Meet Ngoc Nguyen, PhD — Illinois Polymer Maker Lab
Credit: Alejandra-Isabel Otero Pires, Beckman Communications Office.
With a passion for polymers, Dr. Ngoc Nguyen reflects on his career path and the turns that led him to Beckman’s newest core facility, the Illinois Polymer Maker Lab. As he gets situated at the Beckman Institute, Nguyen and his family continue to build their life together amid the vast farmland of central Illinois, driven by a devotion to materials science and engineering.
How long have you been at Beckman, and what is your role?
“I joined Beckman in early summer 2026, after five years at the Illinois Applied Research Institute within The Grainger College of Engineering. As an engineer and scientist at the Illinois Polymer Maker Lab, I assist in managing and operating this cutting-edge automated high-throughput system for polymeric materials development.”
Describe your career path up to this point.
“I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical and printing engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology. I worked in the printing industry for two years and later earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering. After teaching and researching at HUST for four years, I pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Delaware, affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Following my Ph.D., I was a postdoctoral fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, later becoming a staff scientist before returning to Vietnam for two years as a tenured assistant professor at HUST.”
What do you like best about living in the Champaign-Urbana area?
“I truly enjoy living in Champaign-Urbana. The proximity to everything and the closeness of Chicago are fantastic. It’s a wonderful place for my children to study and for my family to live. The community is great, and I appreciate the peaceful, open landscape.”
What is your favorite journey?
“My career path has been my favorite journey. I’ve worked across various environments—industry, academia, and national labs—collaborating with outstanding individuals, which has enriched my perspective and work.”
What is your current state of mind?
“I’m excited about my journey with IPML, contributing to its growth as we advance materials development. Sitting in my office, I feel fortunate to work alongside remarkable colleagues at Beckman and the University of Illinois.”
Explore more about Dr. Nguyen and his work in the Illinois Polymer Maker Lab here.
