Troy professor travels to Vietnam, South Korea to expand quantum research

A Troy mathematics professor participated in academic research expansion projects in Vietnam and South Korea, last December.

Associate Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Hoa Dinh, began this outreach on Dec. 3, 2025,, with a research seminar at Chungbuk National University in Cheongju, South Korea, of which he was the host. He spent the next few days at the International Workshop on Operator Means held in Jeju, South Korea, where he gave a presentation on some of his research in quantum science, a field he believes is growing quickly.

“My goal is to develop long-term research collaborations with international colleagues, especially in emerging areas like quantum computing and quantum information,” Dinh said. “Quantum science is growing rapidly, and it is important to be actively involved in shaping its future.”

The mission of his trip wasn’t just to expand the ever-growing field. He hoped to build connections with international peers that would strengthen all of their research.

“This is part of a broader effort to build strong global research networks rather than a single project,” Dinh said. “From a research perspective, everything went very well; however, I was reminded that there is still a need to increase awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology.

“Many people are interested but have limited exposure to the field, which highlights the importance of continued outreach and collaboration.”

His trip was not limited to just South Korea though., Following his time in Cheongju and Jeju, Dinh went to the cities of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, a country with extra importance for him.

“I was impressed by the strong research support and collaborative environment in South Korea -- in Vietnam, it was especially meaningful to return and contribute to academic development in my home country,” Dinh said. “Each visit strengthened both professional collaborations and personal connections.”

While in Vietman, he gave four different academic lectures and scientific talks at HUTECH University, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and Nguyen Tat Thanh University.

Quantum science deals with matter and energy at their most basic level, atomic and subatomic particles. According to scienceexchange.caltech.edu, quantum physics studies the building blocks of nature and attempts to create an understanding of and explanation for their properties and behaviors, which can be found in every part of the world around us.

“While many quantum experiments examine very small objects, such as electrons and photons, quantum phenomena are all around us, acting on every scale,” said an article reviewed by a member of the faculty at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). “However, we may not be able to detect them easily in larger objects.

“This may give the wrong impression that quantum phenomena are bizarre or otherworldly. In fact, quantum science closes gaps in our knowledge of physics to give us a more complete picture of our everyday lives.”

Dinh explained that an understanding of this level of science could change the way scientists look at other fields; they just need a more widespread understanding.

“Quantum science has the potential to transform computing, data analysis, and many areas of technology,” Dinh said. “However, many students and researchers are still unfamiliar with its impact and opportunities.

“Expanding collaborations and outreach helps raise awareness, support education, and encourage the next generation of scientists.”

This opportunity allowed Dinh to become a part of that scholarly expansion he believes may take the field to the next level, an advancement he says he will be glad to be a part of.

“I always value opportunities to build international research collaborations and contribute to the development of important scientific fields,” Dinh said. “As a professor at Troy University, I am proud to represent Troy globally and help expand its research presence.

“Supporting scientific progress and collaboration is both a professional and personal mission for me.”