Grad student overcomes poverty by finding strength in education

Van Hung Mai.

When Van Hung Mai walks across Brock’s Convocation stage on June 9 to receive his doctoral degree, he’s fulfilling the dream he’s had since he was a child growing up amid poverty in a small mountain village in Vietnam.

Mai, who was born in 1982, remembers many days when his family didn’t have enough food to eat. But Mai never let that get in the way of his pursuit of knowledge, always inspired by his father, a former secondary school teacher.

“Despite our poverty, I had an amazing life and childhood, where I learned many lessons from my dad,” he says.

“I still remember how he directed me to learn when I was young. When I was an eight-year-old boy, I asked him what were my pencils made of. At that time, instead of giving me an answer, he brought me one of my first science books. By not giving me the answers right away and putting me in a positive learning mode, he let my curiosity lead me to who I am now, a chemist who treasures every moment to learn.”

Mai will receive his PhD degree in Chemistry as part of the Spring Convocation Class of 2017 graduate students that includes 20 doctoral degrees, 420 master’s degrees, and two graduate diplomas. Mai will also be recognized for his contributions in research as a recipient of a Jack M. Miller Excellence in Research Award.

Since starting his doctoral degree at Brock in 2012, Mai has carried out studies in the reactivity of a chemical catalyst with a particular focus on advancing green chemistry to develop more economical and cleaner synthesis methods.

“Van Hung Mai’s personal journey to this proud moment of his life is inspiring,” says Jens Coorssen, Dean of Graduate Studies. “Throughout his life he’s shown the kind of fortitude to keep moving forward as a lifelong learner. Convocation for Van Hung Mai and his fellow graduates is a starting point for their next stage of success and accomplishments.”

Knowing that he wanted to eventually study in Canada, Mai attended English school while completing his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He then was accepted into the master’s program at the University of Windsor.

To make enough money to get by, he worked on a mushroom farm while attending school.

Throughout his time at Brock, Mai was known as the “Iron Man” by his departmental colleagues.

He published three papers, handled three projects, worked as a teaching assistant, helped his wife study for her undergraduate degree and cared for his new baby boy while completing his PhD.

He plans to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship in the future, but for now is enjoying spending time with his young family.

“At Brock, I found that many people have supported me during the last four and a half years and have helped me to fulfill my dream of being a scientist,” he says. “My life is a big journey, and it does not come to an end yet.”

2017 Spring Convocation Awards to Brock Graduate Students

Governor General’s Gold Medal:

Lindsay Elizabeth Cline, Applied Health Sciences

Jack M. Miller Excellence in Research Awards

The FGS announces a list of Miller award recipients each year. At the time of graduation, students are given special recognition for the achievement. The following is a list of Miller award recipients who will be acknowledged at Spring Convocation.