30 Under 30: Erin Chen ’16
The Spring 2021 Among Friends Magazine featured 30 alumni from the Classes of 2008 to 2017, who are a representative sample of the nearly 900 graduates of the school during those years. Their ages range from 30 and just over to as young as 22. As the featured profiles show, they have learned to be brave and thoughtful leaders, who speak their conscience, take initiative, create opportunities, and find ways to build up individuals while building a better community.
ERIN CHEN ’16
Philadelphia
Clinical Research Assistant at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Erin Chen studied molecular and cellular biology and computer science as an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University. While completing her B.S. (2020), she was heavily involved in community service, research, and varsity athletics. She volunteered as both a caregiver and a mentor in the Baltimore area, and she was captain of the women’s fencing team during her junior and senior years. She holds the Johns Hopkins University record for career Sabre wins and all weapons. During her summers, Erin worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s 22q and You Center, where she researched the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a disorder that is caused by a missing piece of chromosome 22 and characterized by several developmental issues. She is currently continuing in this role while she applies to medical school as an aspiring physician. Her favorite part of the job: connecting with patients and their families.
In her spare time, Erin works part-time as a fencing instructor. When she was at MFS, she participated in fencing as well as girls’ soccer. Her favorite memory is winning the NJSIAA Non-Public B South soccer championship in 2015. Erin won the Herm Magee Award for outstanding female athlete 2015-16.
She looks back fondly on her MFS experience. “The small, tight-knit community at MFS that fostered inclusivity showed me the importance of creating relationships and being open-minded,” said Erin. “Most importantly, MFS taught me how to learn and grow from my mistakes. Throughout my different experiences and this pandemic, I have had many opportunities for self-reflection. I know I would not be the person I am today without reflecting on the failures, lessons, and feedback from others. Meeting for Worship showed me the value of taking time to think, and it is a skill I know I will use for the rest of my life.”
“MFS taught me how to learn and grow from my mistakes.”