Ngoc Minh, an 11th-grade student at the School of Educational Sciences, was immediately drawn to ECET Lab after reading our paper on microplastics. She jumped at the chance to pursue his passion for science when we advertised our internship program.

"ECET Lab is the first place I’ve experienced real lab work," Minh shares. In less than a month, she's already been diving into experiments alongside our senior researchers. "Ms. Linh showed me how to take bacterial samples from petri dishes and transfer them into different test tubes. It was my first time conducting an experiment myself, and it was so cool – even better than I imagined! Usually, I just read about these things in textbooks, but at ECET Lab, I get to do it hands-on."

Even seemingly small tasks like sorting microplastics, collecting samples, and observing them under a microscope have fueled Minh's growing passion for science. That's why, despite the hour-long commute involving three bus and train transfers, she's always happy to make the trek to the lab.

With dreams of becoming a scientist, Ngoc Minh is eager to continue her journey with ECET Lab, gaining practical experience and honing his research skills. Even with the demanding schedule of an upcoming 12th grader, she's determined to make time for this invaluable experience.