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Meet Trang Nguyen, an undergraduate student at UNT and 2026 recipient of UNT’s Kuehne Scholarship! This prestigious scholarship is designed to recognize students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for making a difference. 

“When I learned I received this scholarship, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. For my family, it means relief and hope. For me, it’s encouragement—proof that others believe in my dream enough to invest in it,” said Trang, who is double majoring in biology and chemistry. “That’s something I’ll carry for a lifetime. I am grateful for the guidance and support of my mentors and professors, and I promise to continue making UNT proud!” 
 
During her time at UNT, Trang has received numerous scholarships and awards, including the UNT Excellence Scholarship, Schwartz Undergrad Scholarship, Dr. Leslie Parks Memorial Scholarship, and the Tad Lott Memorial Scholarship. She said these opportunities provide her with the time and focus to achieve her dreams. 

"Instead of worrying about finances, I can dedicate myself to research, volunteering, and preparing for medical school,” she said. “To donors, I would say—you are not just funding education, you are shaping futures!” 

Trang has been working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the chemistry lab of Dr. Paul Marshall since her freshman year, researching the atmospheric chemistry of greenhouse gases with the goal of informing and influencing climate policy. Her published work was chosen to be included in the World Meteorological Organization assessment annex. 

“I run experiments to obtain infrared spectroscopy with computational applications to understand the kinetic and molecular dynamic of the compounds,” she explained. “Dr. Marshall has been a generous mentor, teaching me not only the technical skills of the lab but also how to approach problems with patience, persistence, and curiosity. His support has made complex topics more approachable and has helped me grow more confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to science.” 

Trang said one of her greatest privileges at UNT has been learning under the guidance of Dr. Paul Marshall and Dr. Rong Zhang. 

“At the beginning of my freshman year, Dr. Rong Zhang encouraged my class to get involved in research early. Her advice opened my eyes to opportunities I had not considered before, and she helped me see research as more than just a requirement—it was a chance to develop critical thinking, resilience, and creativity,” said Trang. “Her guidance has been central in shaping my academic journey in chemistry and motivating me to challenge myself beyond the classroom.” 

Trang has presented her research at UNT’s Scholars Day and University Research Day, as well as both regional and national American Chemical Society (ACS) Meetings. Last year she was one out of only ten chemists across the nation to receive the ACS Women Chemists Committee/Eli Lilly Travel Award. She’s also involved in volunteer work and serves as a College of Science Student Ambassador. 

“UNT granted me the faith and hope that I could do huge things in life. I have grown a lot in my knowledge and realized what I really want to do,” she said. “The most important thing I’ve learned here is that growth comes from working with others. I’ve found that giving back always teaches me something new.” 

Alongside the scholarships she has received for her academic excellence, Trang said that the opportunities to contribute to research, share her work, and engage with the community on campus have also given her confidence and prepared her for her professional journey beyond college. 

“Looking ahead, I hope to apply the teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills I’ve developed at UNT to medicine,” she said. “My long-term goal is to become a physician who not only treats patients but also strengthens community health by providing a reliable place where families feel cared for and supported."