Little known facts about the female double valedictorian of Hanoi University of Pharmacy

“From the top student in the entrance exam to the top student in the final exam, I was surprised, mixed with joy and pride, because I never thought I would reach such a noble title. Throughout my university journey, what I always maintained was discipline, self-awareness and perseverance, to become a better version of myself every day, to have no regrets no matter what the result is,” Phuong Ngan said.

Nguyen Phuong Ngan - double valedictorian of Hanoi University of Pharmacy. (Photo: NVCC)

Phuong Ngan is a former student of Nguyen Du High School - Thanh Oai (Hanoi). She was a member of the Physics team, winning first and second prizes many times in competitions for excellent students at the cluster and city levels. However, the 10X still nurtures a deep love for Chemistry and is especially attracted to the health sector.

“Although no one in my family is pursuing a career in medicine, when I shared my desire, my parents and siblings were completely supportive. Everyone always believes that those who work in the healthcare field are not only knowledgeable but also silently devoted and worthy of respect,” Phuong Ngan said.

It was the great trust and encouragement from her family that gave the female student a strong motivation. Living up to expectations, in 2020, Phuong Ngan achieved 29.3 points in block A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry), becoming the valedictorian of Hanoi University of Pharmacy.

The new valedictorian of Hanoi University of Pharmacy modestly said that she is not a very intelligent person, all her achievements are thanks to diligence and perseverance. There are days when Phuong Ngan studies for 16 hours, especially when exams are near or she needs to focus on writing a scientific paper.

“I usually memorize by creating a mindmap, but instead of writing it down on paper, I imagine it in my head, drawing connections between knowledge or linking it to real-life situations,” the female student said.

For example, when studying anatomy and physiology, Phuong Ngan will think about the structure and function of organs in the body. Or when studying Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics with how drugs are metabolized and affect the body, the female student thinks about the drug's circulation in her own body, then the effects it will have on heart rate or blood pressure.

With new and difficult knowledge, 10X often takes pictures, saves them on their phone so they can review and ponder at any time, such as when they first wake up, or before going to bed, or while waiting for the bus.

The new valedictorian of Hanoi University of Pharmacy said that his results were mainly due to his diligence and perseverance, sometimes studying up to 16 hours a day. (Photo: NVCC)

Since the beginning of her third year of university, Phuong Ngan has participated in scientific research at the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Synthesis Laboratory. In the beginning, doing experiments was quite difficult for her, because she was not yet proficient in handling reactions.

Many times, the reaction failed because it did not produce the desired product or impurities appeared that were difficult to remove, which discouraged the female student. However, when she calmly looked back at the problem logically, she adjusted the process, replaced the solvent and catalyst, and finally overcame the difficulties, successfully synthesizing new cancer cell inhibitors.

This is also the topic of Phuong Ngan's thesis research, titled: "Synthesis and evaluation of the cancer cell inhibitory effects of some new N-hydroxybutanamide derivatives carrying triazole heterocycles". The thesis was highly appreciated with a score of 9.5/10.

Thanks to her constant efforts and serious learning spirit, Phuong Ngan won a scholarship to encourage learning in 9/10 semesters, along with many certificates of merit from Hanoi University of Pharmacy for her excellent achievements. In addition, she also had a scientific article published in the Journal of Scientific Research and Development, with the title "Overview of HDAC6 and selective HDAC6 inhibitors for anti-cancer effects".

"Graduating from Hanoi University of Pharmacy as valedictorian is a proud milestone for me. This achievement is not only for myself, but also a gift I want to send to my parents, who have silently sacrificed so that I can study. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the teachers at the school, who have taught me not only professional knowledge but also professional ethics and love for the profession," Phuong Ngan shared.

After graduating, the new valedictorian plans to continue her studies for a master's degree and continue her research career at the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Synthesis Laboratory - the place that nurtured her passion for science throughout her university years.

Phuong Ngan hopes to accumulate more knowledge and experience to contribute to the field she pursues. The female student also cherishes the dream of becoming a lecturer, following in the footsteps of her teachers at Hanoi University of Pharmacy, spreading knowledge and good values to the community.

Kim Nhung

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/dieu-it-biet-ve-nu-thu-khoa-kep-truong-dai-hoc-duoc-ha-noi-ar958170.html