Although I was working with many people, below are those reported to me (in industry’s terminology) when I was at the Agricultural Genetics Institute. I asked some of them to join me, while some others came and asked if they can be part of the group. They all worked on my projects and received compensation from the grants. My job was just looking for EXTERNAL funding and inspiring them.

1- Ha Chu, Doctoral program, Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Science

Ha obtained his BS and MS in Biotechnology from Hanoi University of Agriculture (now known as Vietnam National University of Agriculture). He is in his first year of the PhD program at Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Science. His research is aimed to increase understanding the role of methionine oxidation and repair in plant’s viability under stress. Since I left AGI, Ha is supported by an International Program Associate to study in RIKEN (Japan), where I used to work. I am still Ha’s supervisor for his PhD thesis.

2- Nam Tuan Vu, MSc, VNU – Hanoi University of Science

Nam obtained his Bachelor degree from VNU-Hanoi University of Science. He has recently defended his master thesis in experimental biology at the same University. His work includes development of molecular technique for the detection of cassava disease. – From Sept 2015, Nam is a PhD student at Miyako Kusano’s Group at University of Tsukuba, Japan.

 3- Kim Lien Nguyen, MSc, VNU – Hanoi University of Science

Kim Lien has a bachelor degree in Biotechnology from VNU-Hanoi University of Science. She is now a second year master student at the same University. Her work is to elucidate the role of methionine sulfoxide reductase in plant’s adaptation to biotic stresses. – Lien is now a happy Mom and Wife and a QA Manager at Vietnam Institute of Dietary Supplement (VIDS).

4- Quynh Le, MSc, VNU – Hanoi University of Science

Quynh graduated with distinction from a Special program for talented students of VNU-Hanoi University of Science. Quynh’s thesis is on the methionine-rich proteins in Arabidopsis thalanie. She is also interested a gene family that may help increase natural defense of cassava to disease and insect pests.

• Quynh defended her master thesis in Dec 2015 and will join my former collaborator’s Lab in Japan for her PhD.

5- Melanie BUFFEL, MSc, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (USTH)

I studied  in a Two-year technical training course at high school, equivalent to DEUG – Option ANABIOTEC (Biological and biotechnological analysis in agriculture), where I could enhance my knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, as well as histology, but more importantly, these courses made me discover subjects such as microbiology, biochemistry and green biotechnology

I had my first internship at the Centre for Pathophysiology of Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP, France) in the unit U1043 INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research) under the supervision of Dr. Claire RACAUD-SULTAN where I studied the influence of PAR (Protease-activated receptors) on intestinal stem cells. In this study, we were interested in PARS1, 2 and 4 and the changes caused by these different receptors on cells: induction of tumor, quiescence … At the same time, I had the opportunity to work in animal husbandry and to test effectiveness of various treatments on the development of cancer cells.

During my Two-year technical training course, we worked on biotechnology applied to plants (Green Biotechnology), as well as biotechnology applied to human health (red biotechnology).

Biotechnology was very exciting, so I decided to integrate an engineering school (Vet Agro Sup – Clermont Ferrand, France) through the Intensive one-year preparation course (higher technician adaptation) for the competitive entrance to French engineering schools, to acquire theoretical and technical scientific knowledge and allowing me learn management team.

I like opening myself to other countries and therefore I’m really happy to have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. That’s why I’m study now in the University of Sciences and Technologies of Hanoi (USTH), in pharmacology-biotechnology master, Plant biotechnology specialization.

I am particularly interested in the improvement of plants, plant health, and plant interest in the pharmaceutical industry, so I’m really happy to work as an intern with Dr. Le Tien Dung at the National Key Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology of AGI/VAAS.

• Melanie finished her internship and returned to France to continue her degree.

6- Thuy Linh Le, MSc, USTH – University of Science and Technology of Hanoi

Thuy Linh obtained her bachelor degree in Biotechnology – Pharmacology from University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH). She is now a first year master student at the same University. She is interested in Biomedicine. Her work is to characterize the kinetic properties of Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) from Haemophilus influenza.  AHAS is the enzyme involved in the biosynthesis pathway leading to branch chain amino acids in plants and microorganisms. AHAS in plants is a known herbicide target. Recently AHAS has emerged as a potential drug target for controlling intracellular bacteria. – Linh is now a master 2 student at the same University