ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Dr Phuoc Thien Phan – a biomedical engineer and Postdoctoral Fellow at UNSW Sydney, specialising in soft robotics and wearable medical technologies. My research focuses on developing smart, practical solutions to real clinical challenges – from intelligent compression garments to flexible surgical tools. With over eight years of experience in translational research, I’ve led projects that bridge engineering and healthcare, resulting in patents, peer-reviewed publications, and innovations designed to make a meaningful impact.

Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, swimming, and hiking – and nothing beats a bit of sunbathing while watching the ocean waves roll in along Sydney’s coastline. It’s the perfect balance for a life spent building the future of medical technology.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

“To become a responsible person with a heart full of love, kindness, and gratitude”

Active Project: Guest Editor for a Biomimetics Special Issue

Experiences

2023 – PRESENT

Postdoctoral Fellow

UNSW Medical Robotics Lab, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia

Research projects
• Smart compression garments
• Multifunctional cyborg insects for medical and rescue missions
• Artificial left ventrial with integrated mitral valve
• Flexible endoscopic surgical systems

2019 – 2023

Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia

Research topic
Bio-inspired soft artificial muscles for robotic and healthcare applications

Special achievements
• 2019 Candidate, UNSW Research Integrity
Division of Research, UNSW Sydney
• 2022 Participant, Leadership Foundations
Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience
• 2022 Mentee, UNSW Career Discovery Mentoring Program
UNSW Employability, PVCESE & Alumni and Engagement,
Division of Philanthropy

Scholarships and awards
University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA), PhD
by Faculty of Engineering, UNSW during 2019-2023

Other projects
• Advanced soft robotic system for flexible endoscopic surgery
• Shape programmable and multifunctional soft textile muscles
• Soft wearable haptic devices

It is an honour to be awarded a PhD and a Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Theses by the University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Australia.

The Dean’s Award recognises high quality PhD theses produced at UNSW. The award goes to PhD graduates who have submitted a thesis that requires only minimal corrections, received outstanding and/or excellent levels of achievement for all examination criteria, and, in the opinion of both examiners, is in the top 10% of PhD theses examined.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney/UNSW Canberra) is a public university, established in 1949 under legislation passed by the Parliment of New South Wales. It is a member of The Group of Eight (Go8) coalition of Australian universities, intensive in research and comprehensive in general and professional education.

2016 – 2019

Research Assistant

Robotics Research Centre, School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

Project leader
EndoPil: Swallowable capsule for weight management

Mechanical engineer
• Extending the reach of flexible robotic surgery
• Force sensing system for tendon-sheath mechanisms
• Variable stiffness structure for flexible surgical robots
• Shape prediction of a continuum pathway
• Robot-assisted bladder cancer treatment
• Foot interface to control robotics arms
• Magnetic tracking device

2015 – 2016

Quality Engineer

Bosch Co., Ltd, Vietnam

Responsibilities
• Inspecting nonconformity/defective products
• Supporting the production side in problem-solving,
process control
• Work instruction, training, and managing technicians
• Coordinator in quality-related projects

2010 – 2015

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam

Thesis topic
Optimal design for milling machine structure

Achievements
• Valedictorian, Gold Medal Award (GPA 9.12/10)
• Comprehensively Outstanding Student
• First prize, National Olympic Contest in Mechanics, 2013

Scholarships
• Scholarship for excellent students, Vietnam
• STF – BOSCH Scholarship, Vietnam and Germany
• Kanden-SS Scholarship, Japan
• Sumitomo Scholarship, Japan
• Vallet Scholarship, French