Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang | Bio Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist | Vietnam Ministry of Sciences and Technology | Vietnam

This researcher is a molecular biologist with extensive expertise in plant genetics, molecular systematics, and conservation biology. With training and academic experience across Vietnam, South Korea, Belgium, and the United States, they have developed strong skills in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biochemistry. Their career began with assistant researcher roles at Hanoi National University and the Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam, where they worked on protein purification and recombinant DNA technology. Later, they advanced as a Research Scientist at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), contributing significantly to studies on genetic diversity, phylogeny, and conservation of threatened plant species. Internationally, they expanded their expertise through research training in the University of Tennessee, Vrije Brussels University, and the University of Suwon. Their work emphasizes conservation genetics of cycads, bamboos, and conifers, aiming to understand population structures, genetic diversity, and strategies for biological conservation in flora.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

The researcher’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in biology and advanced molecular sciences. They began their education at Hanoi-Amsterdam Special High School, majoring in biology, and continued with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Hanoi National University where they graduated with distinction. Pursuing higher education abroad, they completed a Master’s degree in Life Sciences at the University of Suwon, South Korea earning excellent academic results. they undertook doctoral studies at Vrije Brussels University, Belgium, focusing on molecular biology and plant systematics. Parallel to this, they enhanced their research experience at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam, and gained valuable international exposure as a technician in physiology at the University of Tennessee, USA Their educational background blends academic excellence and practical research training, providing a multidisciplinary expertise in molecular biology, genetics, conservation, and plant evolutionary studies.

Experience

The researcher’s professional career spans over two decades, combining research, teaching, and laboratory expertise. They began as an Assistant Researcher at Hanoi National University, working on protein purification from plant seeds, and at the Institute of Biotechnology, VAST focusing on recombinant hepatitis B antigen expression in E. they served as a Research Scientist at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, VAST, investigating plant genetic diversity and conservation, with projects on cycads, bamboos, and conifers. Internationally, they worked as a Technician at the University of Tennessee, USA, gaining hands-on expertise in physiology and molecular techniques. They further advanced their career through doctoral research at Vrije Brussels University, Belgium while maintaining research links with IEBR, Vietnam. Their professional journey highlights strong expertise in genetic diversity studies, molecular systematics, conservation biology, and applied biotechnology, with significant contributions to plant biodiversity conservation.

Awards and Honors

Throughout their academic and research career, the researcher has achieved recognition for excellence and dedication in life sciences. During their Master’s program at the University of Suwon, South Koreathey graduated with an excellent academic grade, demonstrating outstanding performance in life sciences research and coursework. At Hanoi National University, they completed their Bachelor’s degree with a very good grade, further establishing their strong academic foundation. Their research work on molecular biology, plant genetics, and biodiversity conservation has contributed to the preservation of endangered plant species in Vietnam, earning respect and recognition among peers at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, VAST. Their international research experiences in Belgium, South Korea, and the USA reflect a high level of academic competence and adaptability. While no specific award titles are listed, their continuous record of excellent results, research leadership, and international collaboration stand as significant honors in their career.

Research Focus

The researcher’s scientific focus lies at the intersection of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetic engineering, and conservation genetics, with particular emphasis on flora. Their specialization includes DNA and RNA isolation, PCR-based techniques (SSR, ISSR, sequencing), gene cloning and expression in E. coli, yeast, and animal cells, and protein purification using immunological approaches such as ELISA and Western blotting. Their research has a strong conservation biology dimension, emphasizing population structure, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic studies of threatened plants in Vietnam, including cycads, bamboos, and conifers. They are particularly interested in understanding how habitat fragmentation affects extinction risks and in developing genetic strategies for conserving endangered plant species. Their integrative approach combines molecular tools with ecological data to support biodiversity preservation. Beyond conservation, their expertise extends to molecular systematics, species identification, and applied biotechnological techniques, reflecting a versatile skill set with broad applications in molecular genetics, evolutionary studies, and sustainable conservation efforts.

Publication Top Notes 

A Novel Aptamer Selection Strategy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Its Application as a Detecting Probe in a Hybrid Lateral Flow Assay
Year: 2025

Genetic population structure of the Vietnamese ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.) detected by microsatellite analysis
Year: 2024

Genetic variability of the endangered tropical species Hopea ferrea laness in forests revealed by microsatellite analysis
Year: 2024

The candidate demonstrates exceptional strengths in molecular biology and plant conservation genetics, with international training and meaningful research contributions. Their work on genetic diversity and conservation of endangered plant species is scientifically valuable and socially relevant, positioning them as a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award.