Get ready to be inspired! We are thrilled to introduce Yen Nguyen - a visiting researcher at Biothane who shares her success story as a researcher and how she is making an impact in her current role for a collaborative project for biogas upgrading.
Tell us about yourself and what sparked your interest in your chosen field of research.
I hold a Ph.D. in Sustainable Chemistry (Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa), and currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Galway. I have more than 10 years of research experience in the development and optimization of (microbial) biological processes for waste/wastewater treatment for resource recovery and reuse, from lab-scale to pilot-scale. My research mainly focuses on the removal of micropollutants from wastewater, biological phosphorus removal, and biological conversion of industrial wastes/industrial by-products to bio-based, high-value-added materials such as biopolymers.
I grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, a big city in Vietnam where I clearly experienced the adverse effects of industrialization on our living environments, such as water pollution, and air pollution on our health. I wanted the city to have clean river water and clean air like the countryside, where I was born. At the same time, I was also fascinated and captivated by how microbes—as invisible as they are to the naked eye—can positively transform wastewater into clean water. Thus, I decided to study Environmental Science and Engineering.
I am particularly interested in (microbial) biological treatment processes and research projects that transform waste and wastewater treatment into production processes as part of a circular economy. In our current modern society, where sustainability and climate compatibility are paramount, a transformation from a linear to a circular system based on recycling and reuse, can solve the problem of waste treatment and disposal in an advanced and sustainable way. Thus promoting efficient economic growth while reducing environmental impacts. As an environmentalist, I see my responsibilities and contribution going in this direction.
This experience has not only expanded my experience in the field and my skills but also helped me get out of my comfort zone by dealing with a new challenge: how to bring academic research to industrial application.
What led you to Biothane?
In January 2022, I started working at IETSBIO3 (Innovative Energy Technologies for Biofuels, Bioenergy and a Sustainable Irish Bioeconomy), which is an international research group with a focus on novel technologies for alternative fuels and renewable commodities from waste and wastewater treatment. It is based at the University of Galway.
My initial plan was to work on the biorefinery of the green seaweed Ulva for the production of biohydrogen and chemicals. At the same time, the leader of our research group, Prof. Piet Lens proposed a collaboration project with Biothane on biogas upgrading. I was more than happy to take the chance to work as a visiting researcher for Biothane. This opportunity fits very well with my research area and interest.
In fact, I am passionate about Biothane's work and strongly identify with Veolia's mission - 'Resourcing the World' through municipal and industrial water-, waste-, and energy management. It has not only expanded my experience in the field and my skills but also helped me get out of my comfort zone by dealing with a new challenge: how to bring academic research to industrial application.
Could you share a bit about your research and why this topic is important?
I am currently working on Biomethanisation for a biogas upgrading project at Biothane as a visiting researcher. Anaerobic digestion produces biogas, a significant source of renewable energy. However, the high CO2 component of biogas restricts its use to primarily producing heat and electricity. However, the high CO2 content in biogas limits its utilization to mainly heat and electricity generation. Upgrading biogas into biomethane can broaden its range of applications as a vehicle fuel, or injection into the natural gas grid. Thus, contributing significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a more renewable energy-based circular economy. This project is also in line with the EU strategy, with a target of a 10% blend of biomethane in gas grids in Europe on a volume basis by 2040.
Any advice for those who are interested in becoming a visiting researcher in this field?
I absolutely recommend being a visiting researcher on a university-industry collaboration project. Efforts to find solutions to complex social, environmental, and economic challenges have increasingly required collaboration between universities and industry, but few organizations have the internal capacity to deliver results on their own. Universities, academics, and their funders also wish to see results from their research put into practice. As a researcher, you focus on very specific problems, and a common frustration at that stage is that this research might not generate any impact or solve any real problems. By collaborating with industries, researchers are able to deliver or see the impact of their work with users. In addition to having an impact, joining a company doing applied research in the field can help you develop new skills, expand your professional network, enhance your career development, and open up new job possibilities.
What’s next after your research project is completed?
I am interested in biological (microbial) treatment processes and am looking for research projects that transform waste and wastewater treatment into production processes as part of a circular economy. I am interested in both academic and industrial research and development opportunities. I also look forward to future collaborative opportunities on industrial wastewater treatment with Biothane. I am thankful to Biothane, Prof. Piet Lens, and the SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme for supporting my research.
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