Alumni stories

Jenny Ly: from a student to mentor in science and education

Science

Jenny Ly: from a student to mentor in science and education

Guiding our next generation

When Jenny Ly arrived in Australia from Vietnam, she knew she was in for a big change. A new country, a new education system, and a new language could have been daunting, but Jenny saw them as opportunities. What began as a Diploma of Science at UTS College has grown into a decade-long career as an academic coordinator, teacher, mentor, and researcher. Today, she’s using her experience to guide the next generation of students – all while completing a PhD in medical science.

Highlights

From: Vietnam

Inspiration: using her love of science to empower students and help them see their own potential.

Study path:

  • Diploma of Science at UTS College
  • Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) at UTS
  • Master of Science, UTS (2016–2018)
  • PhD, UTS (2021–2024)
 

Career path:

  • International student ambassador, City of Sydney (2013–2015)
  • Research roles at Garvan Institute and University of Sydney

Now:

  • Academic coordinator at UTS College (2015–present). 
  • Helps students build skills and confidence throughout their studies.
  • ​She also develops projects that create a welcoming community for international students.
 

Fun fact: Jenny balances teaching, mentoring, and doctoral research, showing her commitment to learning and supporting others.

A new chapter in a new country

When Jenny Ly left Vietnam to study in Australia, she knew she was stepping into a completely different education system and culture. She was the second in her family to make the move, following her sister Tiana by 18 months, but Jenny was determined to follow her passion for science and build a career that would allow her to give back.

You don’t feel surprised when you move to university because you’ve been at UTS College for one year... We share the same facilities (with UTS) for the lab and library.

From student to academic coordinator

Jenny began her studies with a Diploma of Science at UTS College, then completed a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science at UTS. Her time at the College gave her a smooth transition to university. “You don’t feel surprised when you move to university because you’ve been at UTS College for one year... We share the same facilities (with UTS) for the lab and library,” she says.

After graduating, Jenny returned to UTS College in 2015 — this time as an academic coordinator. She now teaches in the Diploma of Science program, helps students build digital literacy and academic skills in UTS Foundation Studies, and mentors others as they navigate their own education journey.

Jenny and her sister Tiana are both UTS College graduates
Jenny (left) and her sister Tiana (right) are both UTS College graduates.

Jenny’s work isn’t confined to the classroom. She has contributed to research at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, specialising in bioinformatics and gene analysis, and at the University of Sydney, where she worked on paediatric health studies in Vietnam. Her name appears on published scientific papers, including research on pancreatic function and childhood genetic conditions.

From 2013 to 2015, Jenny also served as an international student ambassador for the City of Sydney, developing projects to support international students, promote cultural exchange, and raise awareness of the challenges they face. The program received state recognition, winning the NSW International Student Award and an accolade at the NSW Youth Work Awards.

I’m very lucky, I’ve got a lot of good things from this country and the university, and now I am able to contribute, to give back.

Balancing multiple roles

While guiding and supporting students at UTS College, Jenny is also completing her PhD in medical science. Balancing teaching, mentoring, and research is no small task, but she sees it as part of her commitment to learning and helping others succeed. “I’m very lucky, I’ve got a lot of good things from this country and the university, and now I am able to contribute, to give back,” she says.

Jenny’s advice to international students

Jenny understands the uncertainty and excitement of starting a new life in a different country. Her advice is simple: speak up about your goals and take every opportunity you can. She also encourages volunteering as a way to meet people, understand the local culture, and gain experience valued by employers. “Employers value volunteer experience as much as your previous work experience,” she says.