Chu Thi Minh Le and the persevering journey to a scientific dream

For Chu Thi Minh Le, returning to Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) on graduation day is not only a moment of pride but also the conclusion of a transformative four-year journey. Graduating as valedictorian of the Chemical Engineering Technology program with a GPA of 3.64/4.0, she stands as a symbol of resilience and determination, turning her love for chemistry into a lifelong motivation to pursue science.

Minh Le at the 11th National Student Chemistry Olympiad 2023

When she first entered HaUI, Minh Le was fully aware of the demands of her chosen field: “This path requires both in-depth knowledge and practical reasoning skills. Chemistry is not something you can master overnight; it is a discipline of persistence and long-term exploration.” Stepping into a new academic environment, she encountered the same difficulties every student faces, from unfamiliar concepts to practical skills. Yet, rather than avoiding challenges, she embraced them: “I didn’t want a weakness to hold me back, so I worked to overcome it, knowing there were bigger goals ahead.”

That determination gradually bore fruit. From a reserved first-year student from Hung Yen, Minh Le grew into a confident scholar, earning a series of notable achievements: Third Prize at the 11th National Student Chemistry Olympiad (2023), a Consolation Prize at the 12th Olympiad (2025), multiple Third Prizes in the university-level Student Research Competition, and consistent recognition for outstanding academic performance. Each award, each recognition, was the result of countless hours in the laboratory, grappling with experiments, making mistakes, and refining her approach.

Minh Le (fourth from the left) at the 11th National Student Chemistry Olympiad 2023

For Minh Le, the Faculty of Chemical Engineering was more than a place of study. It became a space where passion was nurtured, curiosity awakened, and hidden potential discovered. The dedication of her lecturers, combined with HaUI’s modern facilities - from laboratories and practice workshops to research and technology transfer centers - provided her with opportunities to “explore herself” through every experiment, class project, and competition.

Beyond academic excellence, Minh Le valued the development of soft skills as an essential part of her growth. Group discussions, student competitions, and extracurricular activities became her training ground for communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. She recalls fondly: “The tug-of-war match where our class won felt like the whole world was cheering. Those moments, outside of textbooks, taught me as much about life as chemistry ever did.”

Her commitment to applying knowledge in real-world contexts was further deepened through an internship at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, where she contributed to pharmaceutical research and development. This experience allowed her to connect academic learning with practical applications, reaffirming her dream of pursuing science not only as a career but also as a way to create meaningful contributions to society.

Minh Le at the defense of her graduation thesis

Looking back, Minh Le’s journey is one of perseverance, courage, and growth. From a student with quiet determination to a confident valedictorian ready to embark on her next chapter, she embodies the spirit of HaUI - where knowledge, resilience, and passion come together to shape the future.