Where are you from?
I’m originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love cooking Vietnamese foods and playing badminton when I’m indoors. Outdoors, I enjoy exploring new hiking trails, checking out new places, lakes, and camping spots, and visiting national parks.
Describe your research (what and where do you research, and your professional title)?
I’m an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Montana. My research focuses on mobile systems and wearable sensing technologies. Through my lab—the Mobile Cyber-Physical Intelligence (mCyPhI) lab—we design innovative sensing and intervention platforms for smart health, the Internet of Things, UAVs, and human-computer interaction.
At the core of my work is advancing cyber-physical systems through multimodal data fusion and interpretation. I’m passionate about multidisciplinary research that helps us understand human activities, augment capabilities, predict and mitigate health issues, and enable resilient robotic operations in challenging environments.
What got you into STEM?
When I was about 10, my parents brought home a computer. For them—working at a public hospital—it was a big investment. For me, it opened up a whole new world. I spent hours exploring programs like games, drawing apps, and typing tools, but I was more curious about how they were built and what was happening behind the scenes.
Even earlier, I loved hanging around my dad while he fixed things around the house. I’d watch closely, trying to understand how everything worked. That hands-on exposure to both the physical and digital worlds sparked my passion for STEM and inspired me to pursue multidisciplinary research in computer science and systems. Looking back, I truly appreciate that first brick my parents laid down—it set me on the path I’m on today.
How did you go from that initial inspiration to your current work?
It’s been a long personal journey. Growing up in Vietnam in the late ’80s, access to technology was limited. We could buy expensive products and experiment with them, but understanding the knowledge behind them was much harder. Internet access was slow, costly, and relied on dial-up connections.
Still, I held on to my curiosity. I worked hard to get into the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Science in Vietnam, where I learned from renowned math professors and inspiring computer science faculty. Unlike most students, I chose the most challenging path for my bachelor’s: writing a research thesis. That experience introduced me to academic literature, trained me in essential research skills, and taught me how to explore knowledge systematically.
Later, my advisor Dr. Bao Pham introduced me to a Master’s scholarship opportunity in South Korea, which marked the beginning of my journey abroad. My early research focused on software and machine learning. Eventually, I met Dr. Tam Vu at the University of Colorado Denver, whose work integrating hardware and software resonated with my childhood interests. Joining his lab, I worked on healthcare system projects and gained hands-on experience in solving real-world problems. That training solidified my passion and shaped the research direction I continue to pursue today.
What is your advice for young people in STEM?
Stay curious and never stop asking questions. STEM is about exploration, problem-solving, and pushing boundaries. Sometimes the most important step is simply wondering how and why things work. Don’t be afraid of challenges—often the hardest problems lead to the most rewarding breakthroughs.
Be patient with yourself. STEM can feel overwhelming. When I was younger, I often asked, “Why do I have to study all these basics in math, physics, chemistry, and biology instead of focusing only on the subjects I enjoy?” Looking back, I realize those broad foundations were essential.
STEM constantly presents multidisciplinary problems, and the knowledge I once overlooked now helps me think more creatively and develop better solutions. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and communities that inspire you—collaboration is just as important as individual effort.
Finally, remember STEM isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Whether you’re building software, designing systems, or running experiments, the goal is to create meaningful experiences and make a positive impact on society.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM circles?
One challenge I’ve faced is the sense of being underrepresented. Early in my college years and throughout my career, I often found myself in classrooms and labs with very few women. At times, my abilities were underestimated by people who hadn’t even worked with me, which pushed me to work harder to prove my worth.
Another challenge is the difficulty in forming close mentoring relationships with male colleagues, which can limit access to guidance and insights. Balancing personal and professional expectations has also been tough. In the culture I grew up in, women were expected to prioritize family over ambitious careers. As I got older, I often heard comments urging me to think about marriage or family first.
Thankfully, those expectations are beginning to ease. I’ve had strong support from family, mentors, and peers—both men and women—who have encouraged me and valued my contributions. These experiences taught me the importance of building supportive networks and mentoring younger women in STEM so they don’t feel isolated and are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
While challenges remain, I see real progress. More women are thriving in STEM careers, and I want to help continue that momentum—so future generations have more opportunities and the space to prove their performance and effort.
What do you want to do next?
I want to continue pursuing interdisciplinary research in STEM, especially in computer science, systems, and healthcare technologies. My goal is to translate advances into real-world solutions—whether that’s improving health outcomes, creating smarter environments, or enabling more resilient and inclusive technologies.
Beyond research, I’m deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. I want to help young people discover their passions, build confidence, and understand the value of persistence. Mentorship isn’t just about teaching STEM skills—it’s about helping students develop resilience, critical thinking, and a vision for how their work can positively impact society.
Supporting others in their journey is one of the most meaningful ways I can contribute to the future of STEM.