Finding My Path from AES to Global Health—Max Rubin

By Chad Laws (AES Communications Specialist)

When my family moved to New Delhi in 2013 for my mom’s job with the CDC, I was used to change. We had spent seven years in Kenya before that, and I had learned how to adapt. But stepping onto the AES campus for the first time, I wasn’t just adjusting to a new country—I was entering a world of perspectives, challenges, and experiences that would shape the way I think, learn, and engage with the world.

I spent seven years at AES, graduating in 2020 and heading straight to Tulane University in New Orleans. Today, I’m living in Blantyre, Malawi, taking a gap year to work as a researcher at the Blantyre Malaria Project. My research focuses on the role of tau protein in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, a severe neurological complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, the most virulent malaria-causing parasite, which is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, I investigate how tau protein contributes to brain injury in cerebral malaria and its potential long-term effects on neurological function—a topic I never could have imagined myself studying when I first walked into IB Biology at AES. But looking back, I can see how so many of my AES experiences led me here.

Lessons That Changed Me

I still remember the IB Math test where I lost points—not because I got the wrong answer, but because I couldn’t explain why it was right. That moment frustrated me at the time, but it changed how I approach problems. AES wasn’t about memorizing formulas; it was about understanding—a lesson that stuck with me through college and now as a researcher. Whether it’s tackling a complex equation or analyzing malaria biomarkers, I know that the real work isn’t just in getting to the answer, but in the process of discovery itself.

I used to think I worked better alone. But AES pushed me out of that mindset—especially in IB Chemistry, where our teacher insisted we tackle difficult problems as a team. At first, it was uncomfortable; I liked figuring things out on my own. But over time, I realized that explaining my ideas to others actually deepened my understanding. That mindset has stayed with me, shaping how I approach research, medicine, and life in general.

One of the best things about AES was that learning wasn’t just about tests and grades—it was about curiosity. When I started my IB Biology Internal Assessment, I had no idea what I was getting into. I chose to research antimicrobial resistance in India, a topic far beyond our standard curriculum. My teacher encouraged me to take ownership of the project, and suddenly, I wasn’t just doing an assignment—I was exploring a real-world issue. That sense of discovery made me realize how much I loved research, and it’s a feeling I still chase today.

More Than Just a School—A Community

My favorite memory at AES isn’t a big moment—it’s actually a collection of small ones. Sitting in the quad with my friends, laughing about something ridiculous. Staying late to finish a project, fueled by too much coffee and a shared sense of purpose. Competing on sports teams with people from completely different backgrounds, yet somehow feeling like family.

AES had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged. My friends came from all over the world, but at AES, our differences weren’t barriers—they were what brought us together. That sense of belonging wasn’t something I fully appreciated until I left. But even now, I carry it with me, knowing that wherever I go, I can find common ground with people from any background.

“Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve.”

The first time I volunteered at the Old Delhi Clinic, I didn’t know what to expect. The clinic was a streetside medical service for the homeless, and I mostly helped with organizing supplies and basic tasks. But what struck me most wasn’t just the medical work—it was the way the doctors listened. They didn’t just treat symptoms; they treated people. They made space for patients to tell their stories, and to be heard. That experience changed me. It made me realize that medicine isn’t just about science—it’s about human connection.

That lesson has stayed with me, whether I’m conducting research in Malawi or working in hospitals in New Orleans. At AES, “Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve.” wasn’t just a motto—it was a mindset. It shaped the way I see my role in the world. It’s why I’m pursuing medicine, why I believe in research, and why I know that service isn’t something you do once—it’s a lifelong commitment.

AES didn’t just prepare me for college. It prepared me to think deeply, to collaborate, to embrace challenges, and to find joy in learning. And most importantly, it taught me that knowledge means nothing if we don’t use it to make a difference.

A life of exploration and discovery

This August, I will return to Tulane University to begin medical school. Until then, however, I love the opportunities and experiences living in Malawi has given me. I particularly enjoy exercising outdoors, exploring incredible landscapes, and unforgettable safaris. Not unlike my days at AES, there are multiple ways to grow and experience life if you keep opening doors.