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Meet academic staff from the Department of Informatics

Our interview series introduces new researchers who have started in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences within the last year.

In this instalment, we spoke to Dr Ngoc Khanh Nguyen from the Department of Informatics. 

 
Dr Ngoc Khanh Nguyen

Ngoc Khanh Nguyen is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Cryptography in the Department of Informatics.

Khanh's fascination with video games attracted him to the field of Informatics, where he developed an interest in mathematical aspects of cryptography. His research focuses on creating efficient lattice-based cryptographic schemes and protocols for real-world applications such as anonymous credentials, electronic voting and confidential payment systems. 

What first attracted you to the field of Informatics?

From a young age, I was intrigued by the possibilities of Informatics, particularly through my fascination with video games. I found myself very interested in the mechanics behind game development and Artificial Intelligence in games, sparking a curiosity that eventually led me to explore the field further.

 

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Informatics?

I doubt it is still applicable nowadays, but back in the day some people in my surroundings believed that Informatics was about learning how to use workspace tools like MS Office. From my experience, this is not true since I still don't know how to use most of the features in Excel.

 

What's the biggest mystery in science you'd love to solve or see solved?

A mystery in science that intrigues me is whether generative AI can eventually tackle longstanding open problems in mathematics and theoretical computer science.

Witnessing such advancements would not only revolutionise our understanding of these fields but also redefine the capabilities of artificial intelligence.

 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying Informatics?

For aspiring Informatics students, my advice would be to pursue your passion rather than just chasing current trends. However, it's essential to study what genuinely interests you (the “depth” aspect) while remaining open to learn about emerging technologies (the “breadth” aspect). Because who knows what the industry demands are going to be like in a few years?

 

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy exploring my creative side through music production. Additionally, I'm an avid motorsport enthusiast, actively engaging in virtual racing experiences.

 

In this story

Ngoc Khanh Nguyen

Ngoc Khanh Nguyen

Lecturer in Cryptography

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