Nguyen Phuc Thien Khoa (Tony) is a Field Research Intern at the Center for Nature Conservation and Technology (CTNC), bringing diverse experience and a strong passion for biodiversity conservation. Khoa is an Environmental Science and Sustainability student at Fulbright University Vietnam, where he has achieved an excellent academic record with a GPA of 3.8/4.0 and received the Dean’s Scholarship. With a goal of integrating science, policy, and communication, he is eager to delve deeper into field research and develop impactful conservation solutions to protect Vietnam’s natural heritage.

Thien Khoa’s research capabilities are demonstrated through numerous scientific projects that have won prestigious national and international awards.

• “Conservation of Giant Mekong Catfish and Giant Pangasius” Project: Presented at Fulbright Career Day 2025, proposing a 3-year program combining captive breeding, genetic analysis, and advanced monitoring technologies (telemetry, eDNA, underwater camera traps).
• Native Freshwater Turtle Conservation Project in Ho Chi Minh City: Focused on building a rescue, rehabilitation, and re-release network, combined with raising public awareness.
• Gold Medal: International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN 2022) for a solution to white plastic pollution.
• Silver Medal: International Creative Science Fair in Indonesia (2021) for research on creative thinking.

Parallel to his research, Thien Khoa actively engages in practical conservation activities. As an intern at Conservation Vietnam, he conducted in-depth research on 25 primate species of Vietnam and assisted in developing strategic conservation plans. Notably, as the President of the ENV Club in Ho Chi Minh City, he directly supervised and handled over 50 reports of wildlife crime.

Additionally, he has demonstrated strong leadership and networking skills. He served as the Head of Partnerships for YNet Vietnam, successfully raising 131 million VND for the Vietnam Youth Conference on Climate Change 2024, and is the founder of CorTan, an organization taking action against cancer in Vietnamese youth.