Le Minh Ngoc, a senior student from the Talented Chemistry Program at the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has earned a fully funded PhD scholarship from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA - before even graduating from her undergraduate program.

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Le Minh Ngoc at the University of Science, VNU Hanoi. (Photo: NVCC)

Ngoc, known for her deep curiosity and academic dedication, plans to pursue doctoral research immediately after graduation at age 22. "I believe I’m best suited for research work in the lab. That’s why I want to commit the next 5 to 6 years to my PhD," she said.

Although her ambition to study abroad began in middle school, the COVID-19 pandemic initially delayed those plans.

A former student of the Chemistry stream at Chu Van An High School for the Gifted in Hanoi, Ngoc enrolled in her current university, considering it a temporary option.

However, she later realized it was the right fit due to the faculty’s international training background and the wide range of exchange opportunities available.

The rigorous academic standards at her department encouraged students to consistently strive for excellence. Ngoc made the most of her university years by participating in three international exchange programs: a two-week trip to Japan, a two-month program in Singapore, and a four-month stint in Canada. These were facilitated through university partnerships and government-sponsored scholarships.

The most memorable experience, she recalls, was the short-term exchange at Ibaraki University in Japan. "I got to work with cutting-edge technology, which further solidified my decision to pursue a PhD," she said.

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Ngoc during her thesis defense. (Photo: NVCC)

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Ngoc will begin her PhD in the US this August. (Photo: NVCC)

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Ngoc with peers in Singapore. (Photo: NVCC)

Despite her extensive international engagements, Ngoc managed to graduate one semester early with distinction. To achieve this, she overloaded her schedule in the first two years - completing up to 27 credits per semester, compared to the average 18 to 20. “Efficiency is key. I created a strict focus routine, and when I sat down at my desk, it was only to study,” Ngoc shared.

She graduated with a GPA of 3.63 out of 4.0 and used the final months of her program to prepare her PhD applications. Ngoc deliberately chose to apply directly for PhD programs instead of pursuing a master's, knowing that full scholarships are harder to obtain at the master's level in the US.

In her application to UMass Amherst, she recounted her exchange experience in Singapore, where she spent two months living independently and working in a lab like a real PhD student.

“That experience helped me understand the life and responsibilities of a PhD student. I realized I could thrive in that environment,” she said.

Though her application lacked published research papers, Ngoc emphasized her lab experience and adaptability. “A paper can strengthen your profile, but it’s not mandatory. I chose to highlight my extensive hands-on lab experience and diverse exposure instead,” she explained.

That approach worked. UMass Amherst offered her a place in their PhD program with full tuition coverage and a stipend sufficient to cover her living expenses.

Ngoc will depart for the US this August. Having experienced academic life in several countries, she says she feels confident rather than anxious about entering this new chapter. “I’ll rotate through three labs under three professors before selecting the right direction for my research,” she said.

Thuy Nga