Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc.

05/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/26/2026 04:47

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Highlight: Lan Bui

Menu

Menu

Lan Bui, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, is an associate professor of pharmacy practice at the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Learn more about her and her heritage below.

Where are you from? If you grew up in the United States, what is your family's country of origin?

I was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to the United States for college in 2016. Vietnam will always be a meaningful part of who I am. At the same time, the United States has become the place where I have grown academically, professionally, and personally.

What is the significance of APAHM to you?

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is meaningful to me because it creates space to recognize the stories, cultures, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. For me, it is also a time to reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices of previous generations, the opportunities I have been given, and the responsibility I have to serve others well. It reminds me that our backgrounds are not separate from our calling; they are often part of how God shapes us to contribute to the communities where we are placed.

How do you think your cultural background has influenced or shaped you?

My Vietnamese background has shaped many of the values I carry with me: love for family, respect for education, perseverance, humility, and care for others. Moving to the United States as an international student also taught me to adapt, listen carefully, and appreciate the courage it takes to begin again in a new place. Those experiences have made me more mindful of students who may feel uncertain, overlooked, or far from home. They have also deepened my desire to create a classroom and mentoring environment where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged.

Do you or your family have any cultural traditions that are meaningful to you? If so, how do you practice them?

One of the most meaningful traditions for my family is celebrating Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It is a time to honor family, remember our roots, share traditional foods, and wish one another health, peace, and blessings in the new year. Living in the United States, I try to keep these traditions alive through food, family conversations, and teaching my children about where we come from. It is a simple but meaningful way to connect generations and remind my children that their heritage is something to cherish.

Has your cultural background influenced your academic or career choices here at PBA? If so, how?

Yes. My cultural background has influenced how I view education, mentorship, and service. As someone who came to the United States as an international student, I know how important it is to have people who believe in you, guide you, and help you find your place. At PBA, I try to bring that perspective into my teaching, advising, and mentoring. My background has also contributed to my interest in public health and global education, especially helping students develop cultural humility as future health care professionals. This aligns closely with PBA's mission of preparing students for lives of meaningful work, leadership, and service.

Is there someone from your cultural background who inspires you? If so, who?

Eugene H. Trinh inspires me. He was born in Vietnam, came to the United States as a student, became a scientist, and later became the first Vietnamese American astronaut in space. As an educator, I am especially inspired by the way his life shows students that their background does not limit their future. His example also connects with my Christian faith by reminding me that our gifts and opportunities are meant to be used with purpose, humility, and service to others.

On a personal level, my family also inspires me. Their resilience, sacrifices, and commitment to education have shaped who I am. Their example continues to motivate me in my work as an educator and pharmacist.

What's something you wish people knew about your culture/country of origin?

I wish people knew how rich, beautiful, and resilient Vietnamese culture is. Vietnam is sometimes viewed mainly through the lens of war or history, but there is so much more to the country and its people. Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in family, hospitality, respect for elders, education, community, and wonderful traditions around food and celebration.

Anything else you want to add?

I am grateful to be part of a university community that values each person's story and recognizes the dignity God has placed in every individual. Representation matters, especially for students who may be navigating their own identity, faith, family expectations, and sense of calling. My hope is that sharing stories during Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month helps students feel proud of who they are, encourages all of us to learn from one another, and reminds us that our diverse backgrounds can be used in service to God and others.

To learn more about the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, visit: https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/pharmacy/.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc. published this content on May 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 26, 2026 at 10:47 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]