Xuan Dung (James) Nguyen
Ph.D. Graduate Student
Blacksburg,VA
Summary
As a graduate research assistant, a graduate teaching assistant, and a Ph.D. Candidate in Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech, I work in Professor Y. A. Liu's group to apply data analytics, machine learning, and deep learning to chemical and biochemical processes. I have a strong background and interest in data science and machine learning, as evidenced by my multiple certifications from MathWorks, Linkedin, Google, and AIChE, as well as my internship at Dow, where I developed a packed-bed heating and heat transfer prediction tool using Athena Visual Studio. I also have a solid foundation in chemical engineering, with a bachelor's degree from Auburn University and a minor in Physics. I am passionate about applying my skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems and contribute to the advancement of sustainable and innovative chemical and biochemical industries.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Research and Teaching Assistant
Virginia Tech
1 2021 - Current
- Perform research on multivariate statistics using Aspen ProMV
- Perform research on hyperparameter tuning for deep neural networks using different Python optimization packages, including KerasTuner, Hyperopt, SHERPA, Optuna, and Ray Tune
- Help classes of over 50 undergraduate students with senior design courses
- Help with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results
- Mentor and tutored individual students needing additional help
Summer Intern
The Dow Chemical Company
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Joined the Reactive Chemicals group in Analytical Science Core R&D at Dow as a Ph.D. summer intern
- Worked under the supervision of Jessica Nichols (jnichols1@dow.com) in the development of a packed-bed heating and heat transfer prediction tool using Athena Visual Studio
- Successfully presented my project work at the end of the internship under the title: "Development of Packed-Bed Heating and Heat Transfer Prediction Tool: Modeling Multiple Heat Transfer and Heat Generation Phenomena in Multiphase System Using Athena Visual Studio"
- Maintained a strong work ethic and positive attitude throughout the summer internship program, earning recognition from supervisors for outstanding performance and commitment to team success
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines under high-pressure situations during the internship period
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing project progress and outcomes, facilitating informed decision-making processes
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions
Academic Tutor
Auburn University
08.2016 - 05.2020
- Provided regular tutoring sessions in engineering mathematics, engineering physics, general and organic chemistry, and biochemistry for Auburn students who needed academic support
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses
- Improved overall academic performance by providing constructive feedback on assignments and assessments
- Taught students remotely using online video chat platform and other delivery channels
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Auburn University
05.2019 - 05.2020
- Performed experimental and modeling work on the adsorption of carbon monoxide (CO) gas using different reagents such as cuprous chloride (CuCl), cuprous chloride supported by copper powder (CuCl/Cu), activated carbon (AC) impregnated with metal halides such as CuCl (CuCl/AC), and activated carbon-tin ligands under Professor Tae-Sik Oh
- Applied critical thinking skills when troubleshooting issues encountered during experimentation or while interpreting results from any collected data sets
- Organized laboratory materials and maintained equipment for efficient daily operations
- Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports
Summer Intern
Vietsovpetro Joint Venture
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements
Education
Ph.D. - Chemical Engineering
08.2020 - Current
- Research Area: Applications of Machine Learning and Data Analytics in Bioprocessing and Molecular Property Prediction under Professor Y. A. Liu
- Current GPA: 3.91
- Awarded Hord Graduate Fellowship, Spring 2022 and Fall 2023
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
09.2015 - 05.2020
- Minor: Physics
- Computer-Aided Specialization Overall GPA: 3.76 (Magna Cum Laude)
- Dean’s List, Auburn University, 2016 - 2020
- Awarded International Undergraduate Warhawk Scholarship, Auburn University, 2016 - 2020
- Awarded Outstanding International Student Award for Academic Excellence in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 2016 - 2020
- Member of Auburn Men's Club Soccer Team
Timeline
Summer Intern - The Dow Chemical Company
06.2022 - 08.2022
Virginia Tech - Ph.D., Chemical Engineering
08.2020 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Auburn University
05.2019 - 05.2020
Summer Intern - Vietsovpetro Joint Venture
06.2018 - 08.2018
Academic Tutor - Auburn University
08.2016 - 05.2020
Auburn University - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
09.2015 - 05.2020
Research and Teaching Assistant - Virginia Tech
1 2021 - Current
Skills
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Deep Learning/Data Analytics/Multivariate Statistics with the following Python packages/libraries: Numpy, Panda, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Scikit-Learn, Keras, TensorFlow, and PyTorch
Hyperparameter Tuning and Optimization using different Python packages/libraries: KerasTuner, Hyperopt, SHERPA, Optuna, and Ray Tune
Microsoft Office
Teamwork and Communication
Programming Language/Softwares: Python, MATLAB, Julia, R, SAS, Tableau, C/C
Process Simulation/Optimization Tools: Aspen Plus, Aspen ProMV, SuperPro Designer, AthenaVisual Studio
Chemical/Biochemical Engineering: Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Physics, General/Organic Chemistry, Advanced Biochemistry, Reaction Engineering, Heat and Mass Transfer, Computational Fluid Dynamics
Physics: Classical Dynamics, Quantum Physics, Digital Logic and Circuits, Electromagnetic/Electrodynamics
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceHealthcare benefitsPersonal development programsCareer advancementCompany CultureFlexible work hoursLanguages
English
Advanced (C1)
Vietnamese
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Interests
Gym
Outdoor Activities: Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball, Tennis, Pickleball
Cooking
Publications and Appearances
- Publication: Analyzing the occurrence of foaming in batch fermentation processes using multiway partial lease square approaches, AIChE Journal, Process System Engineering, September 21, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.18250
- Publication: Methodology for hyperparameter tuning of deep neural networks for efficient and accurate molecular property prediction, Computers and Chemical Engineering Journal, Elsevier, November 14, 2024, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2024.108928
- Annual Virginia Tech ChEGSE Symposium, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 2022 – 2024
- AIChE-2023 Spring Meeting & 19th Global Congress on Process Safety, Houston, TX, March 12, 2023 – March 16, 2023
Certifications
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics from Virginia Tech
- Machine Learning/Deep Learning with MATLAB
- Python for Engineers and Scientists by Linkedin
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate by Google
- Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp
- Fundamentals of Process Intensification by AIChE
- Intensified Reaction Processes by AIChE
- The Importance of Process Safety by AIChE
- Data Analytics Internship Program by AIChE
- Machine Learning Specialization by DeepLearning.AI
- Deep Learning Specialization by DeepLearning.AI
Volunteering Works
Activity Organizer/Summer Camp Volunteer, US Embassy, Hanoi, Vietnam, May 2017 - July 2017
- Worked as a volunteer in a series of cultural exchange events between Vietnam and USA
- Connected and promoted mutual understanding and cultural interactions between Vietnam and USA
Affiliations
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) - Student Member
- American Chemical Society (ACS) - Student Member
- Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) - Student Member
- Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) - Student Member
- National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - Student Member
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - Student Member
References
- Y. A. Liu, Ph.D., the Frank C. Vilbrandt Endowed Professor, Alumni Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, email: design@vt.edu
- Christopher McDowell, Ph.D., Joseph H. Collie Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, email: chris_mcdowell@vt.edu
- Steven Wrenn, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, email: stevenpw91@vt.edu