Tien Huynh

Dr. Tien Huynh

Associate Professor

Details

  • College: School of Science
  • Department: School of Science
  • Campus: Bundoora West Australia
  • tien.huynh@rmit.edu.au

Open to

  • Masters Research or PhD student supervision
  • Media enquiries
  • Collaborative projects
  • Industry Projects

About

Research:

Dr Tien Huynh is passionate about environmental sustainability, health and well being, and equality for the disadvantaged and underprivilaged. This is the driving force that underpins her research and teaching for over 20 years. She completed her doctorate at the University of Melbourne and postdoctoral research overseas in the UK and Italy, specialising in evolutionary phylogenetics and conservation biology before returning home to Australia focusing on cancer, tissue repair, neuropharmacology and drug discovery technologies. She now has multidisciplinary and diverse expertise including Biotechnology, Medical Sciences, Mycology, Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Engineering. Her research has been featured globally in the most widely circulated media outlets on television, radio, print and online reaching millions. 

 

Dr Huynh has been acknowledged for her academic rigor and passion for science; rewarded with the highly esteemed Superstars of STEM award; a program which recognises the top 30 female scientists excelling in their field by Science and Technology Australia (the nation's peak body in science and technology). This is driven from the significant contributions that she has made towards industry and education, a result of her extensive research, teaching standards and transformative projects undertaken. As a research leader, she fosters a culture of curiosity, ethical conduct, and collaboration to help shape the next generation of scientists and innovators.

 

 Teaching:

Dr Huynh is an experienced lecturer in the School of Sciences who brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her students and their coursework. She teaches with passion drawing on her research excellence to inspire our future leaders on solutions in the real-world. Adept and progressive, Dr Huynh utilises the latest cutting edge technology available at her disposal in order to engage and encourage students from a diverse range of fields and backgrounds to excel and pursue their own academic goals. It is through this approach and her many years of research and teaching that Tien is able to cultivate a motivational learning environment, empowering students to strive for greatness and excellence.

 

Outreach:

In conjunction with universities of global excellence and industry partners, Dr Huynh also spearheads international study programs throughout Asia; allowing students to utilise their skills and knowledge gained through their experiences at RMIT. It is through these insightful placements that students are able to put into practice their skills at a professional level. She has significant industry and community contributions where her students benefit from the extensive network of scientific professionals. These industry and community exposures are invaluable for science students. They not only enhance academic learning but also prepare students for professional and personal success by providing practical experience, fostering essential skills, and encouraging a sense of social responsibility.

Media

Research fields

  • 400302 Biomaterials
  • 3108 Plant biology
  • 300210 Sustainable agricultural development
  • 310705 Mycology
  • 3206 Medical biotechnology

UN sustainable development goals

  • 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 13 Climate Action
  • 3 Good Health and Well Being
  • 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Academic positions

  • Associate Professor
  • RMIT University
  • , Australia
  • 1 Jan 2023 – Present

Supervisor projects

  • IN-SILICO-EXPERIMENTAL MODELLING OF HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST DIABETES RETINOPATHY REMEDY
  • 2 Nov 2023
  • Complete process of designing, optimizing and manufacturing of carbonation concrete using 3D-Printer
  • 3 Jul 2023
  • Defining Genetic Causes of Antifungal Drug Resistance
  • 6 Apr 2023
  • Investigation of Mycelium Composite for Acoustical Ceiling Tile Application
  • 15 Dec 2021
  • Engineered Mycelium for Fireproofing Flammable FRP Composites
  • 17 Aug 2021
  • Surface Acoustic Wave Nebulisation for Materials Synthesis and Biological Applications
  • 27 Apr 2020
  • Effect of High Temperature Treatments on Buffalo Milk and Buffalo:Bovine Milk Blends
  • 15 Apr 2020
  • Retinal Benefits of Lutein from Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) Fruit Peel
  • 11 Jun 2019
  • Conservation of Caladenia (Orchidaceae) under a Changing Climate
  • 1 Mar 2018
  • Molecular Aspects of Plants with Altered Chloroplast Morphology
  • 24 Aug 2017
  • Photosynthesis Improvement in Crop Plants through Gene Replacement
  • 24 Aug 2017
  • In Vitro Assessment of Antidiabetic Properties of Traditional Medicinal Plants: Abrus precatorius L. and Melastoma malabathricum L.
  • 1 Jun 2017
  • Waste-derived Mycelium Materials for Non-structural and Semi-structural Applications
  • 5 May 2017
  • Advances in Studies of Australian Dermatophytes and Tinea Unguium
  • 21 Mar 2017
  • Pretreatment and/or Fractionation Process of Lignocellulosic Materials Using Gamma-Valerolactone to Produce Biofuels and Green Chemicals
  • 2 Mar 2015

Teaching interests

Dr Huynh’s teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to achieve excellence. She emphasizes the importance of practical experience, critical thinking, and ethical conduct in scientific research. Her approach is student-centered, encouraging active participation and collaboration.

The key contributions are:

  • Innovative curriculum: Dr Huynh integrates the latest scientific advancements into her curriculum, ensuring that students are well-versed in current technologies and its applications.
  • Research integration: She actively involves students in her research projects, providing them with hands-on experience in areas such as environmental sustainability, medicinal plants, and biocomposite engineering.
  • International programs: Dr Huynh spearheads international study programs, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings and gain global perspectives.
  • Mentorship: She is committed to mentoring students, guiding them through their academic and professional journeys, and helping them develop essential research and communication skills to be future leaders.

Research interests

Dr Huynh has a diverse range of research interests. Below are some of the key areas of focus:

  • Environmental sustainability and conservation - this includes the conservation of endemic species and the impacts of environmental changes such as extreme stress and tolerance in space and the moon, fire and climate change on ecosystems.
  • Plant pathology and mycorrhizal symbiosis - the relationships between plants and fungi, particularly mycorrhizal fungi and their role in plant health and growth.
  • Medicinal plants - investigating the antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal plants, and their potential applications in treating diseases like cancer and diabetes.
  • Biocomposite engineering - developing sustainable materials by incorporating fungi into composites for improved thermal protection and fire resistance.
  • Neuropharmacology and drug discovery - exploring new drug discovery technologies and the effects of medicinal plants and fungi on neurodegenerative diseases.

 

This research work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging the gap between environmental science, biotechnology, engineering and medical research. Her contributions are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also providing practical solutions to real-world problems.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.