Meet the newest cohort of students in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology’s PhD programs. Each student brings a unique background and a passion for research. From neurodegenerative disease to nuclear medicine, their journeys reflect the depth and variety of scientific curiosity driving the next generation of scholars.
Molecular Cancer Biology PhD Program
Devin Lin
Devin Lin, originally from Wilson, North Carolina — about an hour and a half east of Durham — earned a BS in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (Intensive) from Yale University, with a concentration in biotechnology. During his undergraduate years, he conducted research in the Sidi Chen Lab at the Yale Systems Biology Institute under Paul Renauer, PhD, focusing on enhancing CAR-T cell therapy. After graduation, Devin spent his gap year as a research technician in the lab of Wen Shen, PhD, contributing to studies on neoantigens in PTEN triple-negative breast cancer models.
When considering PhD programs, Lin was drawn to prestigious institutions like Yale, Rockefeller, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Gerstner). Ultimately, he chose Duke, citing its proximity to home and the program’s strong support system. “Dr. Pendergast, Dr. Zou, Ms. Ruga, and countless others patiently went the extra mile to answer all my nagging questions,” Devin said. “That made me realize that Duke's program was the right choice for me.”
Brady Jin-Smith
Originally from Jingmen, China, Brady Jin-Smith grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. He earned his BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University. Over the past three years, Brady contributed to research in the labs of Liya Pi, PhD, Summer Gibbs, PhD, and Melissa Wong, PhD. Outside the lab, he worked as a barista and flipped patties at Five Guys.
Although he considered staying close to home in Portland, Oregon, Jin-Smith ultimately chose Duke. "I was successfully swayed by the opportunity to join the PCB community," he said.
Annamarie Thompson
Annamarie Thompson is from Trussville, Alabama, and studied biomedical engineering at Mississippi State University. Her undergraduate research in the lab of Trey Howell, PhD, explored the effects of organochlorine pesticides on diabetic wound healing and the role of the pregnane X receptor in macrophage metabolism. She also completed summer internships at MD Anderson and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, studying gliomas, lung adenocarcinoma, and vascular remodeling.
Thompson chose Duke’s molecular cancer biology program for its resources, mentorship, and supportive environment. “The faculty and students I spoke with at Duke were exceedingly kind and welcoming and made me feel that I would be a valued part of the program from the start,” she said. The program’s certificate offerings and emphasis on teaching and clinical research further aligned with her goals.
Pharmacology PhD Program
Annee Nguyen
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Annee Nguyen earned both her BS in Human Biology (2017) and MS. in Biology with a concentration in Neuropathology (2018) from UC San Diego’s Warren College. Her research journey has consistently centered on neurodegenerative diseases, beginning with studies on peripheral neuropathies in diabetes and prion disease. Since 2019, she has expanded her focus to include equine genetics, brain tumor immunology, and spine tumor metastases.
Although returning to California was an option, Nguyen chose Duke for its exceptional faculty and collaborative environment. “The opportunity to celebrate and share in the experience of academic research and the tight-knit community at PCB has persuaded me to pursue a doctoral degree here at Duke,” she said.
Taylor Nguyen
Taylor Nguyen is a North Carolina native from Cary. She earned her BS in neuroscience and biology with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology from Duke University. As an undergraduate, she spent three years in the lab of Scott Floyd, MD, in PCB and radiation oncology, researching DNA damage signaling and radiosensitivity. She continued in the lab as a research technician, completing work for publication.
Though she considered programs in Boston, Nguyen ultimately chose to stay at Duke. “My love of research began at Duke,” she said, “and it seemed fitting that my journey would continue here.”
Victoria J. Parker Radosova
Originally from a small town in Michigan, Victoria J. Parker Radosova holds a BA in theoretical Physics from Reed College, a nuclear reactor operator’s license from the NRC, and a master’s degree in medical physics from Duke University. Her undergraduate research was extensive, but she highlights becoming a licensed operator for a Mark TRIGA One reactor as a standout experience, where she managed daily operations and personnel.
Parker Radosova chose Duke’s PCB program to build on her passion for radioactive material handling and personalized nuclear medicine. “Duke was the perfect and natural transition from my medical physics training,” she said, noting that the pharmacology focus will complement her background and support her future in nuclear medicine research.
Alex Stockwell
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Alex Stockwell earned dual BS degrees in biology and biochemistry from Regis University. His undergraduate research focused heavily on viruses, sparking a deep interest in vaccine development and infectious disease.
Stockwell’s decision to pursue his PhD at Duke was solidified during his time in PCB’s SURPH summer research program. “Seeing a research community where graduate students were conducting incredible projects and truly being allowed to be independent made me realize that I wanted to complete my doctoral studies in that exact kind of environment,” he said.
Xiaoyi Yan
Xiaoyi Yan is from Shandong province, China, and earned a BS in biological sciences from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Her undergraduate research focused on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including structure-based functional analysis in the lab of Yang Du, PhD. As a summer intern in the lab of JoAnn Trejo, PhD, UC San Diego, she studied sodium ion modulation of protease-activated receptors — key targets in inflammation and cancer.
Although she considered other programs, Yan chose Duke for its strong alignment with her research interests. “My mentor at UCSD, Dr. JoAnn Trejo, also recommended Duke as a great place for me,” she said. Conversations with faculty and visits to campus confirmed that Duke’s collaborative and supportive environment would be ideal for her growth as an independent scientist.