Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Thuy Chinh - Promising young female scientist
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh graduated in Chemistry from Hanoi University of Education in 2009, earned a PhD degree at the Graduate University of Science and Technology, majoring in Theoretical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry in 2017, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2023. Currently, Assoc. Prof. TS. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh is the Principal Researcher - Department of Physical Chemistry of Non-metallic Materials, Institute of Tropical Engineering. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh has published more than 80 articles in prestigious international journals and more than 100 articles in domestic specialized journals, is the author and co-author of 15 patents and utility solution patents, and participated in the publication of three monographs. In her teaching role, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh is a visiting lecturer of many universities such as Vinh Medical University, Hanoi University of Industry, Dai Nam University, Dong A University of Technology, and Chengdu University. At the same time, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh has also supervised many doctoral students, graduate students and students in the fields of Polymer and Composite Materials, Organic Chemistry, Theoretical and Physical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Food Technology.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh shared with the research team
From Pedagogical Students to Potential Young Female Scientists
Nguyen Thuy Chinh started her academic career when she passed the exam to enter the Faculty of Chemistry, Hanoi University of Education in 2005. During her studies, she soon revealed her love for materials science, a new field that requires exploration and research. Since her 3rd year of university, she has been fortunate to participate in research on composite materials on thermoplastic substrates with Prof. Dr. Thai Hoang at the Institute of Tropical Engineering in the student exchange cooperation between the Faculty of Chemistry and the Institute. After graduating from university, she went to work in Mr. Hoang's research team. Here, she has access to many new research and measurement methods and has the first results of the research process, which is the motivation for her to continue pursuing her passion. Therefore, she decided to study as a doctoral student at the Institute of Tropical Engineering – Graduate University of Science and Technology and participated in research in the topics and projects of Prof. Dr. Thai Hoang and colleagues in the Institute. In 2016, Nguyen Thuy Chinh successfully defended her PhD thesis in the field of biomedical polymer materials.
Currently, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh is the main member of the excellent research team of Prof. Dr. Thai Hoang at the Institute of Tropical Engineering with the main research direction of Nanomaterials and Nanocomposite Polymer Materials, Advanced Materials. At the same time, she also pursues research in Biomedical Polymer Materials and Biodegradable Polymer Materials. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh has been in charge of many topics and tasks at all levels, in which, the topic of her enthusiasm under the Young Staff Support Program of VAST was: "Research and manufacture of biomaterials on the basis of natural collagen fibers from modified fish scales, the active ingredients ginsenoside Rb1, yellow flower tea polyphenols applied as hemostatic materials and wound treatment".
This study focused on extracting natural collagen from freshwater fish scales collected in the North. Then, combining this collagen with bioactive compounds such as ginsenoside Rb1 in the triventricles and polyphenols from yellow flower tea, from 3D printing technology to create a new film-like material with hemostatic effects. The study was applied experimentally with external open wounds in mice and showed positive results when shortening the bleeding time in animals. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh said: The hemostasis test on mice achieved a fast hemostasis time of only 104 seconds when using the new material (better effect than stopping bleeding with ordinary personal bandages with a time of about 200 seconds). The result of the patented project on: "Method of manufacturing hemostatic materials on the basis of collagen from chemically modified fish scales", published 3 articles in international journals and 3 articles in domestic scientific journals. The new hemostatic and wound healing material has high application potential, both taking advantage of waste from fish scales, contributing to increasing economic value in the seafood processing industry, and obtaining useful products for life. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh wishes to continue in vivo research and testing for hemostasis of internal wounds after surgeries such as lung or liver surgery so that new materials can soon be applied and implemented in practice.
Patent No. 34692
In addition, the research direction on composite polymer materials and composite polymers has also brought significant results in the research team's patent granted in 2023 on: "The method of manufacturing an organic-inorganic hybrid coating system and the coating system obtained from the above method with heat resistance, wear resistance and antibacterial". Currently, the problem of urbanization creates urban heat island effects in cities due to the phenomenon of absorbing energy from solar radiation of equipment and buildings, especially high-rise buildings. Therefore, the demand for indoor cooling energy will increase. In the context of the "warming" of the earth and the need to adapt to climate change, the use of heat-resistant/cooling coatings for buildings is one of the important solutions to save energy.
This invention has brought a modern method of producing a modern organic-inorganic hybrid coating system with heat resistance, wear resistance and antibacterial, applied as a protective coating for industrial and civil construction works.
In addition to research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh also participates in writing books and is the co-author of three monographs (by Prof. Dr. Thai Hoang is the editor). One of them is: "Improving the flame retardant and flame retardant ability of thermoplastic polymers with nano-size additives". Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh has contributed in key chapters such as: Chapter II, she and Prof. Dr. Thai Hoang presented methods for evaluating polymer flame retardant and flame retardant. She is the lead author of Chapter III on the characterization of thermoplastic polymers and flammable types and Chapter V on micro-sized additives that improve fire resistance. This book is currently used as a teaching material at many universities, as well as an important reference in the field of flame retardant polymers, especially useful for researchers and students who pay attention to the development of solutions to prevent the spread of fires and the causes of serious fires.
Two monographs that Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh is a co-author
The second book on: "Applied thermal analysis methods in polymer materials research", with the contribution of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh in chapters IV - VI related to forecasting the deterioration of mechanical, thermal and physicochemical properties of materials. She is also the lead author of Chapter VII on forecasting methods based on fatigue, creep and thermodynamics. The contents of the book are a valuable reference for research on polymer materials, helping scientists, practitioners and students to learn more about the durability and longevity of materials in practical applications.
In the role of teaching and research guide, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh always focuses on imparting knowledge and research orientation to students, postgraduate students and doctoral students, in order to help them develop in-depth research skills. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh participates in teaching subjects such as Pharmaceutical Physical Chemistry, focusing on the contents of thermodynamics and the applications of Chemistry and Physics in the pharmaceutical industry, and the subject of Free Radicals and Antioxidants, focusing on modes of operation, the mechanism of free radical formation and the mechanism of action of antioxidants. These subjects are associated with the field of Polymer Materials and Biomedical Materials, which are her main research directions. Combining teaching with the sharing of practical research results from scientific works, she not only helps students gain a deeper understanding of theory but also motivates them to participate in experimental research activities, thereby facilitating discussion, analysis and development of research thinking.
Milestones of success
With outstanding scientific achievements, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh has received many prestigious awards and certificates of merit. In 2012, she received the "Best Poster" Award at the 6th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Nanoscience in Ha Long City. In 2014, she consecutively received the "Excellent Poster Presentation" Award at the Short-term Course in Vietnam of the Japan Society of Polymer Science, the "Best Poster" Award at the 13th Youth Science Conference of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and is also a co-author of the Second Prize of Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award by the Chairman of the Union Vietnam Association of Science and Technology (VIFOTEC). In 2015, she was awarded the Certificate of Merit from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Medal "Outstanding Young Scientist of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology". In 2017, she was awarded the "Third Prize of Best Poster Award" at the 6th Asian Conference on Advanced Materials, in Hanoi. In particular, in 2019, Nguyen Thuy Chinh was honored to receive the Golden Globe Youth Science and Technology Award and the Creative Youth Badge from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and many other awards, certificates of merit and certificates of merit, recognizing the important contributions in research of the young female scientist.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh (third from left) received the Golden Globe Youth Science and Technology Award
Sharing about the hardships and difficulties of the female scientist, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh said: As a woman, each has to make greater efforts every day and she also has to ensure enough time to complete research work at a high pace, and she needs time as a mother and housewife. Family chores often take up quite a lot of time, making it difficult to balance personal and professional life. Before starting a family, she could spend the whole day at work, but now, small daily responsibilities also need to be prioritized, requiring more flexible arrangements in life. However, the support from VAST has created many opportunities for young scientists like Nguyen Thuy Chinh to develop their passions. Policies to encourage young cadres to participate in research have created opportunities and motivation to help them achieve many successes. In addition, the dedication to guide and share experiences from teachers who are veteran researchers at the Institute has laid a solid foundation for the next generations to persistently pursue the scientific path. She believes that, with passion and enthusiasm, continuous efforts will help young female scientists achieve many successes on their research journey. On the occasion of the 94th anniversary of Vietnamese Women's Day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy Chinh is always healthy, happy and continues to make more contributions to science.
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
