Tu Anh Huynh

What matters to Tu Anh?

Quick Summary

  • Being a mentor to other graduate students.

Tu Anh Huynh, a doctoratal candidate in the Food Science program, is studying genetic regulations in Escherichia coli (E. coli) when it lives on nitrate —an abundant compound in the environment. She is an international student from Vietnam.

Huynh got into food science by chance. When making the decision about college after completing her high school education in Vietnam, she received a scholarship to attain her undergraduate career in Sydney, Australia. Her intended major was not available so she made the change to food science. During Huynh’s senior year of undergrad, she worked in a food microbiology lab and loved the research. “Scientists in my sub-field have a really good network, in which different labs always communicate and provide assistance to each other,” she said. At that point, there was no turning back for her and she knew she wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in the field.

While in Sydney, Huynh spoke with her research advisor, a UC Davis alumnus, who recommended the UC Davis program. Upon researching the institution, she became impressed with what it had to offer, applied and accepted the offer to attend. “I feel deeply honored and proud to be pursuing a higher degree at UC Davis,” she said. “Here I have been working and interacting with absolutely world-class scholars.”

Huynh appreciates the time she has spent at UC Davis. “Generally, and most importantly, I feel like I’ve learned the skills of a professional scientist.” The offering of resources on the campus is innumerable. “The UC Davis campus provides so many opportunities for research and careers, but you need a prepared mind to grab those opportunities.”

While the opportunities are very much available, students must go out and get them. “As a graduate student, you have to be very proactive to make your progress – look for a suitable lab partner/advisor, establish your professional network, participate in community activities,” suggests Huynh.

When outside of her advisor Valley Stewart’s lab, Huynh enjoys hiking and camping in various national parks in Northern California, as well as skiing in Tahoe during the winter.

Huynh plans to pursue a position as a professor and researcher at a research university. She also wants to help educate those who have less access to knowledge about cutting edge science and current global issues. “Having received such a satisfying training and so much help from my department, my advisor, other faculty members, and my peers, I feel obligated to help younger students who are still finding their way in research and graduate education,” she said.

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Graduate Student Success