Spotlight on scientist Tran Thi My Hanh

Scientist Spotlight: Tran Thi My Hanh

Who? Tran Thi My Hanh, deputy head of Plant Protection at the Southern Horticultural Research Institute (SOFRI) in Vietnam, is a collaborator of the IPM Innovation Lab (IPM IL). In Vietnam, she helps identify and address pest issues that threaten food security on crops such as mango, dragon fruit, longan and lychee. SOFRI has helped to dramatically increase yields and reduce chemical sprays on fruit with the development of inexpensive, renewable fruit bagging, which in turn, has helped to improve the country’s fruit export capabilities.  

Where? With funding from the IPM Innovation Lab, Hanh spent a semester at the Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED) working under IPM IL Director Muni Muniappan. 

When? August to December 2018

Why? Hanh travelled to the United States to improve her English skills, which in turn, will be helpful in promoting her team’s work to wider audiences, publishing manuscripts in journals, and introducing her colleagues to new research and ideas. While at Virginia Tech, Hanh attended courses at the Language and Culture Institute, in addition to taking courses in entomology, statistics and gender. 

What? During Hanh’s time in the United States, she was selected as a finalist for a scientific blog contest at Agrilinks, prepared numerous manuscripts in English for prospective journals, and hosted a booth at the 2018 Hokie BugFest.