The Jade Goddess of Science

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai was awarded the title of Associate Professor (PGS) at the youngest age in 2024, at the age of 33. She has affirmed her position in the academic world with more than 30 valuable scientific publications revolving around the fields of investment, global trade and sustainable economic development.

The profession chose me

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai received the Capital's Outstanding Young Face Award 2024. Photo: Xuan Tung

“Doing science is a profession that… chose me. It was quite a surprise,” Mai smiled softly, her eyes distant as if looking back at the path she had traveled, full of unexpected turns.

The first impression of her is her freshness and energy radiating through her bright eyes. Few people would have guessed that she was once a weak little girl, with such fragile health that she became a constant worry for the whole family.

During her high school years, a serious accident forced her to undergo brain hematoma surgery. This major event not only worried her family, but also made her doubtful about her future, especially her ability to pursue a stressful and demanding scientific career.

Young female Associate Professor shares and inspires students.

“Back then, I only thought of lofty dreams like becoming a writer, poet or musician,” she recalled. Neither her family nor she herself had ever imagined that one day she would embark on a career in science.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in International Business from the University of Nebraska (USA), Ms. Mai decided to return to Vietnam to become a lecturer. In the early years, she did not like doing research because she did not have the patience to sit in one place, nor did she have enough concentration to persevere in doing one thing.

But in the process of trying to complete her work, from studying for a master's degree to a doctorate, Mai suddenly realized that scientific research had transformed her. It was a positive transformation when Mai could diligently research for many hours with a clear mind.

“This is an extremely miraculous thing for me, becoming a person that I never thought I could achieve before. And I decided to pursue the path of science,” she said happily when she “caught” the “fate” with academia.

Solutions from green FDI flows

The main research direction of Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai focuses on international investment, international trade, behavioral management and business practices, and sustainable economic development.

One notable achievement is a series of scientific publications related to sustainable development through the implementation of corporate social responsibility, CO2 emission reduction and green logistics application.

The study demonstrated a strong positive correlation between FDI inflows and renewable energy development. The study showed that GDP and CO2 emissions, if left unchecked, would negatively impact clean energy development and economic sustainability.

On the contrary, green FDI, when managed effectively, will become a driving force for digital transformation, improve supply chain efficiency, and support Vietnam's sustainable development goals.

Research by young scientists shows that attracting and effectively implementing FDI capital flows, especially green FDI, plays a key role in promoting renewable energy and reducing CO2 emissions.

The journey of Associate Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai is not a story of a “jade girl” whose path is paved, but a living testament to courage, self-transcendence and tireless perseverance. She has shown that all limits can be broken, when people dare to listen to themselves and keep moving forward.

Studies also emphasize that applying green logistics models not only brings environmental benefits but also increases competitive advantages for businesses in the international market.

The publications of the young female Associate Professor have become a solid scientific basis for businesses and managers in integrating economic development and environmental protection goals, providing methodological suggestions for further research on green logistics.

With basic research, Ms. Mai always believes that even theoretical research can still be applied or disseminated to benefit the community.

The art of balance

“As a woman, why can’t I be content with being a lecturer who teaches in class every day and comes home to cook and take care of my family at night?” - Mai wondered. It seemed that sometimes she was also exhausted in her persistent journey with science, with many responsibilities on her shoulders.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai - Photo: Hoang Manh Thang

But in those moments, she thought that if life did not have progress, it would be a boring life. When talking about gender prejudices in society, the female Associate Professor affirmed that she herself was the one who decided whether she was affected by those prejudices or not.

"In the study, women   "Having sophistication, detail and mental endurance, I am very careful, meticulous and flexible. I realize that balancing many responsibilities and duties in life has molded women to withstand pressure and maintain energy better," she shared.

Scientific research can sometimes be boring. So “endurance” is not just about pursuing a new discovery, but also about persevering through repetitive, sometimes monotonous, and dry work.

The nickname not only evokes feminine beauty but also contains the shine of a jade polished over time. It is an entity that harmonizes the artistic spirit in the soul that was passionate about dance, passionate about music, cherished literary dreams and a sharp scientific mind.

“Being “interrupted” in the process of striving to fulfill their duties as wives and mothers is a way for them to allow themselves some time off to listen and improve themselves. When they return, they feel like they have more strength to go faster,” Ms. Mai confided.

When receiving the title of youngest female associate professor in 2024, Mai had sleepless nights, worrying that she could not shoulder the expectations that society was placing on her shoulders...

The title of youngest Associate Professor may be a big robe at first, but for Mai, it is also a reminder of responsibility and an invitation to continue the journey to conquer new heights.

With her experience and contemplation, she chose to inspire with a gentle but powerful message: "Erase the frameworks within yourself so you can fly far!"

Source: https://tienphong.vn/ngoc-nu-khoa-hoc-post1737043.tpo