Quyen Nguyen on Helping Surgeons Preserve Nerve Function in Surgery

In this Pharmaceutical Executive interview, Quyen Nguyen, MD, PhD—recipient of the 2025 Chancellor’s Innovation Award for Startup of the Year¹—shares the inspirations and pivotal opportunities that have shaped her accomplished career as a surgeon, researcher, educator, and biotech CEO.

Dr Nguyen’s deep interest in neuroscience, with a focus on nerve visualization and regeneration, has guided her path to becoming the esteemed CEO of Alume Biosciences, Inc.

Watch this video to learn more:

• 00:54 – Dr Nguyen discusses her background and early interest in nerve visualization and regeneration.
• 2:00 – Dr Nguyen discusses the influential role of mentor and colleague Roger Tsien, PhD, in the founding of Alume Biosciences, Inc.
• 4:40 – Dr Nguyen discussesKey opportunities that shaped Dr Nguyen’s multifaceted career and contributed to Alume’s success.
• 6:10 – Dr Nguyen discusses her unique transition from practicing surgeon to biotech entrepreneur.
• 7:26 – Dr Nguyen talks about her current roles in both academia and industry.
• 9:33 – Dr Nguyen discusses feedback from colleagues and the achievements of Alume Biosciences, Inc.
• 10:53 – Dr Nguyen reflects on her professional growth and highlights what she wishes she had known earlier in her career.
• 11:32 – Dr Nguyen shares her most memorable moment in her career.
• 13:14 – Dr Nguyen highlights what's next for Alume Biosciences, Inc.
• 14:12 – Dr Nguyen talks about balancing family life with the demands of a biotech leadership role.
• 14:57 – Dr. Nguyen shares a message to the industry on transforming surgery through nerve regeneration technologies.

Reference

1. UC San Diego News Center. 2025 Chancellor’s Innovation Award Winners. UC San Diego. Published March 26, 2025. Accessed May 8, 2025. https://today.ucsd.edu/story/2025-chancellors-innovation-award-winners