Research Interests
Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology Translational Health Outcomes Genomics Molecular Targets Bioinformatics Biomarkers Cancer Cell Biology Cancer Genetics Cancer Therapy Nanomedicine Haematological Tumours Antimicrobial Resistance Drug discovery Regenerative medicine (incl. stem cells) Oral Medicine and PathologyTeaching Strengths
Dr Thao Nguyen
Senior Lecturer
School of Dentistry
College of Health
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Dr Thao Nguyen is a Senior Lecturer in Dentistry and Oral Health, and a senior researcher in Molecular Diagnostics, Genomics, Bioinformatics and Precision Medicine. Her work advances disease diagnosis, prognostication and personalised treatment through the integration of molecular biology, genomic technologies and translational research. A former NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Research Fellow, Research Fellow at the Centre for Cancer Biology, and Research Fellow at the Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, she leads collaborative research spanning cancer genomics, molecular diagnostics, host-microbiome interactions, oral health, infectious diseases, and biomarker-guided therapeutics. Recognised for her success in securing competitive research funding and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations, Dr Nguyen's research bridges discovery science and clinical application to deliver innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes and advance precision healthcare.
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Understanding the biological mechanisms involved in treatment free remission of myeloid leukaemia. NHMRC Fellowship. (CI: Dr Thao Nguyen)
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Employing humanised xenotransplantation models of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) to predict patient outcome and direct therapy. NHMRC Ideas Grant. (CIA Prof Stuart Pitson, CIB A/Prof Daniel Thomas, AI: Dr Thao Nguyen)
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The role of ephrinB1 reverse signalling in osteogenic differentiation and haematopoietic stem cell maintenance. NHMRC Project Grant. (CIA Prof Stan Gronthos, CIB Dr Agnes Arthur, AI: Dr Thao Nguyen)
National
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NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship (2018 - 2022)
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Heart Foundation Early Career Fellowship (2018 – 2020) [Unable to accept]
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Finalist of the Young Investigator Award, at the Joint 10th Biennial Australasian (2017) Gene and Cell Therapy Society & the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research Annual Scientific Meeting
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Finalist of the Albert Baikie Memorial Award, HAA Annual Meeting (2015) [HAA: the Annual Scientific Meeting organised by the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ), the Australian & New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion (ANZSBT), and the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ)].
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Best PhD Oral Presentation Award, at the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research & Cellular Therapy Meeting (2014)
State
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Runner Up of the Ross Wishart Memorial Award, Australian Society for Medical Research Annual Meeting (2015)
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Best PhD Poster Award, awarded at the Australian Society for Medical Research Annual Meeting (2013)
University Research Centre
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Early Career Researcher of the Year Award, Centre for Cancer Biology (2019)
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Senior Lecturer | Adelaide University |
| 2024 - 2025 | Lecturer | Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia |
| 2022 - 2025 | Research Fellow | Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, University of South Australia |
| 2018 - 2022 | NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Research Fellow | Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia |
| 2017 - 2018 | Postdoctoral Researcher | Vascular Research Centre, Adelaide Medical School, SAHMRI, The University of Adelaide |
| 2016 - 2023 | Guest lecturer | University of South Australia |
| 2015 - 2017 | Post-Doctoral Researcher | Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, Stem Cells and Cancer, SAHMRI, The University of Adelaide |
| 2014 - 2015 | Senior Research Officer | Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory, Stem Cells and Cancer, SAHMRI, The University of Adelaide |
| 2010 - 2013 | PhD Candidature | School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia |
| 2008 - 2010 | Senior Research Officer | Oocyte Biology Laboratory, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide |
| 2004 - 2008 | Senior Research Officer | Molecular Markers Laboratory, The University of Adelaide |
| 2003 - 2004 | Research Officer | Numico Research Australia Pty Ltd |
| 2002 - 2003 | Research Officer | Cell Therapy Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute |
| 2002 - 2002 | Technical Officer | Genetics Unit, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS) |
| 1999 - 2010 | Accredited Community Language Teacher | Dac Lo Ethnic School |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Recognition | UniSA Research Commercialisation & Translation Program | UniSA Venture, University of South Australia | Australia | - |
| 2020 | Recognition | Early- and Mid-Career Researchers Development Program | University of South Australia | Australia | - |
| 2019 | Research Award | Early Career Researcher of the Year Award | Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia | Australia | - |
| 2018 | Research Award | NSCFA Travel grant to present research findings at conference | National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia | Australia | - |
| 2018 | Fellowship | NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship | National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia | Australia | - |
| 2018 | Fellowship | Heart Foundation Early Career Fellowship | The National Heart Foundation of Australia | Australia | - |
| 2017 | Research Award | ASSCR Travel grant to present research findings at conference | Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR) | Australia | - |
| 2017 | Research Award | Finalist of the Young Investigator Award | The Joint 10th Biennial Australasian Gene and Cell Therapy Society & the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research Annual Scientific Meeting | Australia | - |
| 2017 | Research Award | Adelaide Medical School Travel grant to present research findings at conference | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2016 | Research Award | School of Medicine Travel grant to present research findings at conferences | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Research Award | NSCFA Travel grant to present research findings at conference | National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Research Award | HSANZ Educational grant | Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Research Award | HSANZ Travel grant to present research findings at conference | Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Research Award | Finalist of the Albert Baikie Memorial Award | HAA Annual Meeting [HAA: the Annual Scientific Meetings of Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ), the Australian & New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion (ANZSBT), and the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ)] | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Research Award | Runner Up of the Ross Wishart Memorial Award | Australian Society for Medical Research Annual Meeting | Australia | - |
| 2014 | Research Award | NSCFA Travel grant to present research findings at conference | National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia | Australia | - |
| 2014 | Research Award | Best PhD Oral Presentation Award | The Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research & Cellular Therapy Annual Meeting | Australia | - |
| 2013 | Research Award | ISEH Travel Grant to present research findings at conference | International Society for Experimental Haematology | United States | - |
| 2013 | Research Award | ASSCR Travel grant to present research findings at conference | Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research | Australia | - |
| 2013 | Research Award | Best PhD Poster Award | Australian Society for Medical Research Annual Meeting | Australia | - |
| 2010 | Scholarship | Post-Graduate Divisional Award | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2010 | Scholarship | University of South Australia Post-Graduate Award | University of South Australia | Australia | - |
| 2010 | Scholarship | University of South Australia Top-up PhD scholarship | University of South Australia | Australia | - |
| 1999 | Scholarship | Equity HECS Exemption Scholarship | University of South Australia | Australia | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Vietnamese | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | University of South Australia | Australia | Doctor of Philosophy |
| 2003 | University of South Australia | Australia | Bachelor of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Ethnic Accreditation for Teaching | South Australia Ethnic School Board | Australia |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Powell, J., Lewis, A., Tea, M., Nguyen, T., Wallington-Beddoe, C., Anderson, D., . . . Pitson, S. (2019). CERAMIDE EVOKES AN APOPTOTIC INTEGRATED STRESS RESPONSE IN ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA. In EXPERIMENTAL HEMATOLOGY Vol. 76 (pp. S83). ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. |
| 2018 | Nguyen, T. M., Arthur, A., & Gronthos, S. (2018). EPHA FORWARD SIGNALLINGS ENHANCE HUMAN HAEMATOPOIETIC PROGENITOR CELL MIGRATION AND ADHESION VIA RAC1 ACTIVATION. In JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE Vol. 20 (pp. 1 page). Univ Technol Sydney, Sydney, AUSTRALIA: WILEY. |
| 2016 | Nguyen, T. M., Arthur, A., Paton, S., Purton, L. E., & Gronthos, S. (2016). EphrinB1 expressing stromal cells exhibit an enhanced capacity for haematopoietic stem cell maintenance. In BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY Vol. 173 (pp. 30). British Soc Haematol, Glasgow, SCOTLAND: WILEY-BLACKWELL. |
| 2009 | Sasseville, M., Nguyen, T. M., Ritter, L. J., Russell, D. L., & Gilchrist, R. B. (2009). Oocyte/GDF9 Regulation of Granulosa/Cumulus Cell Functions Requires EGF Receptor/MAPK3/1 Signaling.. In BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (pp. 72). Pittsburgh, PA: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION. WoS2 |
| 2005 | Hayden, M., Nguyen, T., & Chalmers, K. (2005). Multiplex-ready markers: A technique for high-throughput, low-cost genotyping on a semi-automated DNA fragment analyser. In 12th Australian Barley Technical Symposium Conference Proceedings, 11-14 September 2005: [CD-ROM] (pp. 9 pages). Hobart, Tasmania: Australian Barley Association. |
- Understanding the biological mechanisms involved in treatment free remission of myeloid leukaemia, NHMRC - Early Career Fellowship, 01/01/2018 - 28/02/2022
- UniSA Clinical Health Sciences Research Grant-in-Aid (2025), Sole Investigator Thao Nguyen
- UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Enterprise (DVCRE) Research Seed Funding (2022), Sole Investigator Thao Nguyen
- UniSA Research Themes Investment Scheme (RTIS) Seed Fund (2021), Sole Investigator Thao Nguyen
- Employing humanised xenotransplantation models of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) to predict patient outcome and direct therapy, NHMRC Ideas grant, 2020 - 2022, CIA Stuart Pitson, AI: Thao Nguyen
- The role of ephrinB1 reverse signalling in osteogenic differentiation and haematopoietic stem cell maintenance, NHMRC Project Grant, CIA: Stan Gronthos, AI: Thao Nguyen
- University of South Australia Post-Graduate PhD Scholarship (Jul 2010 - Dec 2013)
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University of South Australia Top-up PhD scholarship (July 2010 – Dec 2013)
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University of South Australia Equity HECS Exemption Scholarship (1999 – 2002)
Travel grants: (to present research findings at conferences and visiting collaborators)
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Educational grant awarded by the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ) (2015)
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ThreeTravel grants, awarded by the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia (NSCFA) (2014, 2015, 2018)
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Two travel grants awarded by the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR) (2013, 2017)
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Travel grant awarded by HSANZ (2015).
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Travel grant awarded by the International Society for Experimental Haematology (ISEH) (2013)
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Travel grant awarded by the School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide (2016)
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Travel grant awarded by Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide (2017)
Other Grants Awarded but Unable to be Accepted
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Heart Foundation Early Career Fellowship (2018 – 2020) - Unable to accept (as I had accepted the NHMRC fellowship).
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The University of Adelaide Post-Graduate Divisional Award (2010 – 2013) - Unable to accept (as I had accepted the UniSA PhD scholarship)
Courses I coordinate, teach, and lead the teaching team
- BIOL 2016 Genetics (2025, 2024)
- BIOL 2056 Fetal and Maternal Pathophysiology (2025)
- DENT 1007 Human Biology IOH - part 1 (2026)
- DENT 1008 Human Biology IOH - part 2 (2026, 2025)
- DENT 1001 Dental Science and Practice I - Biodental Sciences - part 2 (2025)
- BIOL 1056 Biomedical Research Training (2025)
Courses I teach
- BIOL 2016 Genetics (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022)
- BIOL 2056 Fetal and Maternal Pathophysiology (2025, 2024, 2023)
- DENT 1007 Human Biology IOH - part 1 (2026)
- DENT 1008 Human Biology IOH - part 2 (2026, 2025)
- DENT 2007 Human Biology IIOH - part 1 (2026)
- DENT 2000 Dental Science and Practice II - part 1 (2026)
- DENT 2001 Dental Science and Practice II - part 2 (2026)
- DENT 3000 Dental Science and Practice III - part 1 (2026)
- DENT 1000 Dental Science and Practice I - part 1 (2026)
- DENT 1001 Dental Science and Practice I - part 2 (2026, 2025)
- BIOL 1051 Physiology Essentials 100 (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022)
- BIOL 1056 Biomedical Research Training (2025)
- BIOL 1007 Biology A (2024, 2023, 2022)
- BIOL 1049 Human Physiology 100 (2024, 2023, 2022)
- BIOL 1050 Human Physiology 101 (2024, 2023, 2022)
- BIOL 2058 Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice (2024, 2023, 2022)
- BIOL 2037 Immunology (2022)
- BIOL 2035 Physiology (2022)
- BIOL 1052 Human Biology 1 (2023)
- HLTH 2055 UniSA Online Fundamentals of Pharmacology (2024, 2023, 2022)
- MEDI 2008 UniSA Online Pathophysiology (2024, 2023, 2022)
- HLTH 1011 Human Physiology 1 (2024, 2023, 2022)
- HLTH 1012 Human Physiology 2 (2024, 2023, 2022)
Programs I'm associated with
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Bachelor of Oral Health
- Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science/ Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) double degree
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Location | Program | Supervision Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Developing nanomedicines to eradicate acute myeloid cancer stem cells to improve patient survival. | University of South Australia | Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine - Vacation Research Project | Other | Full Time | Caitlin Ngo |
| 2023 - 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Targeting Acute Myeloid Leukaemia with Sphingosine Kinase-1 inhibitor-nanomedicine combination therapy | University of South Australia | Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Bachelor of Pharmacy double degree - Vacation Research Project | Other | Full Time | Chloe Della Paz |
| 2021 - 2021 | Principal Supervisor | Liposome encapsulation of sphingosine kinase 1 inhibitor as a potential therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia | University of South Australia | Laboratory Medicine | Honours | Full Time | Sook San Wong |
| 2020 - 2021 | Principal Supervisor | Nanomedicines to enhance sphingosine kinase 1 targeting to treat acute myeloid leukaemia. | University of South Australia | Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine - Vacation Research Project | Other | Full Time | Sook San Wong |
| 2020 - 2024 | Co-Supervisor | Targeting sphingosine kinase 1 to overcome venetoclax resistance in acute myeloid leukemia | University of South Australia | Laboratory Medicine | Doctorate | Full Time | Gus Opara Nwosu |
| 2020 - 2020 | Principal Supervisor | Investigating the Role of Sphingosine Kinases in the Development of Normal Haematopoiesis and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia | University of South Australia | Bachelor of Medical Science | Honours | Full Time | Ryan Jurkowski |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 - 2023 | Co-Chair | The Early Career Scientists Committee | The International Society for Stem Cell Research | United States |
| 2021 - 2023 | Member | UniSA Early Career Researchers Committee | University of South Australia | Australia |
| 2019 - 2019 | Treasurer | Conference organising Committee | Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia | Australia |
| 2018 - 2022 | Member | Conference Organising Committee | The International Society for Stem Cell Research | United States |
| 2018 - 2020 | Member | The Early Career Scientists Committee | The International Society for Stem Cell Research | United States |
| 2018 - 2018 | Member | Faculty Research Seminar Series Committee | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences | Australia |
| 2016 - 2017 | Convener | The Australian Society for Medical Research annual meeting, Adelaide chapter | The Australian Society for Medical Research | Australia |
| 2015 - 2016 | Member | Conference organising Committee | The Australian Society for Medical Research | Australia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 - ongoing | Member | National Association of Research Fellows (NARF), of NHMRC | Australia |
| 2015 - ongoing | Member | The International Society for Stem Cell Research | United States |
| 2015 - ongoing | Member | The Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand | Australia |
| 2012 - ongoing | Member | • The International Society for Experimental Hematology | United States |
| 2012 - ongoing | Member | The Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research | Australia |
| 2011 - ongoing | Member | The Australian Society for Medical Research | Australia |
| Date | Event Name | Event Type | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 - 2022 | The Australian Society for Medical Research annual meetings | Conference | The Australian Society for Medical Research | Australia |
| 2016 - 2017 | The Florey Post-Graduate Conference | Conference | The University of Adelaide | Australia |
| Date | Title | Type | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 - 2026 | Invited conference abstract reviewer | Conference Review | The International Society for Stem Cell Research | United States |
| 2018 - 2023 | STemJournal Editorial Board Committee | Editorial | StemJournal | - |
| 2016 - ongoing | Journal Review | Peer Review | Scientific Reports | - |
| 2016 - ongoing | Journal Review | Peer Review | Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation Journal | - |
| 2016 - ongoing | Journal Review | Peer Review | Hematology Journal | - |
| 2016 - ongoing | Journal Review | Peer Review | PLOS ONE Scientific Journal | - |
| 2015 - ongoing | Journal Review | Peer Review | Experimental Hematology | - |
Available For Media Comment.