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Member Highlight Interview: Rosa Nguyen

Rosa Nguyen in her lab

Rosa Nguyen in her lab at the National Cancer Institute

Please, give a brief description about yourself, your field of expertise, your lab, and/ or whatever you might find relevant about you.

My lab focuses on the development of novel immunotherapies for pediatric solid tumors. We take the most promising discoveries and translate them into the clinic. On this point, I’d like to mention the advice I received from a clinical mentor when I was disappointed that clinical research took so long: “It’s all a marathon and never a sprint.”

Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
My name is Rosa Nguyen. I am an M.D. Ph.D. and Lasker Tenure-Track Investigator at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. I am the Head of the Pediatric Solid Tumor and Immunotherapy Section in the Pediatric Oncology Branch where I have a laboratory and a clinical program.

Where did you do your training?
I received my M.D. from the University of Hamburg in Germany. I did my general pediatrics training at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and subsequently, I moved to Memphis, TN for my pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. with Dr. Michael Dyer and enrolled at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. I did two post-docs, one with Dr. Warren Leonard at the NHLBI and a second one with Dr. Carol Thiele at the NCI, before launching my lab.

Briefly, what is your research about?
My lab focuses on the development of novel immunotherapies for pediatric solid tumors. We take the most promising discoveries and translate them into the clinic. While we study many different pediatric solid tumors, we are particularly interested in neuroblastoma, a cancer of the developing neural crest.

Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
The ICIS is such a fantastic organization that offers members access to a global network of leading scientists and clinicians. This year, one of our post-docs went to Korea and presented work from the lab. She had a phenomenal experience and enjoyed the science, the networking, and learning about ICIS.

Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
I hope I will make new friends and collaborations once I’m able to attend the ICIS meeting next year.

What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
I have not been to any yet. I plan to attend next year in Seattle!

What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I like to spend time with my son and husband, go for long runs, and play and watch tennis.

What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
“It’s all a marathon and never a sprint.” Advice from a clinical mentor when I was disappointed that clinical research took so long.
“Grind a metal block and one day you will make a needle”. My parents’ advice growing up.

What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I am reading two books at the moment: 1. Thinking, fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman. Fascinating book on the way we think and process information. 2. Legacy by Uché Blackstock. Very enlightening book on the inequities and systemic racism in the American healthcare system. I highly recommend both!

What is your favorite cytokine?
IL-15! Hands down.

Your Twitter/X account: @hhrnguyen

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