Thuy Do

I am a Ph.D. student in the department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s studies at Simon Fraser University (SFU), British Columbia, Canada. Prior to coming to SFU, I was a faculty member of the Faculty of Social Science at Hoa Sen University in Vietnam. My research interests include gender politics and identity, migration, multiculturalism, economic development, and Vietnam's economic history.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU for two reasons: - Location, I wanted to come to Canada for a Ph.D. so Vancouver is one of the best places in Canada to live in Canada. - The program: I was looking for an interdisciplinary program that allows me to build my knowledge and research on how other disciplines intersect with gender, sexuality, and women's studies and how other aspects of society affect women's position and status in society.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

The more time I spend on the program the more I feel closer to the stories and lives of myself, my mothers, my aunts, my sister's and other women that I have met. The program has helped me to become who I am and know what I need and can do for myself, my children, my family and other women.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

Freedom, support, and accessible resources are the three primary characteristics of the study and research environment at SFU.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I received a scholarship from the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training to pursue my Ph.D. at SFU. Besides, I have also received an International Provost International Fellowship program, Graduate Fellowships, and the Meredith Kimball Graduate Entrance Scholarship. Those scholarships and fellowships financially support and help me focus on my study and research.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

This program is what I expected when I searched for a Ph.D. program. Students can find a warm, supportive, and friendly study and research environment in the program. This is the best decision I have ever made academically and professionally in my life.