Molecular and cellular engineering
Tissue engineering
Drug delivery systems including micro- and nanoparticles
Cell-material interactions
Effects of biomechanical and biochemical factors on vascular cells
Mechanisms of cancer metastasis

Dr. Nguyen is involved with both basic research and applied sciences. Her basic research projects focus on investigating vascular cell responses to environmental factors such as biomechanical (shear stress and cyclic strain), biochemical factors (growth factors and glucose), and biomaterials (biodegradable polymers). These studies will enhance our knowledge about the roles of environmental factors in vascular biology and in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders.  Her applied science research projects involve with development of new strategies for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications, investigation of novel tissue engineered biodegradable scaffolds and drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles for treatments of various diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Her research projects expose students to a broad range of techniques and strategies in molecular biology, cell biology, drug delivery, as well as cellular and tissue engineering. Her primary research goal is to mimic nature so that the man-made devices possess characteristics of the living systems to have better therapeutic benefits and to reduce adverse reactions or side effects. Her primary educational goal is to train students, who will be experts in cellular and tissue engineering research, in the advanced scientific skills necessary for a career in academia or industry.