My State Exam Experience - Van Hau Duong
The state exam is a key milestone in the PhD journey, testing both subject knowledge and the ability to synthesize and apply research concepts. In this blog series, BRT PhD students provide an inside look at the exam process — from preparation methods to the structure of the exam itself — offering insights into this essential academic requirement.
Read PhD student Van Hau Duong's first account below!
My research focuses on converting biogas digestate into biochar through pyrolysis, aiming to recover valuable nutrients and create a useful product from agricultural waste. This research is closely related to renewable resources, organic waste management, and sustainable waste treatment.
The state exam was a mixture of relief, satisfaction, and achievement. After a month of intensive preparation, passing the exam made me feel that my hard work had paid off. At first, I was nervous, but as the exam progressed, I became more relaxed. The examiners asked both theoretical and practical questions, including questions related to my research. The exam felt more like a scientific discussion than an interrogation, encouraging me to think more deeply about my work.
My main advice for preparing for the state exam is to focus on understanding rather than simply memorizing. A strong understanding of the fundamentals helps you answer questions with more confidence. It is also useful to practice explaining your research in simple terms, as this can help identify weaknesses and improve your understanding.
Passing the state exam was an important achievement, but it is only another step in my academic journey. My next goal is to further investigate the properties and applications of biochar produced from biogas digestate and continue developing my research toward publication.
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