The young man who won first prize in the national biology competition dreams of developing a cancer vaccine.

Le Quy Huan, a 12th-grade biology student at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted in Ho Chi Minh City, won first prize in the national biology competition for gifted students in the 2024-2025 academic year and dreams of developing a cancer vaccine.

Le Quy Huan, a 12th-grade student specializing in biology at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

Upon receiving the news that he had won first prize in the national biology competition for gifted students, Le Quy Huan was a little surprised because he didn't think he would win first prize.

"This score is similar to what I thought I would achieve, but I only thought I would get second place," said the boy who scored 27.75 out of 40 in the biology competition for gifted students.

From third place to first place nationally

Before winning first prize in the national biology competition for gifted students, Le Quy Huan had already won numerous other awards in this subject.

In 9th grade, Huan won second prize in the city-level biology competition for gifted students. In 10th grade, Huan was the top scorer in the 30-4 Biology Olympic competition, but in 11th grade, he only managed third prize in the national-level biology competition for gifted students.

"During that time, I was also sad, but with the encouragement of my teachers, family, and friends, I regained my spirits and won the gold medal at the 30-4 Olympic Games. I also independently registered to participate in the American Biology Olympiad (USABO) Asian Round and was fortunate enough to win a gold medal."

"In 12th grade, I made it onto the city's team, and now I'm delighted to have won first prize in the national excellent student competition," Huân expressed.

Despite achieving so many impressive accomplishments, Huân's initial focus was on studying mathematics.

"The COVID-19 pandemic was when I witnessed the miracle of vaccines, and that's when I started to love biology," Huân recounted.

Although Huân loved biology, he hadn't yet found an effective study method at the time. Learning from his teachers, his friends, and researching materials helped him improve steadily in the subject.

Find effective ways to study biology.

While many people consider biology to be a subject of rote memorization, that's not the case for Huân. Biology isn't a subject that relies solely on rote learning and memorization; even if one tried to learn by heart, it would be almost impossible because the knowledge is so vast.

Huân spent a lot of time reading books and using English to research effective ways to study biology.

"Previously, I had never thought about how to study or how to memorize, but after researching from many sources, I learned about mind mapping techniques, using flashcards, and asking myself questions to review effectively. Thanks to this, I was very fortunate to be able to systematize my knowledge," Huân confided.

Le Quy Huan (second from the top and far right) at the ceremony announcing the outstanding students of Ho Chi Minh City participating in the national excellent student competition - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

During the days leading up to the national gifted student exam, Huan spent about 4 hours, sometimes even more, studying biology. Huan preferred open spaces like libraries or university lecture halls for his studies.

For Huân, a spacious environment can help him study better.

Winning first prize in the national biology competition earned Huân direct admission to a Vietnamese public university, and he plans to attend the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

"I like studying medicine, but research medicine. I dream of being able to produce vaccines that the world needs, such as cancer vaccines."

"I wish Vietnam could produce more vaccines that the times need to better care for the health of its people. My passion for biology is linked to this dream," Huân happily shared.

Reading books in English is very good.

Commenting on her student, Ms. Pham Thi Be Hien - principal of Le Hong Phong Specialized High School - said that Huan is a very disciplined student in his studies, loves biology, has a high thirst for knowledge, and enjoys reading science books.

In particular, Huân has a strong ability to learn and research independently, and he is very good at reading biology books in English. Since the 10th grade, his teachers have recognized his potential and have supported and nurtured him, guiding him in learning methods and direction to help him develop his outstanding abilities to the fullest.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chang-trai-dat-giai-nhat-quoc-gia-mon-sinh-mo-dieu-che-vac-xin-ngua-ung-thu-20250119180104409.htm