Questions I cannot leave alone
I am happiest when a question refuses to stay inside one subject. Biology helps me see what is changing in an ecosystem, economics asks who bears the cost and why, and mathematics gives me a way to test whether the pattern is real.
Hidden Environmental Burden Index research
My independent HEBI research combines environmental exposure with socioeconomic vulnerability through a comparative Exposure–Sensitivity framework for five major Vietnamese cities. I have reviewed environmental-economics and environmental-justice frameworks and am developing AI-supported forecasting that can move the project from describing burden to comparing possible interventions.
Heavy metals and microplastics at HUNRE
At Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, I joined fieldwork and laboratory research on heavy-metal contamination in northern river deltas while supporting five undergraduate thesis projects. I also designed an independent study of microplastics in bottled water across five brands and ten Hanoi retail locations, then presented the findings to 100+ faculty members, researchers, staff, and students.
Freshwater biodiversity on Tioman Island
On Tioman Island, I investigated how canopy cover relates to freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity in a stream already being reshaped by runoff and tourism infrastructure. The project taught me that ecological data becomes most interesting when the field refuses to behave like the clean diagram in the research plan.
Mangroves, coastal protection, and market failure
For my Biology and Economics Extended Essay, I examine how mangrove deforestation in the Mekong Delta weakens coastal protection and generates market failure for local communities. The project connects ecological loss with the hidden economic costs that rarely appear in the decision that caused them.
Student-led carbon audit research
I led a school-wide survey of carbon literacy and behaviour alongside an audit of electricity, transport, food, waste, and water at SJI International. The report identified 5,000+ kg CO₂e in daily emissions and gave the school a baseline for more targeted sustainability planning.
