Born: 1944 (Phú Cương, South Vietnam)
Biography:
Hoang Thi Than, born in 1944 in Phú Cương, South Vietnam, is a notable figure in the field of geological engineering and archaeology. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to graduate from the Department of Geological Engineering at Laval University in Quebec, Canada, making her the first female Vietnamese geological engineer and archaeologist. Hoang Thi Than’s life and career have been marked by significant achievements, challenges, and contributions to society.
Growing up in Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City), Hoang Thi Than attended the Da Kao elementary school and the Gia Long high school, both of which were all-women’s educational institutions. In 1964, after completing her high school diplomas I and II, she enrolled in the newly established politic-business college, Chính trị Kinh doanh, at the University of Đà Lạt. This foundation in business and politics served as a strong basis for her later work in geological engineering.
In 1965, Hoang Thi Than was awarded a scholarship by the Canadian government to attend Laval University in Quebec. Although she initially had a choice of various fields of study, she ultimately decided on geology, despite the fact that only a program in geological engineering was available at the university. She found herself as the only woman in a class of 12 men, which posed its own set of challenges. Additionally, she had to adapt to a new country, learn two foreign languages (French and English), and navigate a busy schedule.
Furthermore, she faced obstacles due to the Canadian mining laws at the time, which excluded women from working in mines and hindered her ability to complete practical training courses. However, these difficulties did not deter her determination. After four years of rigorous study and dedication, Hoang Thi Than became the first woman to graduate from the Department of Geological Engineering at Laval University.
Returning to Vietnam in June 1969, she began working at the Geological Survey of Saigon, which was under the Ministry of Economy. Here, she had the opportunity to learn from French expert geologists who imparted their knowledge and experience. One of these experts, Henri Fontaine, even became the director of her doctoral thesis in engineering. Her thesis focused on the study of clays in southern Vietnam and their industrial uses, as well as the history of geological surveys in Indochina (1898-1953) and the Republic of Vietnam (1953-1973).
During her research, Hoang Thi Than analyzed numerous clay samples from different sources, including kaolin from ancient Quaternary alluviums, clays from recent alluviums between the Mekong and Đồng Nai rivers, and clays derived from granite weathering. Many of these clay deposits had been exploited for the production of porcelain, ceramic products, bricks, and roofing tiles. However, their mineralogy was largely unknown until her research shed light on their composition.
In addition to her academic achievements, Hoang Thi Than’s contributions extended to her role as a boat person, symbolizing the struggles and challenges faced by refugees fleeing Vietnam. Her experiences as a boat person served as a testament to her courage and resilience, further highlighting her strength of character.
Hoang Thi Than’s groundbreaking work in geological engineering and archaeology paved the way for future generations of women in these fields. Her accomplishments not only advanced the understanding of Vietnam’s geological resources but also served as an inspiration for women pursuing careers in STEM and making significant contributions to society.