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Prof. Que Huong and her sons |
Physics prof. Nguyen Thi Que Huong, the writer Nguyen Thanh Long’s first daughter, is now teaching at Marshall University in West Virginia, US. Quy Nhon city, her father’s hometown, still leaves her with a good impression.
* Father is always in my heart
- Your father is a famous writer in Vietnamese literature. What impressed you most about his personality?
He was a mix of traditional and modern features. The way he taught us to read books clearly showed this. When we were young, my sister, Hoa Hong, and I could read any books in his bookcase. Sometimes, we said, “Dad, no more books!” He then went to the Vietnam Writers’ Association and borrowed some more for us.
My father was, however, very strict. He didn’t allow us to read all kinds of books. Once, Hoa Hong and I rode to a bookshop and bought some old books with a very cheap price. When we came home, he immediately asked us about them. “Not all books are worth to read and not all cheap books are worth to buy,” he said angrily.
- Born in an artistic family, you now work as a researcher. Could you talk about your choice?
When we were children, we could write but also loved Maths and physics. My father also didn’t want us to become writers. He said that writing was a hard job. We chose other jobs and could write later. He also said that it was good for us to choose natural sciences.
When taking part in the university entrance exam, I took the physics as my major. To me, the theory of physics is a combination between Maths and literature. It belongs to natural sciences but is very romantic. My mom wanted me to study the medicine, like her, but I didn’t because I was afraid of the blood.
When studying in the Soviet Union, I wrote to my younger sister. The letters also made her become enthusiastic about physics. But as a fate, we still have to write a lot.
- It seems that your father has played an important role in your life. Is that right?
That’s right. Whenever becoming discouraged, I remember my father’s words, saying that if easy, we need for nothing. Gradually, I feel that I’m like my father. Whenever I do nothing, I’m myself considered as a “rag” as my father used to say. He is always in my heart.
* Do research everywhere
- As I know, you came back to Vietnam in late July to participate in the organisation of the 39th International Physics Olympiad first held in Vietnam. Could you talk more about your role?
I was a member of the exam questions compiling panel. Vietnamese physicists had compiled the exam questions. Our panel was in charge of amending them if necessary before presenting them with the participation of the international panel.
If the panel hadn’t approved the exam questions, Vietnam would have compiled another set of exam questions. Fortunately, they were quickly approved.
- You are an overseas Vietnamese joining many scientific seminars in Vietnam. Do you have any suggestions to strengthen the exchange?
On the one hand, young researchers must have more opportunities to study abroad, both short term and long term. On the other hand, Vietnam’s universities should strengthen the cooperation with other universities in the world.
- Do you think that you won’t be able to make contributions to Vietnam if working abroad?
I think that we can do research everywhere. I’m always a Vietnamese. Therefore, if I work well, I will make contributions to my country. We have more favorable conditions to do research abroad, but I always remind myself to do something for Vietnam.
* Visit Quy Nhon in the future
- As usual, successful scientists always have the support from their families. What do you think about this?
I don’t know about other cases. The family plays an important role in one’s success. I was born in a happy family. Now, my younger sister is also a physics doctor working at Tours University in France. My husband, working at America Online Company, and my sons always support me.
- You are very busy. Do you often spend time reading news about Vietnam?
I’m living abroad, but I still read online newspapers everyday and meet my Vietnamese friends. We, the overseas Vietnamese, love Vietnam for our jobs closely relate to Vietnam’s development. Also, we have our relations in Vietnam.
- Are you visiting Quy Nhon city, your father’s hometown?
My father often told us stories about Quy Nhon. Quy Nhon, in my mind, is a peaceful coastal city with friendly people. I’ve frequently gone to Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. The last time I came to Quy Nhon was in early 1994 before I went to the America. My sons and I will return to Quy Nhon in the future so that they can know their grandfather’s hometown.
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