This is the highest honour bestowed by the US Government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

Born in 1976 and having immigrated in the US ten years later, Assistant Professor Nguyen’s studies focus mainly on biomechanics dealing with the viscoelasticity of polymers, the origin and development of biological cells and tissue recovery.

Nguyen graduated as Bachelor of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy at Stanford University and she has been a Senior Member of the Technical Staff of the Sandia National Laboratories for several years.

The award, established by President Clinton in February 1996, provides the winning scientists and engineers research grant for up to five years to further their studies in support of critical government missions.