Hi everyone,
Thùy Dương Nguyễn is my name, in my language, it means the brightness of the sun and the enormousness of the ocean. I am from Vietnam, a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia that is more than 10,000 km away from Italy. Let me introduce you briefly to my country. Many people immediately think of war when they first hear about Vietnam, but actually, that chapter ended five decades ago. Currently, my country is very peaceful and independent, welcoming people from all over the world to enjoy our breathtaking landscapes and diverse traditional cuisine. Thanks to this peace, my generation grew up in an environment full of joy, opportunity, and a strong educational foundation that also nurtured my passion for science.
My first passion for science started from my curiosity about the complex harmony and unpredictability of living organisms themselves, which gradually grew over the years and motivated me to pursue a Pharmacy degree at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most prestigious universities in Vietnam. Then my eagerness for deeper research knowledge and broader research network prompted me to venture beyond my homeland. Thanks to the Italian government scholarship (MAECI), my goal came true. In 2022, I began an incredible journey at the Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), where I pursued a Master’s in Medical Biotechnology. My journey has been continuing in UPO but in a new role, I am a first-year student in PhD Food, Health, and Longevity at the Immunomics lab within CAAD.
3 years ago, as a young girl who had never traveled abroad, I arrived in Italy full of excitement but also nervousness and hesitating in my first lessons at UPO. Fast forward to today, I am no longer just a lonely student far from home—I am part of an international environment, encouraged and supported by classmates, roommates, and colleagues from all over the world. Most importantly, I am dedicating my life to what truly interests me: science.
Of course, research is a journey of challenges. It requires perseverance in the face of uncertainty, and failures can sometimes be depressing. And, to get through tough times, I find comfort in exploring Italy’s breathtaking landscapes and enjoying its world-renowned cuisine. Seeing it firsthand, from its rolling vineyards to historic cities, has surpassed my imagination. With me, nothing heals my soul more than “Gelato al pistacchio e alla nocciola”.
My journey has been an emotional rollercoaster filled with happiness, challenges, and unforgettable moments. More than anything, it has been a journey of personal growth. In the magic of destiny, I met incredible people who have become like family. Living in a shared home with wonderful girls from Italy, Syria, and Vietnam, we bonded over countless late-night conversations in our cozy kitchen, where we shared our dreams, struggles, and homesickness. Amid this adventure, I found my boyfriend, “my cuocoissimo,” who has captured my heart not just with his amazing pasta, but also with his unwavering love and companionship.
As I continue pursuing my dreams, there are moments of homesickness and vulnerability. But above all, I embrace this adventure with gratitude and passion. I believe that “Never too late to start your dream”. Through this journey, I hope I have painted a picture of a Vietnamese student who is dynamic, passionate, and eager to make a meaningful impact in the world of science. Because science has no borders, only unlimited possibilities are waiting to be explored.
Thuy Duong Nguyen
I am Duong …
And this is my beautiful country ….
