Darwin Chang Receives Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award Grant
Congratulations to Darwin Chang on receiving the Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31) Grant from the National Institutes of Health. Darwin is a Cancer Biology PhD student in the Rodriguez Lab, Department of Immunology, Immuno-Oncology Program. The F31 Grant is intended to enable promising predoctoral students with potential to develop into productive, independent research scientists, and to obtain mentored research training while conducting dissertation research.
Darwin’s research focuses on the mitochondrial stress response, specifically the role of mitochondrial proteases and their impact on the surrounding immune system.
“Specifically, I study how targeting the protease XPNPEP3 reduces mitochondrial capacity, which sensitizes tumor cells to undergo immunogenic cell death and release danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) under stress,” he said. “These signals, in turn, reprogram myeloid cells toward an immunostimulatory phenotype, ultimately promoting T cell infiltration and tumor-specific cytotoxicity. I’m especially interested in this pathway because it links intrinsic metabolic stress in cancer cells to the activation of anti-tumor immunity, which could open new avenues for therapies that both directly target tumors and enhance immune responses.”
Looking ahead, Darwin shared that receiving this award will help him achieve his goal of becoming an academic professor at a cancer institute.
“To me, the F31 feels like the first milestone towards that path. I feel immense gratitude for receiving such a prestigious reward and reassurance that I am on the right track,” he said, adding that he was inspired to pursue cancer research because of his family’s personal experiences with cancer.
“Cancer came to my family suddenly - three of my grandparents were diagnosed within a few years of each other. At the time, I was young and didn’t fully understand it, but looking back, those experiences had a lasting impact on me and ultimately shaped my career path.”
Darwin expressed gratitude for the role his mentors at Moffitt have played in his success. “Dr. Paulo Rodriguez has played a central role in my development as a scientist," he said. "He’s passionate about research, which is always a great motivator, and is extremely supportive of my ideas, even the crazy ones.”
When asked what he is most excited to accomplish during the award period, Darwin said, “I am excited to continue this momentum towards submitting a manuscript in the coming months. I’m also looking forward to presenting my research at major conferences, which will give me the opportunity to share my findings, receive feedback, and connect with others in the field.”