One option was to present their research findings by presentation. They had 10 minutes to present their problem, instructions, data, observations, conclusions, and potential opportunity for application. This information was presented in front of an audience of both students and staff and was be followed by a series of challenging questions from the teaching staff. This experience is meant to be a “less intense, but still challenging” experience in order to prepare students for PhD style thesis defense presentations. Six students presented their research in this style, and three presented entirely in English.

The second option to compete was to complete a research poster presentation. Although students did not have to formally present, they were still expected to have a clearly understandable poster, and to stand next to it and field questions from teachers and peers to defend their research practices and data. Many of these teachers did not coddle their students. One teacher who especially wanted to test the student’s depth and practicality of knowledge was Professor Nguyen Phuc Hung. He utilized the break time between presentations to quiz and question the top poster presenters to ensure that the winner was deeply familiar with their research and results. Of the eight poster contest entrants, 1 submitted a poster in English.

All students were given the opportunity to enter, but of course, there can only be one winner in each category. All poster contestants earned 100,000d for entering, but winners were given additional incentives. First prize received 300,000 in addition to their 100,000d guaranteed prize. Second place received an additional 200,000d, and third place an additional 100,000d. In the poster category, Nguyễn Anh Phương, from K66C, was the champion with her with her poster “Growth inhibitory effect of some crude plant extracts of the human pathogenic fungus Mucor Circinelloides”, which was written entirely in English. Second place went to Nguyễn Hồng Chiêm (K66A) and third place was achieved by students Nguyễn Thi Huyền Trang (K66A), Nguyễn Lê Hoài Thương (K66A), and Phạm Văn Hậu (K67K).

In the presentation category, Lê Phương Thảo (K66K), and Ninh Tùng Dương (K67K) took the top prize with their very well-prepared research in English entitled “Suppression of the m1l1 gene (ID 140500) belonging to Myosin class I in the fungus Mucor circinelloides using RNAi technique”. We look forward to seeing Duong’s research next year, to see if she can pull off a back-to-back win! Second place was earned by Nguyễn Thuỷ Dung (K66C), and third place was secured handily by Nguyên Mai Phương (K66K), and Do Thi Nguyen (K66K). Prizes were increased in the presentation category. In addition to their guaranteed incentive, 1^st prize students received 500,000d, 2^nd received 400,000d and third received 300,000d.

The entire faculty congratulates Thao on her tremendous achievement and looks forward to supporting her in all of her future endeavors after graduation.

Despite a very difficult year with many sudden changes due to the coronavirus pandemic, these students persevered through their research (many of which involved feeding and managing living things). We are enthusiastic about the future due to the courage, research tenacity, and academic rigor that these students are demonstrating, and encourage all students to participate next year!

Written by Alyssa Meyer

Almeyer@reiinc.org

Research Honors' photos