The University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) organized the doctoral thesis defense for PhD candidate Nguyen Phuong Nhi, majoring in Pharmacological, Medical and Agronomical Biotechnology, with the thesis entitled: “Integration of metabolomics and antioxidant activity for the valorization of several endemic Golden Camellia species of Vietnam” (Analysis of metabolite profiles and evaluation of antioxidant activity of several endemic Golden Camellia species in Vietnam).
The thesis was supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh (USTH) and Professor Eric Gontier (University of Picardie Jules Verne, France).
The defense was attended by a seven-member Evaluation Committee, including: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung – Chairman; Prof. Dr. Marie-Genevieve Dijoux Franca – University of Lyon 1, France; Dr. Pham Tuan Anh – Hanoi University of Pharmacy; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Nguyen Thanh – National Institute of Medicinal Materials; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Dat – Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; Dr. Nguyen Huu Nghi – USTH; and Dr. Tran Thi Thu Phuong – USTH (Secretary).
Under the chairmanship of the Committee Chairman, the Council reviewed and approved the candidate’s academic profile, research achievements, training process, and scientific results throughout the course of the doctoral study. The Committee highly appreciated the candidate’s serious research attitude and the outcomes achieved.
In the context of the increasing prevalence of modern diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic inflammation, and premature aging, oxidative stress is considered a major factor affecting human health. In response, antioxidant compounds have attracted significant attention in the fields of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to their ability to neutralize free radicals, protect cells, and reduce oxidative damage. Research and application of natural antioxidants are expected to contribute to effective solutions for disease prevention, health improvement, and slowing down the aging process.
Based on this orientation, PhD candidate Nguyen Phuong Nhi presented the main contents and findings of her thesis before the Committee.
The research focuses on Golden Camellia, a valuable medicinal plant in Vietnam, aiming to analyze its metabolite profiles and evaluate antioxidant activity through an integrated and modern approach.
Motivated by an interest in medicinal plant research and the opportunity to pursue this topic, the candidate employed metabolomics an emerging research field in Vietnam to clarify the relationship between chemical composition and biological activity. The findings not only provide scientific evidence supporting the value of Golden Camellia but also open up potential applications in the fields of medicinal plants and healthcare.
The defense was successfully conducted, marking a dedicated and persistent research journey of PhD candidate Nguyen Phuong Nhi. Sharing after the defense, the candidate expressed great satisfaction that her efforts throughout the research process had been recognized and duly rewarded.
Following the discussion, the Committee held a closed session and conducted a vote, with a result of 100% approval (7/7 votes). On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman congratulated the candidate on successfully defending her thesis and acknowledged the contributions of the research to the field of medicinal plants.
Before concluding the ceremony, PhD candidate Nguyen Phuong Nhi expressed sincere gratitude to the University, her supervisors, colleagues, friends, and family for their continuous support throughout her academic and research journey.