Personal Statement HaThuHoang
Personal Statement HaThuHoang
Autobiography
Academic background
The program Engineering Physics at Can Tho University has provided me with a solid
foundation in general education, core knowledge, and specialized knowledge, helping me
develop both breadth and depth in the field of engineering.
Particularly, courses like Introduction to Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics,
Applied Optics, Crystal Physics, and Nanostructures have given me extensive knowledge
about materials science and technology. I have mastered concepts related to composition,
structure, manufacturing conditions, and applications of different types of materials, which has
laid a strong foundation for my future research direction.
Alongside theoretical courses, practical labs have helped reinforce my knowledge and
develop my research thinking. I have participated in numerous hands-on activities and research
projects, enhancing my skills in both independent work and teamwork. Throughout my
university studies, I have worked diligently and achieved several notable accomplishments,
including:
Receiving awards for three consecutive academic years (2021-2024).
Being awarded an international student exchange scholarship in Thailand (2022-2023).
Completing a school-level research project as the project leader (2022-2023).
Research experience
By the end of 2023, after gaining fundamental knowledge in both core and specialized
subjects during my first two years, I took on the role of project leader for a scientific research
project in my third year. My project, titled “Simulation Study of Optoelectronic Properties of
Quantum Dots Based on One- and Two-Atom-Doped Pentagonal Single-Layer PdSe₂
Material,” was conducted under the guidance of my professor and in collaboration with my
peers. I quickly adapted to new tasks, gradually improving the essential skills required for a
materials scientist. This experience also gave me the opportunity to write and publish my first
scientific paper, which was featured in the Can Tho University Journal of Science.
Throughout the research, I applied computational simulations using Density Functional
Theory (DFT) to investigate the electronic and optical properties of low-dimensional materials,
specifically doped PdSe₂ quantum dots. The findings deepened my understanding of the
potential applications of nanomaterials in optoelectronics and further developed my analytical
and problem-solving skills through the use of modern simulation tools.
By mid-2024, driven by my passion for science, I continued my research and achieved
notable results, with my name appearing in three scientific publications. Two of these papers
were published in the Can Tho University Journal of Science, marking the recognition of my
contributions within the domestic research community. Additionally, I had the opportunity to
contribute to a paper published in the international Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic
Materials, which was a significant step forward in my academic career. In this study, I worked
on simulating the electronic and magnetic properties of penta-PdSe₂ nanoribbons using DFT,
focusing on advanced phenomena such as spin transport and spin filtering effects. My
contributions to these projects not only enhanced my research skills but also opened up new
directions for future scientific endeavors.
Motivation
My decision to pursue a Master's degree stems from a deep-rooted passion for research and
a desire to make meaningful contributions to the field of materials science. Over the past few
years, my undergraduate studies and research experiences have exposed me to the fascinating
world of nanomaterials and computational modeling, particularly through my work on
optoelectronic properties of quantum dots and electronic/magnetic properties of nanoribbons.
These projects not only solidified my interest in these areas but also gave me the confidence to
further my expertise.
Career goals