Huyen Le, a Doctoral Researcher from the Department of Materials has recently attended an academic excursion to China where she got to participate in the China-British Council Study UK Education Conference, visit educational consultant offices, deliver presentations at local schools and a guest lecture at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU).

This trip was organised by Loughborough University with the primary objective to elevate awareness surrounding materials engineering to students, educators and industry professionals.

Huyen had the opportunity to showcase the research she is undertaking in materials engineering surrounding combatting the antimicrobial crisis and highlighted the exceptional resource provided by Discover Materials, a materials science outreach network, that Loughborough is part of, as a commitment to increasing awareness of the subject.

Huyen comments:

The trip yielded numerous highlights and benefits. Engaging in dynamic discussions at the conference shed light on the factors influencing students’ university selection criteria. Networking with education professionals provided invaluable insights into industry trends and facilitated opportunities for me to share my PhD experience at Loughborough University. Presenting at international schools not only inspired students to pursue careers in engineering but also emphasised the importance of transferable skills and sustainability in scientific research.

A standout moment was delivering a guest lecture on International Women's Day, underscoring the vital role of diversity in STEM fields and celebrating the contributions of female researchers in STEM. This resonated deeply with attendees, fostering a sense of empowerment and inclusivity.

The academic visit served as a catalyst for strengthening Loughborough University’s global footprint, forging meaningful partnerships, and nurturing the next generation of engineers in China. It exemplifies the department’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community.

Dr Xiaodong Jin, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry from XJTLU has expressed her pleasant experience with Huyen:

Huyen delivered an interesting talk, outlining her latest breakthroughs in antibacterial surfaces and the underlying science behind the novel coating architecture. With anticipation for the integration of the next generation of antibacterial surfaces into our daily lives, I hope to see more research from Huyen. I also hope she enjoys her stay at XJTLU. I look forward to exploring potential collaborations with Huyen in the future.

Huyen would like to express her thanks for the support from key stakeholders within our department including Debbie Halliday, whose outreach and student experience expertise has effectively prepared her for this trip and to the Global Engagement Team for their support in coordinating the trip’s itinerary.