrad lab technicians and really holds his students to a high level of work,” said Tripoli.
Tripoli feels lucky to sit so close to Gunawan in his office. This means that Tripoli will get a new interesting lesson from Gunawan each day. “He is not only an inspiring colleague but an amazing friend,” said Tripoli.
Lillian Eagan, an undergraduate who is mentored by Gunawan, feels she has learned the most from him out of all her professors. “Tommy is an amazing leader and has such a level head. He is the kind of person who is meant to teach other people,” Eagan said.
Eagan feels Gunawan took her under his wing and for that, she is forever grateful. Eagan said, “I could literally talk to him for hours. He is always intellectually engaging with people.” Eagan feels there is no one in her life like Gunawan. Even though he is the smartest person she knows, she still feels comfortable telling him the most embarrassing experiences she has had.
Gunawan’s girlfriend, Binderiya Byambasuren, is always amazed by his curiosity. She said, “Tommy is always critically questioning things. Even though he is realistic, he is such a positive guy.”
Byambasuren does research in economics. She feels her relationship with Gunawan is strengthened by their shared passion for research. She said, “Seeing his love for research helps me stay focused and inspired.”
Gunawan’s ability to cook also impresses her. “He actually cooks very well and enjoys cooking,” she said. Besides researching and cooking, Gunawan loves to hike, run and read. He especially enjoys novels about philosophy.
For Gunawan, science is an important aspect in our society. His results could have political implications. He said, “Science is a lot dirtier than people think and I want to work towards clarifying misconceptions.” He thanks his undergraduate advisor for being a good mentor in research ethics and discipline. His skills and passion for research were heightened by his advisor in his younger years of college.
Being a naturally curious person, Gunawan is ready for a life filled with research. Even when he is not in the lab, he is always asking questions about the world around him. “In the long run, I would love to teach others and continue researching. The ultimate dream would to be able to, one day, open my own research institute,” Gunawan said.