Neil Tran (G3, Evanna Mills Lab)

Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your hometown?

I was born and raised in Saigon, one of the biggest cities in Vietnam. I then immigrated to the U.S. and split my time between Washington DC and New York City (also very big cities). These are all amazing cities with incredibly rich culture and great food. A little-known fact about living in big cities is the freedom to “disappear” into the crowd and the noise, which is what I miss most about my hometowns.

What is your research focused on? 

I study how metabolites can serve as signaling molecules to regulate macrophage function. Macrophages are innate immune cells that have diverse roles in host defense, tissue repair, and homeostasis. These functions are so crucial to our physiology that, when they misbehave, they contribute to a myriad of pathologies such as chronic inflammation, metabolic diseases, and cancer. By deciphering the unique mechanism by which metabolites signal, we can harness their function to devise effective approaches to manipulate macrophage activity and, in turn, develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat many diseases with macrophage dysregulation as a common feature.

What is your favorite part of your research?

My favorite part of my research is unequivocally my lab. I have an advisor who not only cares deeply about my research and mental health, but also pushes me out of my comfort zone to be a better scientist. I’m also extremely lucky to have a great support system from other lab members. We go through challenges and successes together in and outside the lab. They are the reason I enjoy going to work every day. Oh, and the science is pretty fun too!

How do you relax when you’re not working?

I play video games, travel, explore, and eat a ton of food. I love going concerts and Broadway musicals. I used to sing in several amateur musical productions in college to help me get over my fear of public speaking (no longer do so).

Tell us about an activity outside of lab you’re involved in and why it’s important to you

I am involved in many mentoring programs supporting underrepresented minority students at Harvard (HPREP, SHURP, CURE, etc.). I’ve also been working with an education assistance program in NYC for the past 10 years to help students living in homeless shelters stay in school and get into colleges. I grew up in similar circumstances, this is the work I’m most proud of.