Engagement in numerous research projects during their tenure at Fulbright has propelled Nguyen Huu Phuc Ngan and Pham Nguyen Dan Tam toward their aspiration of earning PhDs in Psychology.
Upon their arrival at Fulbright University Vietnam, neither Dan Tam nor Phuc Ngan envisioned a future in Psychology. As nationally recognized scholars, they gained direct admission to top universities, initially pursuing paths divergent from where they find themselves today.
For Dan Tam, Marketing was the trajectory she and her family chose. In contrast, Phuc Ngan harbored a penchant for literature. Four years into their Fulbright journey, Ngan earned a scholarship to the Developmental Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota, USA. Similarly, Tam now serves as a research assistant on various projects at Fulbright University Vietnam and Yale University. Alongside this, Tam is engaged in independent research to lay the groundwork for her graduate studies in Psychology.
Self-Discovery: A Steppingstone to Future Fearlessness
A significant 40% of the credits needed for graduation at Fulbright University Vietnam are derived from interdisciplinary courses, perpetuating the legacy of liberal arts education at American universities and colleges. After solidifying their foundational knowledge and delving into diverse fields, students at Fulbright declare their majors towards the close of their second year or at the onset of the third.
“The curriculum at Fulbright resembles the Mekong Delta’s intricate network of waterways. Navigating its various channels has helped me discern my true passions, strengths, and ambitions,” said Phuc Ngan.
Commencing with core classes like Science Inquiry and Modern Vietnamese Culture and Society and advancing to specialized subjects such as Developmental Psychology, Applied Social Psychology, and Neuroscience, Ngan discovered her zeal and progressively showcased her research prowess.
During the Southeast Asian Mental Health Conference – SEAMH, Ngan, Dan Tam, and their peers presented their study, “Awareness, Attitudes, and Prevalence of Domestic Violence among Vietnamese Students,” earning a $2,000 award. This investigation was part of a Research Methods and Statistics course at Fulbright, where students are tasked with conceptualizing and executing original research to fulfill credit requirements.
Ngan successfully secured a scholarship for a Ph.D. program in Developmental Psychology at the University of Minnesota (USA).
From June 2020 to September 2022, Ngan collaborated with Dr. Sirikantraporn’s research team at Fulbright to investigate gender-based violence in Vietnam, familial dynamics, and student life amid the pandemic. Their findings have been disseminated in academic journals and showcased at global symposiums.
In her application for the Developmental Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota, Ngan underscored her desire to explore intergenerational trauma. Her involvement in research with doctoral candidates from the University of Minnesota, New York University, and Stanford University has deepened her understanding of how warfare, poverty, and violence can profoundly impact an individual’s physical and mental well-being.
“The disconnect between my generation and our forebears is palpable. The residual impact of bygone eras continues to shape the youth of today. The dynamics between parents and their offspring are rife with complexities. This intricate web of interactions drives my research ambitions—to comprehend, learn, and devise community-centric solutions,” shared Ngan.
Reflecting, Experiencing, and Shaping the Future
While at Fulbright, Dan Tam undertook internships in marketing and communications at major corporations. It was then that Tam realized the mismatch between her and the corporate culture of these industries. Choosing to embark on a career in scientific research marked a departure from the path Tam and her family envisioned.
Tam was drawn to Psychology out of a desire for the community to engage in understanding, listening, and fostering a tolerant view towards others. “It’s also about being more tolerant towards myself,” added Tam.
Despite excelling academically, Tam once doubted her ability to pursue a career in research or academia. A pivotal moment occurred following a discussion with Dr. Matthew McDonald, an academic advisor at Fulbright.
Dr. McDonald reassured Tam, explaining that research and teaching are accessible endeavors. He emphasized that even experts only have some of the answers.
“If you find joy in reading scientific literature, learning, exploring, and sharing your insights, then you possess the essential qualities for this profession,” Tam remembered the advisor’s encouraging words.
Tam is finalizing her undergraduate thesis on the experiences of gender discrimination faced by women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Tam has observed that Vietnam boasts a high rate of female workforce participation. Yet, she questions whether women’s experiences in the workplace are genuinely comfortable and equitable.
“The harsh realities exist, but without deeper investigation and concrete scientific evidence, the broader picture remains obscured, often overlooked, and not addressed with the gravity it deserves,” said Tam.
Dan Tam (second from the left) is now a research assistant involved in multiple projects at Fulbright University Vietnam and Yale University.
In late 2022, Tam secured a position as a research assistant on a Yale University project examining the effects of war on mental health and the aging process among older people in Central Vietnam. The project is under the guidance of Prof. Maria Gendron and Dr. Kathy Trang.
Recognizing that she embarked on her research journey later than some of her peers, Tam intends to dedicate a year post-graduation to gaining further experience, enhancing her academic profile, and then applying for a master’s degree in Psychology at a global university. Tam is deeply invested in researching gender discrimination, advocating for gender equality, and promoting community-driven mental health initiatives in Vietnam.
