2017 – 2022 | Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
PhD in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology

2012 – 2016 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Evolutionary Medicine Major
Valedictorian Graduate

• Valedictorian graduate of UCLA’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program.
• Recipient of a fully funded PhD scholarship in Biomedical Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
• Author of 7 international Q1 scientific publications.
• Received PhD interview and admission invitations from leading institutions, including MIT, UCLA, UC San Diego, Cornell University, and others.
• More than 10 years of academic research experience in molecular and cellular biology, with a particular focus on cancer biology and oncology research.
• Currently a Scientist at Intellia Therapeutics, a leading biotechnology company pioneering CRISPR-based gene editing therapies.

Professional Experience

Jan 2023 – Present | Scientist, Analytical Development – Potency, Technical Operations, Intellia Therapeutics

• Develop cell-based release assays to evaluate CAR expression, on-target activity, and immunophenotyping for CAR-T cell therapy products.
• Developed flow cytometry- and MSD-based potency assays for gene therapy products to support Phase III clinical regulatory submissions.
• Perform MSD, ddPCR, and RT-ddPCR analyses to assess potency of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based products across multiple gene and cell therapy programs.
• Established knockout (KO) and overexpression (OE) cell lines using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and AAV vectors to support analytical assay development.
• Designed pre-qualification and qualification strategies for potency and release assays and led method transfer activities to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).
• Author of four flow cytometry- and MSD-based potency assays and two analytical development reports supporting multiple gene and cell therapy programs.

Jun 2022 – Sep 2022 | Analytical Development Intern, Gene & Cell Therapy, Novartis Pharmaceuticals

• Performed RNA isolation and developed a novel gene expression platform for transcriptomic analysis of CAR-T products.
• Conducted T-cell activation studies and evaluated potency and cytokine release in autologous cell therapy products using ELISA and MSD.
• Performed multicolor flow cytometry and intracellular staining to assess quality and functionality of final CAR-T products.
• Supported the generation of CD20+ luciferase-expressing B-cell banks for cytotoxicity and other analytical assays.
• Independently designed, executed, and documented analytical experiments in compliance with GxP standards.

Jun 2018 – Present | PhD Researcher, Robinson Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Project 1: Identification of the molecular targets of 4-HAP, a potential anti-cancer therapeutic, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)

• Demonstrated the anti-cancer potential of 4-HAP and identified its therapeutic targets using a range of 2D and 3D experimental models.
• Developed two novel approaches utilizing fluorescence chromatography and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) to characterize protein–drug interactions.
• Produced baculovirus particles and performed cell transduction to generate purified recombinant non-muscle myosin IIC proteins.
• Purified full-length myosin IIC and functional domains for in vitro interaction studies using affinity chromatography techniques.

Project 2: Investigating the role of Discoidin I in contractility and cancer cell dissemination

• Discovered novel functions of Discoidin I as a regulator of cytokinesis, cell migration, and potentially cancer metastasis.
• Generated more than five knockout cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi technologies and developed cell-based assays to characterize mutant phenotypes.
• Designed expression plasmids for CRISPR components and fluorescently tagged proteins using molecular cloning strategies.
• Performed lentiviral transduction and transfection to establish eight recombinant protein-expressing cell lines.
• Evaluated protein and mRNA expression changes in key contractility-associated factors following Discoidin I depletion.
• Conducted high-content imaging and microscopy analyses to identify differential protein localization patterns across mutant cell lines.

Jun 2016 – May 2017 | Research Assistant, Sun Laboratory, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA

• Conducted in vivo evaluation of novel anti-angiogenic compounds in mouse models of tumor growth and vascular development.
• Generated multiple mouse models to assess the efficacy of newly identified anti-angiogenic drug candidates.
• Performed subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, tissue collection, processing, and downstream analyses.

Sep 2013 – Jun 2016 | Undergraduate Researcher, Sun Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

• Investigated novel natural compounds that protect photoreceptor cells against age-related retinal degeneration.
• Performed multi-step chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses to isolate and identify protective compounds.
• Developed cell injury and survival assays in primary photoreceptor cell models to evaluate therapeutic potential.

Jun 2019 – Present | Research Mentor, Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE), Johns Hopkins University

• Mentored more than 20 high school students from underserved backgrounds across six Baltimore public schools, providing exposure to modern scientific research and academic career pathways.

Selected Publications

• • Liu, L., Leng, J., Nguyen, L.T.S., Robinson, D.N. RNA-binding protein 1A (RNP1A), a mechanosensing network protein, cooperates with contractility machinery proteins to facilitate micropinocytosis. Manuscript in revision, 2022.
  • Plaza-Rodríguez, A.I., Nguyen, L.T.S., Robinson, D.N., Iglesias, P.A. A particle-based model of mechanosensitive contractility machinery assembly. Biophysical Journal, 2022. In press.
  • Nguyen, L.T.S., Robinson, D.N. Discoidin I, a classical lectin, functions intracellularly to support contractility machinery assembly. Journal of Cell Biology. 2022;221(11):e202202063. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202202063.
  • Nguyen, L.T.S., Jacob, M.A., Parajón, E., Robinson, D.N. Cancer as a physical disease: targeting the mechanoadaptive program. Biophysical Journal. 2022;121(19):3573–3585. DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.039.
  • Nguyen, L.T.S., Robinson, D.N. Unusual suspects in cytokinesis: putting the pieces together. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2020;8:441. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00441.

Presentations & Posters

December 2022 | 7th Biannual Frontiers in Cytokinesis Conference & American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Annual Meeting 2022
Oral Presentation: Discoidin I, a Classical Lectin, Functions Intracellularly to Support Contractility Machinery Assembly

February 2022 | Biophysical Society Annual Meeting 2022
Poster Presentation: Discoidin I, a Classical Lectin, Functions Intracellularly to Support Contractility Machinery Assembly

December 2020 | Cell Bio Virtual 2020 (ASCB | EMBO Joint Meeting)
Poster Presentation: Deciphering the Role of Discoidin Proteins in Regulating Cellular Mechanics

December 2019 | American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Annual Meeting 2019
Poster Presentation: The Function of Discoidin I in Regulating Cell Mechanics

June 2019 | Annual Medical Research Symposium, Vietnam–UK Institute
Oral Presentation: Understanding Cell Mechanics and the Impact of Small Molecules on Contractility Systems

March 2015 | 7th GTCbio Ophthalmic Drug Discovery Conference
Poster Presentation: Discovery of Novel Trophic Factors that Protect Photoreceptor Cells from Degeneration

Leadership & Service

Apr 2021 – Present | Graduate Program Representative, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Graduate Student Association (GSA)

• Represent the needs and interests of more than 200 graduate students regarding research training, academic development, and student well-being.
• Draft and distribute newsletters featuring institutional updates, social events, professional development opportunities, and funding announcements.

Oct 2021 – Present | Policy and Programming Committee Member, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Graduate Student Association (GSA)

• Analyze student feedback on institutional policies and graduate training effectiveness and report findings to GSA leadership.
• Identify operational challenges within the GSA and propose solutions to improve student engagement and organizational effectiveness.

Sep 2019 – Present | Program Coordinator, Global Vietnamese Young Scholars Forum (GYVSF)

• Organized annual forums connecting more than 300 Vietnamese scientists and young scholars worldwide to discuss education, science, technology, and innovation with senior government leaders, including the Vice President of Vietnam.
• Coordinated conference programming, workshop development, event logistics, and community-building activities for annual meetings.