Since she was a child, Tien Huynh already had a keen interest in plants and science. Being one of the rare Asian Vietnamese female students in university class, she overcame obstacles, dedicated time to her studies and graduated from RMIT in 1998, majoring in Plant Pathology, Medical Microbiology and Ecotoxicology. She won a PhD scholarship and completed the degree at Melbourne University in 2003. She continued her postdoctoral research in Italy and England.
On a business trip back to Vietnam, while wandering in a local Vietnamese market seeking regional culinary specialties, she chanced upon a beautfiul blooming fruit – the Red Gac plant. Her curiosity in the plant and its potentials resulted in importation of the fruit into Australia for cancer research and its potential as an adjunctive treatment – her long-term research topic.
Her efforts has finally paid off, this Vietnamese plant contains subtances which could destroy 85 – 90% cancer cells and leave the normal cells in the body alive. This discovery is truly a breakthrough for cancer, which is a modern epidemic killing thousands of people every year, including Vietnam.
Many medical companies have contacted her for commercialisation of red gac into potential medicine which could be used in future cancer treatments. However, Dr Tien Huynh only insists on completing her research to realise its full potential and increase the awareness and recognition of the Red Gac Plant’s benefits within community.
Dr Tien Huynh in laboratory Source: SBS Vietnamese
She hopes that this precious fruit could be consumed as a daily food to protect or to prevent cancer development. By contributing in the fight against cancer, her top motto is to serve people and nations to give them a quality life without cancer.
So far, Dr Tien Huynh, together with her students, are tirelessly researching to determine optimal preservation so that 100% of the Red Gac benefits are maintained, particularly in Australia where climatic conditions are different to Vietnam and unsuitable for growth. This ensures that consumers get the best quality product when they purchase Gac in the Australian market.
During her lifetime, her mother and her mentor, Professor Ann Lawrie, were recognised as the 2 most influential women in her life. Her mother alone with her two daughters including Tien made the immigration voyage by boat to her new homeland to Australia in 1982. Her mothers strength and courage is Dr Tien’s motivation to follow her passion and conquer her dreams. Meanwhile, Professor Ann Lawrie ignited her passion, inspired her to pursue and achieve success in her science path.
She believes in nurturing our ambitions, working hard and sharing that privilege and passion to the next generation. Above all, her lifelong pursuit and desire to benefit the people and community, is even more precious than the STEM prize she was just awarded, which makes us admire and applaud her.
Dr/ Scientist Tien Huynh (on the right) with her family in Australia Source: SBS Vietnamese
