The thought of a research lab can overwhelm many people. They picture scientists in white lab coats speaking a language too sophisticated to be English.

Wichita State student Pie Pichetsurnthorn is not one of those people. Pichetsurnthorn views research as an opportunity.

“I love doing my own research because there are no boundaries,” she said. “You can pursue something to the degree that you find satisfying and it gives you the freedom to see what works.”

Pichetsurnthorn is a senior in the WSU bioengineering program. She has contributed her research to a biochemistry journal, and recently finished research that is to be published within the next year.

Paige Feikert, an alumna of the bioengineering program, worked with Pichetsurnthorn in the lab.

“She never missed any of her shifts in the lab,” Feikert said. “Pie was always looking up things on her own in order to enhance her research. She didn’t just want her name on a publication. She wants to help people.”

Pichetsurnthorn’s interests go beyond bioengineering. Currently, she is working as a clinical research associate in the Wichita Community Clinical Oncological Program at Via Christi Hospital. Her main duties include monitoring chemotherapy progression and helping patients cope with treatment. She monitors her patient’s cognitive skills before, during and after chemotherapy.

Although the work can be depressing, Pichetsurnthorn enjoys it.

“I really like meeting so many people; there is such a wide range of patients,” she said. “One of my patients has the best outlook on life. The process is painful but she lives one day at a time. She takes her blessings and leaves her misgivings, which is inspiring.”

Pichetsurnthorn will graduate in December of 2013. After that, she plans to go to medical school. Personal events influenced her decision to become a doctor.

“My grandma had ovarian cancer and, unfortunately, she lost that battle,” she said. “It was very hard for my family. I didn’t like that I couldn’t do anything.”

She is interested in all types of medicine, but is drawn more to oncology and orthopedics.

Feikert believes that she will be an amazing doctor no matter what field she chooses.

“Pie likes to solve problems and is very committed,” Feikert said. “She will be the kind of doctor that won’t leave you without some sort of help or benefit.”