From environmental projects to Georgia Tech: The journey of a SenTia student pursuing Materials Science

Not every college application begins with test scores. Some journeys begin with a simple question: What can science do for the environment and for our lives?

For Nguyễn Hữu An Nguyên (12A, SenTia School), that question became the starting point of a clear and purposeful path—one that led him to Materials Science Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) (#32 National Universities, #3 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, U.S. News 2026), with a $6,000/year scholarship.

But Georgia Tech was not the only destination along the way. Throughout his journey, An Nguyên received offers from many leading universities in the United States, including University of Michigan, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, University of California–San Diego, University of Florida, and others, along with scholarships of up to $53,000 per year.

These achievements were not built on an “impressive” profile in the conventional sense, but on a consistent direction—one where science, environmental responsibility, and personal storytelling were seamlessly connected.

Growing up in a family where both parents work in the environmental field, An Nguyên’s interest in science was nurtured from an early age. By middle school, that early curiosity had begun to take shape. Recognizing the strong connection between science, environmental protection, and human health, An Nguyên chose to pursue Materials Science Engineering (MSE)—a field that allows him to apply scientific knowledge to create practical solutions in both biomedical innovation and environmental sustainability.

“MSE is a broad field with many future pathways. Every modern technology—from batteries and medical sensors to semiconductor chips and water filtration materials—depends on how well we understand and control materials at the atomic level.”

This clarity of purpose became the guiding thread that ran throughout his entire application journey.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of An Nguyên’s profile lies in how he connected science with real-life experiences. His personal statement centered around the Hope for Sea Turtles project in Côn Đảo, which he founded and led. Through this initiative, he organized awareness campaigns on marine conservation and guided high school students in hands-on sea turtle protection activities. These sea turtle conservation trips were more than volunteer work—they were living proof of what he believes: science and the environment cannot be separated.

“The connection between science and the environment is inseparable, and that idea became a core part of my personal statement.”

Admissions committees did not simply see a strong student. They saw someone with a genuine reason to pursue his chosen field.

If the personal statement was the heart of the application, research experience formed the framework that supported the entire story. An Nguyên achieved something rare for a high school student: two scientific papers published in Q1 international journals—one focusing on diabetes detection through urine analysis, and another on identifying harmful compounds in eggs and milk. Both projects directly reflected his interest in public health and food safety.

One of the most defining experiences was his summer internship at the University of South Florida, where he researched eliminating cancer cells using magnetic forces—a project later presented at the 2025 Annual Conference on Magnetism and Magnetic Materials.

“This was the most crucial and strongest part of my profile because it directly relates to my intended major at a deeper level,” An Nguyên shared.

In addition, several academic achievements further demonstrated his strong scientific ability and analytical thinking, completing the picture of a well-rounded research-oriented profile grounded in both theory and practice:

∙ Top 5 in Oceania and Southeast Asia region — Earth Prize 2025

∙ Silver Medal (Division 2, highest level) — PhysicsBowl 2025

∙ Two Gold Medals — World Innovation Creativity Olympiad

∙ Gold Medal — Indonesia International Applied Science Project Olympiad

From a student who once had no clear direction when he first entered SenTia, An Nguyên has built a strong and meaningful journey—marked by academic achievements (IELTS 8.0, SAT 1530), international research publications, impactful community projects, and a passion for science that has found its true name.

SenTia believes this is only the beginning of his journey toward becoming a future materials scientist. We wish An Nguyên continued curiosity, resilience in pursuing his passion, and the ability to create lasting positive impact through knowledge and innovation.