Vietnamese science student helping international arrivals thrive in Adelaide

From Vietnam, Hien Minh (Jean) is currently completing her Bachelor of Applied Biology, majoring in Plant Production Innovation. 

Her commitment to helping international students transition smoothly to their new life in Adelaide has been recognised with a Highly Commended award in the Community Engagement category of StudyAdelaide's International Student Awards.

“I have been involved in volunteering since the first year I was in Adelaide and continued it throughout my degree,” says Hien Minh.

“I want to help international students feel at home by empathising, listening and sharing. I’m always happy to talk with students and offer encouragement.”

As a committee member with the Adelaide University Biosciences Network and a Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) leader, Hien Minh has facilitated academic learning as well as networking opportunities for science students.

In 2020, she volunteered as an international peer mentor with orientation activities as well as helping to support international students as they transitioned to online studies during the COVID-19 lockdown. She has also volunteered with Robogals to inspire young to study STEM subjects.

Hien Minh’s study and research interests lie within the fields of science communication, genetics and plant science.

“I am a creative, curious and an adventurous person. I am passionate to pursue research in the future that innovates and create solutions for global problems such as food waste transformation and food production in climate change,” she says.

Hien Minh received her community engagement award from the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC – whom is also originally from Vietnam.

“I also was very fortunate to have a chance to converse with him in Vietnamese - his warm voice reminded me so much of home,” says Hien Minh.

Read the full Q&A with Hien Minh Vu on the University of Adelaide's Global Engagement blog.