Thanh Nguyen
Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Climate change has always been a topic he is interested in, says PhD student Thanh Nguyen who came to AUT as an international student from Vietnam, supported by an AUT Doctoral Scholarship.
“I chose to pursue a PhD degree in environmental science because I’ve always been deeply concerned about the growing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, particularly in agricultural and rural communities. My PhD will enable me to combine scientific knowledge with practical applications to support nature-based solutions, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation – all areas I’m truly passionate about.”
Coming to AUT for his PhD was an easy decision for him.
“I chose AUT because of its strong research reputation in environmental science and sustainability, as well as its interdisciplinary and applied research approach. Coming from Vietnam, a country highly vulnerable to climate change, I was especially interested in AUT because it focuses on practical solutions, like using nature to help solve environmental problems and improve resilience to climate change.
“The opportunity to work with experienced supervisors, access modern research facilities, and be part of an international academic environment made AUT the ideal place for me to advance my research and contribute meaningfully to both science and policy.”
Exploring climate change resilience
For his PhD research, he is focusing on applying nature-based solutions to enhance climate change resilience in agricultural landscapes. His research is supervised by Professor Bradley Case, Dr Craig Bishop and Professor Hannah Buckley.
“I chose this topic because agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate-related disasters like flooding, droughts and soil degradation, especially in developing countries like Vietnam. By leveraging ecological processes, nature-based solutions offer sustainable and cost-effective strategies to protect ecosystems while supporting livelihoods for local communities.
“Through my research, I aim to develop a spatial model that helps to identify priority areas where nature-based solutions can be most effective. This will support better planning, policymaking and resource allocation. I believe my work can contribute to both science and practice by providing tools that bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity. In the long term, this can help strengthen food security, support rural communities and promote more resilient agroecosystems in the face of climate change.”
He is thoroughly enjoying the PhD environment at AUT.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about my studies at AUT is the supportive research environment and the opportunity to work closely with experienced supervisors who genuinely care about my academic growth. AUT encourages interdisciplinary thinking and practical research that can address real-world problems, which aligns perfectly with my topic on climate resilience and nature-based solutions.”
Advice for other students
Thanh – who expects to complete his PhD in 2027 and is proud of having his research proposal confirmed within his first academic year – has some great advice for other students.
“My advice to other students is to be open to feedback, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Doing a research degree can be challenging, but having a clear plan, staying organised, and building strong relationships with your supervisors and peers can make a big difference. Take advantage of the resources and support services AUT offers, from academic workshops to mental health support. And most importantly, believe in your purpose and stay committed to the impact you want your research to make.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the programme to other students.
“The PhD programme at AUT provides strong academic support, access to experienced supervisors and a practical, interdisciplinary approach to research. As an international student, I’ve felt welcomed and well-supported throughout my studies. It’s a great environment for anyone who wants to grow academically and contribute meaningfully to their field.”
