The only female student in the field of Applied Biology honored nationwide

Among the rows of laboratories at the University of Technology - VNU-HCM, where the sound of the analyzer blends with the cold light of the microscope, there is a petite girl diligently working on a test tube. That is Ho Thai Anh Thi, a student of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, the only face in the field of Applied Biology to be honored at the "Vietnam Female Science and Technology Student Award 2025".

The journey from curiosity to passion for research

For Anh Thi, the journey to biology began with curiosity: “Applied biology is the harmony between the natural movement of life and human creativity.” That simple saying clearly reflects the philosophy of life and learning of the girl from Hue, where every curiosity becomes a persistent discovery .

Mr. Thi (middle) during research practice hours with lecturers.

After graduating from high school in Hue, Thi chose the “Southward” path to the University of Technology - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, a rigorous and challenging technical environment. She chose Applied Biology, where she had to combine knowledge from biology, chemistry to technology and endless hours of experimentation.

“There were experiments I had to do over and over again for weeks. If the results were wrong, I would have to start all over again. There was a day when I got back to the dormitory at almost 10 pm, my hands still smelled of chemicals. But when I discovered a new result, even if it was small, that feeling of happiness made all my fatigue disappear,” Thi said.

Four years of university are four years of challenges and growth. GPA 3.6, author and co-author of 8 international scientific articles (4 Q1 articles, 4 Q2 articles), a rare achievement even at the graduate level. Thi also received the ADM scholarship (Archer-Daniels Midland Company), the University's academic encouragement scholarship and participated in the Bach Khoa Volunteer Tutoring Program.

Under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Anh Hoang, Anh Thi joined the research group on bacteriophage, a new research direction in antibiotic resistance treatment. “That is an unexplored field in Vietnam. He always encouraged me to ask questions, not only to do experiments but also to learn how to think like a scientist,” Thi shared.

Behind that passion is the nurturing of the family. Thi's father, Dr. Ho Dinh Duan, a bronze medalist at the 1978 International Math Olympiad, is the one who instilled in her a steadfast spirit and logical thinking. Her mother, Ho Thi Mong Oanh, taught her that "knowledge is only meaningful when it creates value for the community." "Whenever I encounter difficulties, I always remember my mother's words: study to contribute," Thi said.

Go beyond limits, shine with faith

The title “Vietnam Female Student of Science and Technology 2025” comes to Anh Thi as a meaningful milestone of the past journey. As the only female student honored in the field of Applied Biology, she considers this not only a personal pride but also an “affirmation that girls can also shine in science”.

Mr. Thi exchanges information and knowledge with friends.

“Many people have advised me to choose a more relaxed major because the lab is hard and risky. But for me, ability does not depend on gender. What is important is learning attitude and perseverance,” Anh Thi affirmed.

Anh Thi’s success does not come from any special “secret” but from the ability to select, focus and persevere. Many young people today are under pressure from social networks or peers, seeing everyone doing something and wanting to follow. But to go far, you must clearly understand what you really want. Don’t let others define your value,” Thi shared.

In addition to research, Thi is also actively involved in community activities such as voluntary blood donation, free teaching for disadvantaged students, and environmental protection campaigns. “Science is not only in the laboratory, it is also the way we live and spread knowledge,” Thi said.

When asked about her future, the young girl from Hue chose a steady and practical path: “I want to work in a business to apply biology to life, from food, environment to biomedicine. If I have the opportunity, I will study abroad for a master's degree and then return to Vietnam to continue researching and teaching.”

Before ending the conversation, Anh Thi left a simple but powerful message: “Don’t let anything limit your abilities. Science is a journey of curiosity and creativity. Every woman who steps onto this path is adding a ray of light to the world and that light deserves to be seen.”

Hours of study and practice in the classroom to research and apply technological processes.

In the laboratory world full of numbers and formulas, Ho Thai Anh Thi has painted a different image, the image of a Vietnamese female student who is confident, brave and dedicated to a field that few people choose. She not only represents the young female generation in science but also gives a broader message, that within all limits there is always room for aspiration and the light of knowledge.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/nu-sinh-duy-nhat-linh-vuc-sinh-hoc-ung-dung-duoc-vinh-danh-toan-quoc-20251021163057680.htm