Science Meets Storytelling

Ph.D. Student Leads Research, Education into Brain Health and Wellness

Why do we get sick? How does the body heal? How do medicines work?

These questions sparked My Nguyen’s teenage curiosity and set her on a lifelong path of discovery, but it was a personal experience that deepened her passion for pharmacy and research.

As a child, Nguyen witnessed a family member struggle with epilepsy and saw how a brain disorder affects daily life for both patients and caregivers. During her pharmacy studies in Vietnam, learning about aging and dementia further shaped her focus, as she realized these conditions steal memory and independence. These experiences, combined with her academic training, led her to dive into the mechanisms behind brain diseases and pivot to research into making new therapies possible for those suffering from such conditions.

Nguyen chose UHCOP to pursue her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences for its strengths in drug delivery and neuroscience, supportive faculty, and collaborative environment—an ideal setting in Nguyen’s mind to grow as a scientist, communicator, and leader.

One of Nguyen’s projects centers around NLRP3 signaling, an immune alarm system that detects cellular stress and triggers an inflammatory response. In the brain, activation of NLRP3 can lead to sustained neuroinflammation, which over time contributes to neurogenerative changes seen in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and vascular dementia. Sulfonylureas are best known to treat type 2 diabetes; however, they are emerging as promising anti-inflammatory agents potentially protecting the blood-brain barrier and preventing cognitive decline.

Nguyen also investigates how dysregulation in the Hippo/MST1 pathway—a signalling pathway crucial to proliferation, differentiation and survival of cells—contributes to neuroinflammation and neuronal loss, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies that can slow or prevent neurodegeneration.

Her dedication and research excellence have been recognized with a 2025 Early Career Scholar Award and a travel grant from the American Aging Association, which brought her to the organization’s 53rd Annual Meeting in Anchorage to present her work on targeting NLRP3 signaling with sulfonylureas for the treatment of neuroinflammation and vascular dementia.

Nguyen’s experiences extend beyond the lab. She completed a summer internship at Merck, supporting global clinical trial operations, gaining firsthand insight into how effective communication and coordination drive research and patient care. Writing has always been a passion, from crafting stories in school as a child to translating complex scientific information for broader audiences today. As social media co-chair for the Southwest Chapter of the American Medical Writing Association, she strives to share clear, accurate information online to fight misinformation and empower patients, families and communities.

“Most people don’t read scientific papers, but many spend time online,” Nguyen said. “Sharing science in an understandable way helps people make informed health decisions.”

Her interest in communication also inspired her to write a book, Benefit of Exercise for Mental Health and Well-Being, in 2025. Published by Tre Publishing House Press, Nguyen’s book explores how physical activity supports not just the body, but also the mind—drawing from neuroscience, psychology and practical lifestyle guidance. She explains how even small, consistent movements can reduce stress, boost mood, and help protect the brain as we age.

“Mental health affects everything—how we think, feel, connect with others, and even how our bodies function. Without it, overall well-being can be hard to achieve,” she said.

Despite the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases, Nguyen remains optimistic.

“While there’s no cure yet, research is rapidly advancing,” she said. “Even small gains can improve quality of life for patients and caregivers, and every step forward brings hope for a more manageable, fulfilling life.”

— Kristin Marie Mitchener