I was a lecturer at Vietnam Maritime University and decided to study in Japan to further explore the field of marine system engineering. I chose Osaka Metropolitan University not only because of its excellent research environment but also because of its wide range of scholarship programs available for international students.
I came to Japan with my family. With two small children, I must balance my academic work with housework and childcare responsibilities, making my daily life quite busy. I make a clear plan for each day and make every effort to ensure that my many errands are completed smoothly so that my research is not affected.
My research focuses on the roll motion of ships. From a computational fluid dynamics perspective, I aim to clarify the differences in roll motion between model-scale and full-scale ships. If this mechanism can be fully understood, it would be possible to obtain highly accurate data for ship safety verification using only small-scale model experiments, closely replicating real-world conditions. This would provide significant advantages in ship design and testing.
Among the excellent experimental facilities at the university, the 70-meter-long towing tank has been particularly valuable for my research. This facility allows the simulation of real-world conditions by generating waves and wind, enabling me to collect necessary experimental data. In Vietnam, we do not have a research laboratory with essential equipment, and conducting experiments is much more challenging. When I first arrived in Japan, I was amazed by the difference in research environments.
Although my Japanese proficiency is still at a beginner level, my professor and laboratory members provide support in English, which makes me feel secure. My professor not only guides me in my research but also cares about my daily life. There is always an atmosphere of mutual help and solidarity among the students as well.
Whenever someone in the laboratory conducts a large-scale experiment, all lab members come together to assist with the preparations. I had a chance to participate in an experiment involving the installation and removal of cables in the towing tank, and I found it to be a highly enjoyable experience that strengthened my connection with my lab mates.
After completing my studies, I plan to return to Vietnam and continue my teaching career. However, I hope to maintain research collaborations with Osaka Metropolitan University. By applying the knowledge and experience I have gained here, my goal is to contribute to training future engineers, who will play a key role in the development of the global shipbuilding industry.
