• October 21-24 2026: Nguyen Lab Takes the Stage at the BMES Annual Meeting with Four Podium Presentations

We are incredibly proud to have the Nguyen Lab and our collaborators strongly represented at the 2026 Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting. Across four (4) podium talks and a poster presentation, our team will showcase research spanning cancer mechanobiology, tumor metabolism, 3D bioprinting, patient-derived tumor models, tumor–immune interactions, and therapeutic response and resistance.

This is an exciting milestone for our lab—not only because of the breadth of science presented, but also because the work represents contributions across the entire research continuum, from SPARK undergraduate researchers to research staff, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and our long-term clinical collaborators.

Dr. Nguyen will also serve as Session Chair for “Emerging Tumor Ablation Therapies” on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 2:30–4:00 PM in Magnolia 6. We look forward to engaging discussions on innovative approaches to cancer treatment!

• October 2026: Launching a New Multi-Institutional Collaboration in 3D Human Microtissue Models

October 5–7, 2026 — Our lab joined the Moffitt Bioengineering Department in welcoming collaborators from the John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), and Windber Research Institute for the kick-off of a new multi-institutional collaboration focused on 3D Human Microtissue Models for Cancer and Pandemic Preparedness.

The program includes five collaborative projects. Dr. Duy T. Nguyen and Dr. Jaime Lombardo (USU) will lead Project 1: “Patient-Derived Microtumor Models as a Platform for Precision Testing in Military Populations.”

We are excited for this opportunity to advance New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and patient-derived human models as powerful tools for understanding human disease and accelerating therapeutic discovery.

• July 2026 | Welcome Harrison Haley to the Nguyen Lab!

We are excited to welcome Harrison Haley, M.S.B.E., as a Research Associate I in the Nguyen Lab! Harrison recently completed his Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Florida (USF), where he spent a year conducting graduate research in our laboratory. His master's thesis focused on developing an innovative Dual-Zone Tumor Microenvironment Platform to investigate cancer biology using advanced bioengineering approaches. We are delighted that Harrison will continue his scientific journey with us and look forward to his contributions to our ongoing research projects!

• July 16–19, 2026 | Dr. Nguyen Invited to Speak at the Coffey-Holden Prostate Cancer Academy Meeting!

We are excited and honored to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen has been invited to present our lab's research at the 2026 Coffey-Holden Prostate Cancer Academy Meeting, organized by the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)!

Dr. Nguyen will deliver a presentation titled “Engineering New Approach Methodologies to Study Cancer Survival Under External Pressures,” highlighting our lab's efforts to develop innovative bioengineering approaches and patient-derived tumor models to understand how cancer cells survive, adapt, and develop resistance under challenging microenvironmental conditions.

We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity to share our research, learn from leading prostate cancer researchers, and engage with an inspiring community dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes. We look forward to exciting scientific discussions, new connections, and opportunities for collaboration!

• Summer 2026 | Congratulations to Harrison Haley on Successfully Defending His Master’s Thesis!

A wonderful milestone worth celebrating! We are thrilled to congratulate Harrison M. Haley on successfully defending his Master’s thesis at the University of South Florida!

Harrison’s research has contributed to advancing our lab’s 3D bioprinting capabilities, particularly in engineering spatially defined tumor microenvironments to investigate cancer and immune cell interactions.

Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Harrison has been a wonderful colleague whose creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm have made meaningful contributions to our growing laboratory.

Congratulations, Harrison! We are incredibly proud of your achievement !

• May 2026 | Welcome Our 2026 SPARK Summer Students!

We are thrilled to welcome Alexandria Banks from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Cosette Kim from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) to the Nguyen Lab!

Both are undergraduate Biomedical Engineering students joining us through Moffitt Cancer Center's Summer Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK). During the summer, they will have the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, explore cancer bioengineering, and contribute to our ongoing scientific projects. We look forward to an exciting summer of learning, discovery, and collaboration!

• May 27–29, 2026 | Dr. Nguyen Invited to Present at the 2026 Cornell Mechanobiology Symposium!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen will present our lab's research, “Physical and Metabolic Regulators of Cancer Cell Dormancy,” at the 2026 Cornell Mechanobiology Symposium, taking place May 27–29, 2026! The symposium will bring together scientists and engineers to explore how mechanical forces and physical properties influence cellular behavior, tissue function, and disease progression.

Dr. Nguyen's presentation will highlight our lab's efforts to understand how physical and metabolic cues within the tumor microenvironment regulate cancer cell dormancy, survival, and reawakening, with important implications for cancer persistence and therapeutic resistance. We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity to share our research, exchange ideas, and connect with an inspiring community of mechanobiology researchers. We look forward to exciting discussions, new friendships, and future collaborations!

• May 22, 2026 | Farewell and Best Wishes to Jake Torrez – Keep Flying High! 🚁

Today, we say a bittersweet goodbye to Jake Torrez, an exceptional member of the Nguyen Lab!

Although Jake has been with us for only 1.5 years, he has made remarkable contributions through his dedication, hard work, and scientific productivity, reflected in his co-authorship on research manuscripts and presentations. 

Beyond the lab, Jake proudly serves as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army Reserve and will be relocating to Texas following his military transfer. While we are sad to see him go, we couldn't be happier that he will continue pursuing his passion for flying!

Thank you, Jake, for everything you have contributed to our lab! We wish you nothing but success and happiness in your next chapter. And who knows? Perhaps our paths will cross again if you decide to return for a PhD. Our doors will always be open!

Keep flying high, Jake! 🚁🎉

• May 2026 | Welcome Laura Mejia Rosales to the Nguyen Lab!

We are delighted to welcome Laura Mejia Rosales, B.S., as a Research Associate in the Nguyen Lab! Laura is a graduate of the University of Miami, where she gained valuable research experience in biomaterials fabrication and tissue engineering through her work in the Castilla-CasaDiego Lab and at the University of Miami Stem Cell Institute. Her background in biomaterials and tissue engineering will bring valuable expertise to our research at the intersection of cancer biology and bioengineering. We are excited to have Laura join our team and look forward to the discoveries and contributions ahead!

• May 11, 2026 | Jake Presents at the Moffitt Scientific Symposium

We are excited to share that Jake represented the Nguyen Lab at the Moffitt Scientific Symposium on May 11, 2026, presenting his research and sharing our lab’s work with the broader Moffitt scientific community.

• March 27–29, 2026 | Dr. Nguyen Invited to Present at MCBIOS 2026!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen will present our lab's research, “Physical Science Insights from 3D Patient-Derived Microtumor Models of Tumor–Immune Interactions,” at the 21st Annual Meeting of the MidSouth Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Society (MCBIOS 2026), taking place March 27–29, 2026!

Dr. Nguyen's presentation will highlight our lab's efforts to integrate bioengineering, advanced imaging, and patient-derived 3D tumor models to investigate the complex interactions between cancer cells, immune cells, and their surrounding microenvironment.

We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity to share our research with the computational biology and bioinformatics community, exchange interdisciplinary perspectives, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to inspiring scientific discussions, connecting with colleagues, and advancing cancer research by integrating the physical sciences, engineering, and computational approaches!

• March 26, 2026 | Returning Guest Lecture in Cancer Biology at USF

We are excited to share that Dr. Nguyen has been invited back to deliver a guest lecture for PCB4109 Cancer Biology at the University of South Florida, taught by Dr. Sandy Westerheide, PhD.

This time, his lecture, “Physical Sciences of Cancer: Uncovering the Survival Strategies of Residual Cancer Cells,” will explore how cancer cells survive challenging environmental conditions and therapeutic stress, and how physical sciences and engineering approaches can help uncover the mechanisms underlying cancer persistence and treatment resistance.

We are grateful for another opportunity to reconnect with students, share our passion for interdisciplinary cancer research, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers!

Time: 11:00 AM–12:15 PM. Location: BSF 102, University of South Florida

• March 13, 2026 | Dr. Nguyen Invited to Join Moffitt’s Grant Review Committee!

We are excited to share that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen has been invited to serve on Moffitt Cancer Center’s Grant Review Committee (GRC)!

Dr. Nguyen is deeply honored by this opportunity to contribute to Moffitt’s scientific community by supporting the evaluation of innovative research proposals and helping advance impactful cancer research. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Moffitt community, support our fellow researchers, and contribute to the continued growth and scientific excellence of our institution!

• March 3–5, 2026 | Dr. Nguyen to Present at CABS 2026 – Our Lab Receives an Abstract Award!

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen will present our lab's research, “When Stress Shapes Survival: The Biophysics of Matrix-Mediated Residual Tumor Cell Persistence,” at the 2026 Cancer and Bone Society Annual Meeting (CABS 2026), taking place March 3–5, 2026!

We are especially excited and honored that our research abstract has been selected for an award at this year's conference! This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgment of our team's dedication and efforts to advance our understanding of cancer cell survival and therapeutic resistance.

Dr. Nguyen's presentation will highlight our lab's research into how physical and metabolic stresses within the tumor microenvironment influence residual cancer cell persistence, with a particular focus on the role of the extracellular matrix in supporting cancer cell survival under challenging conditions.

We are grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to share our discoveries, learn from fellow researchers, and connect with the Cancer and Bone Society community. We look forward to inspiring scientific discussions, new friendships, and exciting opportunities for collaboration!

• February 11, 2026 | Celebrating a Successful Moffitt Cancer Engineering Summit 2026!

What an incredible two days of science, innovation, and collaboration at the Moffitt Cancer Engineering Summit 2026!

We are thrilled to celebrate the successful conclusion of this year's summit, organized by the Department of BioEngineering at Moffitt Cancer Center. The event brought together an inspiring community of scientists, engineers, and clinicians to exchange ideas, share exciting discoveries, and explore new opportunities to advance cancer research through engineering.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, attendees, organizers, and volunteers who made this event possible. The engaging discussions, new connections, and collaborative spirit truly made this summit memorable! 

https://x.com/MoffittNews/status/2021688028113027236

• February 10–11, 2026 | Moffitt Cancer Engineering Summit 2026 – Advancing Cancer Research Through Engineering!

We are excited to announce the 2026 Moffitt Cancer Engineering Summit, organized by the Department of BioEngineering at Moffitt Cancer Center! This annual summit will bring together leading scientists, engineers, and clinicians to explore innovative approaches to understanding cancer and advancing therapeutic discoveries. 

We are especially excited that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen will chair a scientific session, featuring distinguished speakers Dr. Amaia Cipitria and Dr. Li Tang, who will share their exciting research at the intersection of engineering, cancer biology, and the tumor microenvironment. 

As part of the organizing department, we look forward to welcoming our colleagues, exchanging inspiring ideas, strengthening collaborations, and celebrating the growing cancer engineering community!

• February 9, 2026 | Dr. Nguyen to Present at the New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) Symposium!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen will present “Cancer Engineering — Confronting the Complexities of Cancer” at the New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) Symposium: “The Future of Animal-Free Models in Cancer Research,” on February 9, 2026! Held in conjunction with the Moffitt Cancer Engineering Summit 2026 (February 10–11), this symposium will bring together scientists, engineers, and innovators to explore the future of human-relevant experimental models and animal-free approaches in cancer research.

We look forward to sharing our research, exchanging ideas, and connecting with colleagues who are passionate about advancing cancer research through innovative technologies!

• January 2, 2026 | BMES CMBE 2026 – San Juan, Puerto Rico

We are excited to announce that Dr. Nguyen will represent our lab and present our research at the 2026 BMES Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE) Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico! This specialized conference brings together scientists and engineers working at the intersection of cellular and molecular biology, engineering, and medicine. We look forward to sharing our research, engaging in inspiring scientific discussions, and connecting with friends and colleagues in this wonderful scientific community. We are especially excited to experience the vibrant city of San Juan!

• December 18, 2025 | Moffitt Cancer Biology & Evolution Seminar Series

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nguyen will present our lab's research, “Physical Sciences of Cancer: Decoding the Hidden Life and Survival Strategies of Residual Tumor Cells,” at the Moffitt Cancer Biology & Evolution (CBE) Seminar Series. Hosted by the Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, this monthly seminar provides a valuable forum for sharing scientific discoveries, exchanging ideas, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. We look forward to sharing our latest research and engaging with colleagues across Moffitt!

• November 17, 2025 | Dr. Nguyen Joins the Editorial Board of Scientific Reports!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen has been invited to join the Editorial Board of Scientific Reports, a peer-reviewed journal published by Nature Portfolio!

Dr. Nguyen is deeply honored by this opportunity to serve the broader scientific community, contribute to the peer-review process, and support the publication of rigorous and impactful research across scientific disciplines.

• September 5, 2025 | Moffitt Peritoneal Disease Symposium

We are delighted to share that Dr. Nguyen has been invited to present our lab's research at the 2025 Moffitt Peritoneal Disease Symposium, organized by Dr. Sean Dineen and Dr. Jennifer Permuth. This symposium will bring together a dedicated community of clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to advance our understanding and treatment of peritoneal cancers. We are especially looking forward to the patient panel discussions, where patients will share their personal journeys and experiences with cancer. These perspectives will provide meaningful inspiration and remind us of the importance of translating scientific discoveries into better outcomes for patients.

• February 18, 2025 | Dr. Swetha Karanam to Present at the Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis Science in Progress (SIP) Seminar!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Laxmi Swetha Karanam, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Nguyen Lab, will present her research, “Collagen I as a Metabolic Gatekeeper of Cancer Dormancy,” at Moffitt Cancer Center's Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis Science in Progress (SIP) seminar!

Her presentation will highlight our lab's exciting discoveries on how collagen I within the tumor microenvironment influences cancer cell survival and dormancy under metabolic stress, offering new insights into the mechanisms of cancer persistence and therapeutic resistance.

We are proud of Swetha's hard work and scientific contributions and look forward to an engaging presentation and stimulating discussions with our Moffitt research community!

Congratulations, Swetha! We are excited to see you share your science!

• February 5, 2025 | Gordon Research Conference – Physical Science of Cancer | Podium Talk

We are honored and excited to announce that Dr. Nguyen will present our research, “The Extracellular Reservoir: A Key to Understanding Cancer Persistence,” at the 2025 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on the Physical Science of Cancer. Our lab has been part of this remarkable scientific community for many years, and we always look forward to this biennial gathering. We are excited to reconnect with friends and colleagues, exchange new discoveries, and explore exciting directions in cancer research!

• November 4, 2024 | Welcome Aboard! | Introducing Mr. Jacob Torrez, the Second Member of the Nguyen Lab!

Another exciting milestone for our young laboratory! I am thrilled to welcome Jacob (Jake) Torrez as the second member of the Nguyen Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center!

Jake earned his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Baylor University and brings valuable research experience from Los Alamos National Laboratory. His scientific interests and technical skills will contribute to developing innovative biomaterials and 3D tumor models to advance cancer research.

Beyond the laboratory, Jake has another remarkable passion—flying! He serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot, bringing the same dedication, discipline, and adventurous spirit to both aviation and scientific research.

I am grateful that Jake has chosen to join our growing laboratory and look forward to the creativity, energy, and contributions he will bring to our research.

Welcome aboard, Jake! Here's to new discoveries, exciting adventures, and reaching new heights together! 🚁

• October 2024 | Moffitt Immuno-Oncology Research in Progress Seminar

We are excited to announce that Dr. Nguyen has been invited to present our lab's research, “A Bioengineering Approach for Investigating 3D Immune Cell Migration Dynamics,” at the Moffitt Immuno-Oncology Research in Progress (RIP) Seminar. The presentation will highlight our efforts to develop bioengineered tumor microenvironments to investigate immune cell migration and tumor–immune interactions. We look forward to sharing our research and engaging in stimulating discussions with Moffitt's immuno-oncology community!

• September 2024 | USF Medical Engineering Research Seminar

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nguyen will present our lab's research, “Engineering the Tumor Microenvironment to Dissect Mechanisms of Cancer Progression,” at the University of South Florida (USF) Medical Engineering Research Seminar. The presentation will highlight how bioengineering approaches can help uncover the complex interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment. We look forward to connecting with the USF research community, exchanging ideas, and exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration!

• Fall 2024 | Guest Lecture in Cancer Biology at USF

We are excited to share that Dr. Nguyen will deliver a guest lecture for PCB4109 Cancer Biology at the University of South Florida, taught by Dr. Sandy Westerheide, PhD. This lecture will introduce students to the emerging field of cancer bioengineering and highlight how physical sciences and engineering approaches can advance our understanding of cancer. We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with students, share our passion for research, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers!

• November 3–8, 2024 | Dr. Nguyen to Serve as Team Lead at IMO Workshop 12!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen will serve as Team Lead for Team Black at the 12th Integrated Mathematical Oncology (IMO) Workshop, focusing on Toxicity, taking place November 3–8, 2024!

This interdisciplinary workshop will bring together mathematicians, cancer biologists, clinicians, and engineers to tackle challenging problems in cancer research through collaborative modeling and innovative approaches.

We are honored to contribute to this exciting scientific community and look forward to a productive week of teamwork, new ideas, and meaningful collaborations!

• November 1, 2024 | Congratulations to Dr. Swetha Karanam, PhD on Receiving the 2024 Junior Scientist Research Partnership Award!

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Laxmi Swetha Karanam, a postdoctoral fellow in the Nguyen Lab, has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Junior Scientist Research Partnership Award (JSRP)!

This recognition highlights Swetha's dedication to scientific research, innovative thinking, and commitment to advancing our understanding of cancer biology through bioengineering approaches.

We are incredibly proud of Swetha's achievement and excited to see how this award will support her continued scientific growth and research endeavors.

Congratulations, Swetha! We look forward to many more exciting discoveries and accomplishments ahead!

• September 9, 2024 | Welcoming Our First USF Medical Engineering Capstone Team, Class of 2025 !

We are excited to welcome our first University of South Florida (USF) Medical Engineering Capstone Team for the 2024–2025 academic year: Gabriel Sortica Reichmann, Vitor Riekes Viana, and Vanditha Akula!

Dr. Nguyen will co-mentor the team alongside Dr. Michael Dunne, guiding students as they apply engineering principles to real-world challenges in biomedical and cancer research.

We are especially grateful to Dr. Souheil Zekri, Capstone Course Director, and Dr. Robert Frisina, Chair of the USF Department of Medical Engineering, for their leadership, support, and commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships between engineering education and biomedical research.

We look forward to working with these talented students and strengthening the collaboration between Moffitt Cancer Center and USF, creating opportunities for the next generation of biomedical engineers to learn, innovate, and make a meaningful impact!

• July 1, 2024 | Dr. Nguyen Joins the USF Morsani College of Medicine Faculty Council!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Duy T. Nguyen will serve as a Departmental Representative on the Faculty Council of the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine, with a two-year term from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026!

Dr. Nguyen is honored to have this opportunity to represent his department, contribute to faculty governance, and support the continued growth and excellence of the USF academic community.

We look forward to contributing to this important mission and strengthening our connections with colleagues across USF!

• April 18, 2024 | A New Milestone: Our Atomic Force Microscope Is Up and Running!

An exciting day for the Nguyen Lab! Our Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is officially installed and operational, marking another important milestone in building our laboratory's research capabilities at Moffitt Cancer Center.

This powerful instrument will allow us to explore the mechanical properties of living cells and their surrounding microenvironments at the microscale, opening new opportunities to understand how physical forces influence cancer cell behavior, immune cell function, and therapeutic resistance.

A special thank you to Mr. Keith Jones and the Oxford Instruments team for their tremendous technical expertise, patience, and dedicated support throughout the installation and setup process. 

One instrument at a time, one discovery at a time—our young lab continues to grow!

• October 31, 2023 | A Special Milestone: Welcoming Dr. Laxmi Swetha Karanam, PhD, the First Member of the Nguyen Lab!

I am incredibly excited to welcome Laxmi Swetha Karanam, PhD, as the very first member of the Nguyen Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center!

Swetha joins the lab from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, bringing interdisciplinary expertise in cancer biology, stem cell biology, immunology, drug resistance, and nanotherapeutics. Her research experience spans cancer drug development, tumor-targeted drug delivery, and hematologic malignancies, with a strong background in molecular biology, 2D/3D cancer models, and flow cytometry.

Starting a new laboratory is an exciting journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and uncertainties. I am especially grateful to Swetha for placing her trust in me and choosing to be part of this journey from the very beginning. I believe her expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm will be instrumental in leading important research projects and helping build a strong foundation for our young laboratory.

Every lab has a beginning, and every journey starts with the people who believe in it. Thank you, Swetha, for being the first to join this adventure. Welcome to the Nguyen Lab!