Huyen Le standing next to Dr Qiao Chen, her Masters project supervisor

Tuesday 11 February is International Day of Women and Girls in Science – where we recognise the achievements of women in science and other STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Maths) fields and encourage girls and women to pursue careers in STEM. It is also the 10 year anniversary since the awareness day was first established by the United Nations!

To mark this day, we are sharing the story of one of our inspiring alumnas - Huyen Le (MChem 2017), a Materials Engineering PhD researcher who was 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.

How did it feel to be selected as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2024 by the Women's Engineering Society?

It is an incredible honour to receive this award before completing my engineering PhD. As someone who recently entered the engineering sector, I am deeply inspired by this recognition and the growth journey it represents.

This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance and support of the amazing female leaders and mentors in my life. As the first in my family to attend university and having come to this country not speaking English, I am humbled by this recognition. It signifies not only personal perseverance but also the importance of representation and mentorship in achieving success.

What do you do in your free time?

Since joining Loughborough University for my PhD studies, I've become more physically active – I even entered my first 10k race recently. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, painting, and training for running events.

Why do you think mentoring is so important?

I come from a neighbourhood where people often faced prejudice and were easily exposed to negative influences. After finishing secondary school, traditional family expectations prevented me from pursuing higher education. My parents didn’t understand my desire to carve my own path, and I felt I had let them down compared to other female relatives.

Mentoring opportunities have provided me with safe spaces to think for myself and a foundation to grow authentically when I felt lost. Mentoring helps build confidence, fosters skill development and opens up new opportunities for growth. For me, mentoring others is a way to give back and contribute to the development of future leaders. Seeing mentees succeed and grow is immensely rewarding and reinforces the importance of building supportive, collaborative environments.

What advice would you give to other women working in engineering?

• Embrace the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills.
• It’s ok to change direction if it means pursuing something that is meaningful to you.
• You don’t need to “man up”. Stay resilient and confident in your abilities. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance.
• Building a strong support network is crucial – connect with mentors and peers who can offer advice and encouragement.
• Remember that diversity and representation matter. Your unique perspective is valuable and can drive innovation in the field.

Huyen is among thousands of inspiring alumni on Sussex Connect. Join now to seek mentoring and industry advice and get a head start on your career.