Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the International University – Vietnam National University HCM (CEE-IU) has proudly hosted international students from around the world, especially Sweden, Canada, and Germany.
“At CEE-IU, we’re committed to harnessing the collective genius from across the globe to drive paradigm-shifting scientific discovery and transformative innovation. Our international internship program is a testament to this commitment. By fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and experimentation, we empower our students to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and reimagine the possibilities. Through this shared journey, we’re shaping a brighter future – one where knowledge knows no borders and innovation knows no bounds.” – Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Kim Lam, Dean of CEE-IU.
Since 2023, CEE-IU highlights the successful hosting of four students from the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada, for an enriching two-month internship. The students, Dharampaul Yasmine Serena, Anna Lewis, Miranda Stokovac, and Caitlin Quilty, engaged in impactful research projects during their stay. Dharampaul Yasmine and Anna had the privilege of working under Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy, Vice-Dean of CEE-IU. Dharampaul Yasmine focused on modifying steel slag to remove phosphate and ammonia from wastewater, while Anna developed novel materials based on ferrate technology to treat antibiotics in wastewater.
Miranda Stokovac and Caitlin Quilty, were mentored and supervised by Dr. Ngo Thi Thuan, a renowned lecturer in Environmental Engineering at CEE-IU. Their internship focused on pioneering research to convert agricultural waste into valuable products, specifically Fenton catalysts, which are used to remove toxins, heavy metals, and other pollutants from wastewater.
The research conducted by four students on novel materials for removing pollutants from water is of significant global importance. With increasing industrial activities and agricultural runoff, water pollution has become a pressing environmental issue. Developing efficient and sustainable methods to purify water is crucial for protecting ecosystems and ensuring access to clean water for communities worldwide.
Throughout their internship, these students gained hands-on experience with various high-precision instruments, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Ion Chromatography (IC). These tools are crucial in their research for analyzing and improving the efficacy of the novel materials they developed.
“Working in different fields is very enjoyable. This internship provided me with a new experience. With such a supportive team of staff and colleagues, I had the chance to develop a novel catalyst, learn how it works, and apply it in real-life applications. Overall, being located at a vibrating and exciting city, CEE-IU is a good place to get a master’s degree.” remarked Caitlin Quilty, reflecting on her time at CEE-IU.
The importance of international student exchange cannot be overstated. Such programs allow students to immerse themselves in different cultural and academic environments, broadening their perspectives and fostering a global mindset. By participating in these exchanges, students not only enhance their technical skills but also develop invaluable soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration.