Meet Phan Hoang Bao Anh, a Grade 9 student who has made SPASH incredibly proud! She has been awarded First Place in a prestigious essay competition organized by Global Research Consulting (GRC), making her the youngest finalist in the top five and secured an internship in consulting at Brown University, where she will work alongside juniors, seniors, and college students.
“I had no idea I had won, especially since it happened on my birthday. It wasn’t until the next day when my dad mentioned the competition that I realized something was up. I quickly checked my email, and that’s when it finally hit me—total surprise!”
Her award-winning essay focused on how Vietnam balances economic growth, resource conservation, and wealth distribution. She was inspired by firsthand research with VANGUARD Vietnam, where she and her sister conducted field studies on low-carbon agriculture in the Mekong Delta and seaweed farming in Phu Yen and Binh Dinh. “One of our case studies, Sustainable Aquaculture Practices in Phu Yen Province, formed the foundation of my essay”
Instead of relying on secondhand sources, she presented insights from practical applications, highlighting how sustainable practices can benefit both the environment and local communities. “Spending time on the ground, talking to local farmers, and seeing the impact of climate-friendly practices firsthand made me realize that economic progress and sustainability don’t have to be opposites. I wanted to show how initiatives like seaweed farming and AWD rice cultivation can both reduce emissions and improve livelihoods”
Now, she is preparing for an internship at Brown University, where she will work on sustainability consulting. “Winning this opportunity means getting hands-on experience in sustainability consulting and business development at Brown University. I’m especially excited about working on real-world projects that help businesses adopt sustainable practices for the client, Block Island Conservancy”
Beyond her research and internship, Bao Anh is also working on a children’s book, a project she hopes will inspire younger generations.
Looking ahead, she is determined to make an even bigger impact. “Next, I plan to expand my work with VANGUARD Vietnam, publishing more research, collaborating on impact-driven projects, and using storytelling to highlight sustainable development solutions and drive meaningful change.”
When asked what advice she would give to other students, she offered these words of encouragement:
“Just start. You don’t need to have it all figured out, pick something that interests you and take action. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to fail. The best way to grow is by doing, not overthinking. Opportunities won’t always come to you, so go out and find them.”
With her dedication to research, writing, and stability. Bao Anh is just getting started. Let’s support her journey and celebrate this incredible achievement!
