From baking to pharmaceutical research: Khanh Linh’s inspiring journey of discovering chemistry

“When I was little, I loved baking. I often asked myself questions like, ‘Why does this reaction happen?’ Why do these ingredients behave this way?” — That curiosity was the beginning of an exciting scientific journey for Khánh Linh, a 12th-grade student at SenTia School.

Who would have thought that such a simple hobby could ignite a lifelong passion for science? Khánh Linh shared: “Learning Chemistry helps me explain the phenomena I see around me.” Her natural curiosity about chemical reactions in cooking sparked a scientific flame that has guided her ever since.

Khánh Linh has continued to explore and delve deeper into the world of Chemistry, and her dedication has led to incredible achievements — offers from top U.S. universities with scholarships worth billions of VND:

– Fordham University (#91 National Universities, U.S. News 2025) – Scholarship: 1.67 billion VND/year ($64,100)

– Franklin & Marshall College (#31 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – 1.5 billion VND/year ($57,600)

– Denison University (#36 National Liberal Arts Colleges, U.S. News 2025) – 1.39 billion VND/year ($53,400)

– Furman University (#45 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – 1.38 billion VND/year ($53,000)

– DePauw University (#50 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – 1.14 billion VND/year ($44,000)

– Centre College (#59 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – 1.13 billion VND/year ($43,600)

– Union College (#40 National Liberal Arts Colleges) – 1.1 billion VND/year ($43,000)

– Marquette University (#86 National Universities) – 807 million VND/year ($31,000)

– University at Buffalo (#76 National Universities) – 390 million VND/year ($15,000)

– University of Iowa (#98 National Universities) – 312 million VND/year ($12,000)

– University of South Florida (#91 National Universities) – 234 million VND/year ($9,000)

– Stony Brook University (#58 National Universities) – 156 million VND/year ($6,000)

One of the key factors that impressed U.S. university admissions committees was Khánh Linh’s clear development from a childhood interest into a promising young researcher. She is a co-author of multiple scientific projects and has earned impressive international recognition:

– Gold Medal at the Prix Eiffel International Invention Contest 2023 for research on the Chemical constituents of Hedyotis diffusa Willd and the in vitro anti-cancer cell bioactivities

– Gold Prize at the International Creative Papers Conference & Olympic (ICPC) 2024 for research on the Preparation and Characterization of Nano Material Based on Chitosan and Piperine Application for Hypercholesterolemia

– Gold Prize at the World Invention Creativity Olympic (WICO) 2024 for a study on the chemical components and evaluation of the inhibition effect of enzyme a-glucosidase activity of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn in

Each research project reflects Khánh Linh’s drive to explore and apply science to real life, just like how her journey began with questions in the kitchen.

Beyond her academic excellence, Khánh Linh is also deeply involved in extracurricular activities. She is the Co-founder & Vice President of Humans of SenTia, President of the SenTia Baking Club, and most notably, Founder of Sabaar — a project supporting women and children affected by abuse. Through Sabaar, she shared:

“The charity trip was truly a challenge, but also a valuable experience. I learned how to collaborate with others and, more importantly, how to put myself in someone else’s shoes to understand and empathize.”

The supportive learning environment at SenTia has played a vital role in nurturing Khánh Linh’s passion:

“I’ve developed many important skills like teamwork and public speaking. Most importantly, we get to do hands-on Chemistry experiments regularly — something the school truly prioritizes.”

Khánh Linh’s story demonstrates that passion can emerge from the simplest experiences in everyday life. What matters is to keep asking questions, stay curious, and never stop exploring.Wishing Khánh Linh continued passion and success on her journey toward becoming a pharmaceutical researcher!