Major: Chemistry
Kai Libby pursued a bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Science at Wheaton College and supplemented his studies at College of DuPage.
He also completed EMT training at COD after witnessing several tragic situations involving people close to him. He then decided to study chemistry because it is the science that intrigued and challenged him the most.
“Many years ago, COD first introduced me to the rigor of college classes. I'll always be thankful for that,” he said. “Then COD gave me the opportunity to study chemistry, a passion of mine. It’s a love-hate relationship that I haven’t been able to get away from.”
Through College of DuPage, Libby embarked on an internship at Hope College in Michigan, where he sharpened his understanding of chemistry as well as his mind. His project centered around the use of a new device on Hope's campus called the particle induced X-ray emission machine.
Libby transferred to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and finished a Master of Science in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance. His dissertation addressed the development of a business strategy for the Science and Innovation department within Biovac, a vaccine manufacturing company located in Cape Town. Libby was invited for a placement with them for three weeks, during which he conducted 18 interviews with the CEO, COO, senior scientists, department heads, finance officers, shareholders and local stakeholders.
College of DuPage has so much to offer if you take advantage of the opportunities.
Kai Libby
Currently, Libby is president of the Project Management Institute’s Central Florida chapter and runs his youth development business, My Lax Academy, which focuses on enhancing youth athletic development in Orlando, Florida. He also completed his Project Management Professional certification and is a repeat guest lecturer for the Circular Bioeconomy Summer School at Perrotis College in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Libby appreciates how his studies at College of DuPage have helped prepare him for the future.
“College of DuPage has so much to offer if you take advantage of the opportunities,” he said. “The professors I’ve had are all impressively dedicated to teaching and helping you get to where you want to go. I have yet to leave a class disappointed or frustrated.”