Huyen Le
Huyen Le (MChem 2017) is a Materials Engineering PhD researcher who has been selected as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2024.
Huyen graduated from Sussex in 2021 after completing her Masters in Chemistry with a placement year. During her final year of study, she worked with the Careers and Entrepreneurship team as a Placement Connector, supporting students from underrepresented groups at Sussex. Along with other team members, she received the AGCAS Award for Excellence in Supporting Student and Graduate Employability.
After graduating, Huyen went on to pursue her passions of applied research, product development and consumer innovation and is currently a Materials Engineering PhD researcher at Loughborough University. She continues to support students from underrepresented groups through mentoring and was also named the postgraduate Female Engineer of the Year 2024 by Loughborough.
What led you to Sussex?
The Integrated MChem programme I chose at Sussex offers the advantage of achieving a Masters-level degree in a relatively shorter time frame compared to traditional routes. Sussex’s commitment to supporting first-generation scholars also played a significant role in my decision. As the first in my family to attend university, the availability of first-generation scholar funding support was crucial.
What was your favourite part of your course?
The department's open-door policy was immensely helpful whenever I needed further clarification outside of lectures. I am especially grateful to my Academic Tutor, Dr. Shane Lo Fan Hin, whose mentorship and guidance were crucial in my personal and academic growth. Even during my placement year away from campus, the ongoing communication ensured that I continued to receive the same level of support I would have received if I were on campus.
How did the skills you developed in your placement year help in your professional life?
My placement year at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (now Haleon), was invaluable. I developed project management skills and a deeper understanding of colloid and polymer science.
My proactive approach included shadowing microbiologists to learn about their research, sparking a further interest in the technical aspects of microbiology, which this PhD has helped me to explore. My experiences in both academia and industry have increased my resilience and confidence to work independently, crucial skills for a PhD!
Why do you think placements are important for students?
They provide practical experience and industry exposure that can’t be gained in the classroom. For me, representation and diversity in the scientific community are vital. As a first-generation BAME student from an immigrant background, seeing role models with similar experiences has significantly impacted my journey and helped me navigate potential challenges.
Placements offer the opportunity to develop essential employability skills that may not have been emphasised in my upbringing. Site visits and exposure to industry operations are invaluable experiences I wouldn't otherwise have access to.
What does your PhD research focus on?
I’m investigating how different materials interact in paint formulations. This research can help improve multi-purpose coatings, making them more effective, durable and sustainable.
The aim of my PhD is a testament to the International Women in Engineering 2024 #EnhancedbyEngineering theme. We are finding creative ways to reduce contamination on surfaces, preventing infections from occurring in the first place and reducing the misuse of antibiotics when bacterial infections are mistreated. Our group’s work has the potential to make a significant impact on public health, as well as reducing pressure on our NHS.
Find out more about Huyen’s PhD work and impact in her award-winning video