Duyen Nguyen
Master’s candidate of the Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP) at Columbia University (New York), with 6+ years of working experience in non-profit development organizations in Vietnam.
Exploring the World Through Diverse Lenses
An
open platform shaped by contributors from diverse academic backgrounds, professional fields, and life experiences. United by a shared passion for learning and sharing, we aim to provide academic knowledge, diverse perspectives, and practical insights for anyone curious about the world.
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Sustainable Development
A space presenting ideas and practices shaping economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable development.
Psychology & Neuroscience
Evidence-based insights into human behavior, cognition, and the emotional patterns that shape everyday life.
Conservation & Animal Welfare
Explore stories, research, and perspectives on nature, wildlife, animal welfare, and conservation efforts worldwide.
MEET OUR TEAM
Cody Robbie
8+ years of experience in education, marketing, conservation, and social behavior change campaigns. Has led to multiple award-winning initiatives and is currently pursuing studies in psychology in the U.S.
Ngan Khanh Tran
Veterinarian and wildlife conservationist in Vietnam, with 7+ years of experience protecting endangered species across conservation organizations, zoos, and rescue centers.
Tamira Le
Thomas J. Watson Fellow, conducting research on community-led energy initiatives worldwide. She recently graduated from Wesleyan University (USA) with degrees in Environmental Studies and Social Studies.
Latest articles
Made in Vietnam: Unique Gifts from Vietnamese
For many people, “Made in Vietnam” is simply a small line of text on the back of a package, indicating that a product was manufactured or finished in Vietnam, an…
Field Notes from the Ecuadorian Amazon
The article below recounts part of my experience studying abroad in the School of International Training’s International Honors Program in Climate Change: The Politics of Food, Water, and Energy Justice.…
Animal welfare (part 3): Enrichment
Animal welfare is a critical factor in evaluating the quality of life for animals in captive environments. Utilizing the Five Domains model, specifically the Environment and Nutrition domains, facilities and…
Animal welfare (part 2): Stereotypic behaviour
An increasing number of videos featuring captive wildlife are being shared on social media, many of which depict animals performing strange, repetitive movements such as swaying their entire bodies, shaking…
Understanding animal welfare (part 1)
Whenever you visit a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, or safari park or watch videos of wild animals under human care, have you ever wondered how to assess the animals’ physical condition,…
Can Art Change How We See Climate Change?
One of art’s enduring purposes is to reflect the society in which it is created. As environmental degradation and climate change have become pressing issues of the 21st century, art…
What you should know about us?
What is Quite A Lens built for?
Quite A Lens was created as an “open journal,” a space where members share academic knowledge, professional perspectives, and experiences gained through studying and working in Vietnam and around the world. Our content is for anyone who enjoys exploring, learning, and broadening their perspective, with a focus on three core areas: sustainable development; psychology and neuroscience; and conservation and animal welfare.
Who is Quite A Lens for?
Anyone interested in exploring the three core areas we focus on, especially those who are just beginning to study, work in, or learn more about these fields.
The website also features two sections, “U.S. Life” and “Vietnam Life,” which share practical experiences related to studying, living, and traveling. These sections are designed for Vietnamese communities in the United States, international students, and anyone interested in life in the U.S., while also helping to introduce Vietnam and its culture to an international audience.
Does Quite A Lens receive funding or sponsorship from any individuals or organizations?
No. Quite A Lens does not receive funding or sponsorship from any individuals or organizations. All costs related to building and maintaining the website and its software are fully self-funded by the team. Moving forward, we do not intend to seek external funding, in order to remain aligned with the shared values and independent spirit that guide our work.
Does Quite A Lens use A.I?
Yes and No. At this stage, as our team does not yet include a dedicated designer, A.I is used as a supporting tool for much of the website’s visual design. We also use A.I in limited technical tasks, such as assisting with translation into other languages.
However, whether in Vietnamese or English, all final content is carefully reviewed, edited, and approved by the Quite A Lens team. A.I serves only as a tool, it does not replace our judgment, expertise, or voice.
What does Quite A Lens hope to build through this project?
Quite A Lens hopes that the content shared here can serve as a meaningful source of knowledge for those who seek it. If you find the articles valuable, we warmly encourage you to share them with others who may benefit.
We are also open to facilitating connections with members of our team should you wish to collaborate on other projects. And if you are interested in joining Quite A Lens or contributing to our work, please feel free to reach out to us at: [email protected].
Does Quite A Lens collect user information?
Yes and No. Quite A Lens collects only basic usage data generated when you interact with the website, solely for the purpose of improving our content and reading experience. These are standard technical functions necessary for operating a website.
Beyond this, we does not collect personal information unless you voluntarily provide it through contact or submission forms.
Events
[Lens Talks]
As We Grow Older
This is a multi-session educational series designed to provide foundational knowledge about human development and aging.
[Lens Talks] Study in the U.S.
Planning Your Journey
An online sharing session for those exploring undergraduate and graduate study in the U.S., based on the real experiences of QAL members.
Contact form
Have any questions, ideas to share, or interest in joining a small project with our team?
Leave your details here and we’ll be happy to get in touch with you within 2-3 days.