Inspiring Graduate: An Nguyen, B.S. Environmental Sciences

Inspiring Graduate: An Nguyen (’24)

• Hometown: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
• Degree: B.S. Environmental Science
• Concentration: Resources Conservation
• Minor: Plant Science

An Nguyen had a three-year gap in her education before beginning her college career at UW-Stout. During that time, she worked for AIESEC, an international, youth-run organization, to strive for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

“This experience helped me discover I was passionate about nature and committed to solving environmental issues. I wanted to study abroad to seek a better education in environmental science, and I found Stout,” Nguyen said.

She had never heard of the Midwest or Wisconsin before but was impressed by the nature and the hospitable people, she said. It was in Menomonie that Nguyen experienced her first snow in the winter of 2020.

Snow fell again on Dec. 14, when Nguyen earned her bachelor's degree and crossed the commencement stage at UW-Stout, along with 510 UW-Stout graduates.

“I am honored to be accepted for a doctoral program in biological sciences at Michigan Tech University. In the next five years, I will study Lake Superior's acidification, a project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I will have the opportunity to work my dream job as a freshwater researcher, with world-class scientists in the field,” Nguyen said.

How has your UW-Stout experience changed you? 

I have changed thoroughly since I started here. It's like living a new life. 

Every day I got up with excitement because I knew I was going to chat with Dr. Nicole Hayes about research, and I always appreciated her for answering my never-ending questions. Because I knew that Dr. Mandy Little was going to show us plant memes and interesting ways to identify plants; I loved her jokes even though I didn't always understand them. Because I knew that I could join Dr. Keith Gilland and Dr. Julia Chapman for a weekend to do a control burn on a prairie to restore it. Because I was wading in a beaver pond in March with Dr. Julie Beston to collect data for my capstone. And so many more fun experiences I have had here.

I have become more confident and enthusiastic about what I am doing. I have not only grown academically and professionally but personally, since Stout always provided me with opportunities.

How well has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field?

I think I am very well prepared for my future career due to the variety of roles I took as a college student. I have a lot of lab hours to apply what I learned in lecture.

I have a special interest in freshwater; therefore, I have done most of my research on freshwater ecology, including algae, walleye, beaver dams and water quality. 

My favorite lab was probably Wetland Ecology with Dr. Little, who let me play with dirt, mud, and sedges, and figure out the wetland boundary. I always went home with a dirty face and fingers but felt down-to-earth.

I am a lab assistant for a few biology courses, where I prep for the dynamic of the lab and help students to maximize their lab experience. I am also a teacher’s assistant for the MATH-90 course, a nightmare for some students who struggle with math. Here, I have walked with a lot of students through the first steps in their college journey.

I have done multiple internships throughout my years here. I interned at the UW Oshkosh’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center during my sophomore year, through the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. I took part in biogas testing, compost testing, bacteria testing in drinking water and surface water, and hydroponics.

I interned with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission during my junior year, where I stayed in the beautiful Northwoods and fished every day. 

This past summer, I had a chance to explore Menomonie's water system more through a project funded by the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and led by UW-Stout professors.

I also participated at UW-Stout’s annual Research Day, presenting research posters on “The Impacts of Beaver Activity in Western Wisconsin on Class II Trout Streams and the Adjacent Riparian Wetland Over Time,” “Trends in Long-term Dissolved Oxygen in Midwestern Lakes in Response to Climate Change,” and “Under-Ice Light and Nutrient Limitation of Attached Primary Producers and Phytoplankton.” 

At Research Day 2024, I received a Student Honorable Mention at the Outstanding Researchers of the Year awards ceremony.

What stands out about your UW-Stout experience? 

When I talked to students from other UW schools, I realized that Stout provided us with more lab time and personal support.

I can't say how much I am thankful for not only all of the enthusiastic faculty in the biology department and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. They were always willing to support me whenever I needed them. Without them, my research couldn't be done, and I would not be me today. 

I appreciated the small class sizes, the dedicated professors, the unique lab experiences and the research opportunities supported by ORSP.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience? 

I was an active member and then the vice president of the Natural Areas Club. We hosted volunteer opportunities for people who love to go outside, enjoy nature and do something for it. I am also a part of the International Club. Together, we made the annual International Night vibrant and meaningful.

More importantly, I would not have completed my college degree without the support from the Office of International Education and the You Are Welcome Here scholarship, which I received for four years, and the scholarship from the Kettle Moraine Garden Club, given to only two students in Wisconsin. I was honored to be one of them this year. 

What challenges did you face in earning your degree?

My biggest challenge was the language barrier. I came to Stout during COVID and the masking policy, and that made communication very hard for me as this was my first time living abroad.