معرفی
Hien Nguyen is the Carl Johnson/Pfizer Professor of Organic Chemistry at Wayne State University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Oncology's Molecular Therapeutic Program. His research program bridges chemistry and biology to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes through innovative carbohydrate chemistry.
His educational background includes:
- B.S. in Chemistry from Tufts University (1996)
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2003)
- NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University (2003-2006)
Prof. Nguyen's research focuses on medicinal chemistry, cancer drug discovery, chemical biology, and organic synthesis, with particular expertise in vaccine adjuvant immunotherapy, Alzheimer's disease therapeutics, diabetes treatments, and catalytic stereoselective carbohydrate methods. His lab develops novel methodologies for oligosaccharide assembly and applies them to create carbohydrate-based therapeutics targeting heparanase and other biological pathways involved in disease progression.
His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on phenanthroline-catalyzed stereoselective glycosylations, heparan sulfate mimetics for therapeutic applications, transition-metal catalyzed asymmetric synthesis, and the development of carbohydrate-based inhibitors for heparanase. These works span organic chemistry methodology, medicinal chemistry, and biochemical applications, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to solving complex biological problems through chemical innovation.
Among his notable awards are:
- 2018 Carl Johnson Endowed Chair
- 2018 Horace S. Isbell Award for Excellence in Carbohydrate Research
- 2016 Mitzutani Glycoscience Innovation Award
- 2012 International Young Carbohydrate Investigator Award
Prof. Nguyen has successfully mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research is supported by multiple NIH grants including R01AI169505 "Synthesis and Evaluation of Carbohydrate Vaccine Adjuvants" (2022-2027) and R35GM149213 "Development of Catalytic Glycosylations and Biologically Important Glycosaminoglycans" (2023-2028). His group actively pursues both fundamental methodology development and translational applications of carbohydrate chemistry.
The Nguyen research group operates state-of-the-art organic synthesis and biochemical characterization facilities, with strong collaborations across Wayne State University including the School of Medicine. The group maintains active partnerships with researchers at other institutions and pharmaceutical companies to advance their therapeutic discoveries toward clinical applications.
