Our alum Tran Ngo: Environmental engineer commends Finland for highlighting personal growth over competition

Miracles often begin on Mondays

Tran Ngo works as a Research Scientist in the materials processing and circular solutions team at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Her focus is on material solutions related to plastics recycling and bio-based material recovery. To her, one of the key objectives is to make material circularity mundane and an everyday habit for producers and consumers.

“Our team focuses on different aspects of materials processing, and our aim is to create circular value chains from plastics recycling to bio-based material recovery. I am currently involved in four separate projects, so my everyday work requires a bit of juggling between them. They include both European and Finnish projects,“ Tran says.

Tran appreciates both the supportive work community at VTT and the fact that the work allows her to pursue her lifelong goal: becoming a circular economy innovator. As for working around such demanding and complex topics, Tran has a reassuring message: willingness to learn is key.

As for me and my current work, for example, I have had to learn about political aspects I did not know beforehand. My advice is: don’t stick to what you already know. Rather be open and willing to learn new.

Tran Ngo, Research Scientist, VTT

“Different projects have different requirements, and technologies are constantly changing. Therefore, learning is the key thing. As for me and my current work, for example, I have had to learn about political aspects I did not know beforehand. My advice is: don’t stick to what you already know. Rather be open and willing to learn new.”

International master's studies in Tampere

Before starting work at VTT, Tran completed a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering at Tampere University. During the studies, she was a research intern for the City of Tampere, and she found her job at VTT at the final stages of her studies and also completed her thesis there.

“Environmental engineering studies were a combination of theory and practice in diverse environmental aspects ranging from water, soil, biotechnology to renewable energy, and we did a lot of lab work. We did tests in miniscale and ran materials through test machines to find out their properties. The studies prepared me for work in bio-based materials recovery, but of course I have also had to learn about other things besides that, such as plastics and electrical engineering,” Tran says.

As part of her studies, Tran also did a short exchange period in Wolfenbüttel, Germany, and signed up as a student ambassador for Tampere University.  Student ambassadors are current university students who help new students and potential applicants to learn about what it is like to study in Tampere.

These choices are somewhat surprising for a person who describes herself as slightly withdrawn and private.

As I received a lot of support from student tutors and ambassadors when I first came to the university, I want to give the same to new students.

Tran Ngo, Research Scientist, VTT

“I am a bit of an introvert, so it is not always easy or natural for me to start conversations. But when the talk gets going, it’s nice and fun of course. I enjoyed my time as a student ambassador, being able to meet new students, participate, chat, share stories and give motivation. Sometimes potential applicants just wanted to discuss with someone who has studied here in Tampere before making their own decision about applying. As I received a lot of support from student tutors and ambassadors when I first came to the university, I want to give the same to new students.”

Eye on personal growth

One of the things that has made Tran feel at home in Finland is the local mindset. Coming from Hanoi, a city of 5 million residents and a rather pressurised and competitive atmosphere, the slower pace and lower pressure level have felt refreshing.

What I like about Finland is the fact that you can follow your own interests and focus on your personal growth.

Tran Ngo, Research Scientist, VTT

“What I like about Finland is the fact that you can follow your own interests and focus on your personal growth. In Vietnamese schools, for example, exam results are disclosed openly to everyone, so everyone sees how you ranked – who’s doing well and who’s not. It is harder to focus on your specific interests when you must be the best at everything,” Tran says.

Tran feels that in Finland people are freer to choose what they want to concentrate on, and the main focus is on personal growth. In Tran’s experience, Finnish people are nice, and they are willing to let you grow and participate.

“Now that I’m in Finland, I only put pressure on myself to get better results. At VTT, my goal is to focus on excellent results in my projects. I think one of my colleagues said it well: since our work contributes to a better world and our funding comes from the EU and government, we have a responsibility to do our best.”

As for her future plans, Tran will be staying in Finland for the foreseeable future and continue with her research and development work. 

 

Name: Tran Ngo

Degree and major: Master of Science, Environmental Engineering

Graduation year: 2023

Current work: Research Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

 

Text: Tiina Leivo