Andy Nguyen, a Concordia Hanoi alumnus who graduated in 2021, has recently decided to pursue higher education. After graduating from Concordia, he attended Davidson College and graduated last month, in May. As of late, Andy has received admission to the PhD program he applied for at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), where he will study inorganic chemistry for the next five years. Learn about his journey and discover the driving force behind his pursuit of higher education, as Andy shares what motivates him to advance in the field of chemistry and how his experiences have shaped his academic ambitions.

Andy’s journey began in Hanoi, where he grew up and attended Concordia from eighth grade through twelfth grade. Reflecting on his time at Concordia, Andy credits the school for shaping his academic discipline and broadening his perspective. The rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses he took not only prepared him for college-level work but also instilled a strong sense of independence and time management. Andy also credits his teachers and the school’s supportive environment for inspiring his long-term goal of becoming a professor and wanting to give back to the community.

Transitioning from Hanoi to Davidson posed unique challenges for Andy. He found life in a small college town less convenient than in Hanoi, where everything was within easy reach. Budgeting was another adjustment; living in the U.S. has required careful financial planning compared to the affordability of life back home in Hanoi. However, Andy adapted well socially due to his background at Concordia, where he interacted with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. “Interacting with so many people from different backgrounds gave me a lot of perspective,” he shared, noting how this prepared him for life in the U.S. and beyond. This experience helped him build friendships easily at Davidson and navigate cultural differences seamlessly.

Initially entering Davidson with plans to study biology, Andy discovered his passion for chemistry during his sophomore year. He was particularly drawn to inorganic chemistry. Throughout his undergraduate years, he worked on several research projects, including studies on battery technology, enzyme activity, and metal-catalyzed reactions. His senior thesis focused on catalysis using metal compounds—a project that not only deepened his expertise but also connected him with faculty at Penn.

Andy describes his time at Davidson as transformative. The close-knit academic environment allowed him to form meaningful relationships with professors and peers, which he considers one of the most rewarding aspects of his undergraduate experience. He also gained valuable mentorship from his advisor, who guided him through challenges like writing personal statements and navigating the graduate school application process.

Andy will begin his PhD program at Penn this August, focusing on inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on metal catalysts. When it came time to choose a PhD program, the University of Pennsylvania stood out for several reasons. His decision to attend Penn was influenced by its strong inorganic chemistry research group and collaborative departmental culture. Additionally, Andy had already collaborated with a Penn professor during his undergraduate research at Davidson, which gave him firsthand insight into the university’s robust chemistry program. “I’ve worked with him for three semesters now, and I like the work he does,” Andy explained. The program’s rotation system excites Andy, as it allows students to explore various research groups before committing to a specific project. He looks forward to leveraging Penn’s state-of-the-art facilities and engaging in outreach initiatives that bring science education to middle and high school students.

For Andy, research is not just about discovery—it’s about resilience. He emphasizes that setbacks are an inherent part of scientific inquiry, but views them as opportunities for growth. His advice to aspiring students is clear: start research early, seek mentorship, and find a subject you’re passionate about. He believes that building connections with professors and gaining hands-on experience are crucial for success in graduate programs.

Applying to PhD programs was no small feat. Andy described the process as “a lot of writing,” particularly crafting personal statements and statements of purpose. Despite the challenges, he received invaluable support from his undergraduate advisor, who encouraged him to start early—a piece of advice Andy now emphasizes for others considering graduate school or obtaining a PhD. While he is excited about exploring new projects, he anticipates challenges in balancing coursework, research, and personal interests during the early years of the program. Drawing on his four years of choir experience at Concordia and Davidson, Andy plans to eventually join one of Penn’s choirs, expecting that as his schedule becomes more manageable in later years, he will find greater balance between his academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Andy anticipates spending five years completing his PhD program but remains open-minded about where his career will take him afterward. Andy’s long-term goal is to become a professor, inspired by the mentors who shaped his academic journey. He envisions teaching at either a research-intensive university or an undergraduate-focused institution, where he can balance leading a lab group with classroom instruction. Whether leading a research lab or teaching undergraduates, Andy aims to make a meaningful impact by mentoring students and contributing to advancements in chemistry. Regardless of the setting, he hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists by sharing both his knowledge and enthusiasm for the field.

To current Concordia students aspiring toward advanced degrees or careers in STEM fields, Andy offers this advice: manage your time well, embrace the process of learning, and don’t shy away from challenges. He emphasizes that each concept builds upon previous knowledge in fields like chemistry, making consistent effort essential for success. He also encourages students to pursue research opportunities early on—whether through summer programs or collaborations with professors—as these experiences not only build technical skills but also demonstrate commitment when applying for graduate programs. Concordia Hanoi students can utilize the High School Counseling Team to identify and apply for competitive extracurricular programs to help explore and advance their interests and passions. 

Reflecting on how far he has come—from high school labs in Hanoi to cutting-edge facilities at Davidson and, soon, at Penn—Andy Nguyen’s achievements serve as an inspiration for Concordia students who aspire to make their mark in academia or professional fields. He hopes his journey will encourage others to pursue research opportunities and embrace the challenges that come with them. “Research teaches you how to fail,” he says, emphasizing that setbacks are part of the process but ultimately lead to growth. As part of Concordia’s growing alumni network achieving success worldwide, Andy takes pride in representing the school’s values of academic excellence and global citizenship. He hopes that his achievements will inspire current students to embrace research as a rewarding endeavor that fosters both intellectual growth and resilience—qualities that will undoubtedly continue to shape his journey as he embarks on an exciting new chapter at Penn.

Learn more about Concordia's High School Program.