Bringing Vision Into Focus With Nikon Center of Excellence
When Ted Couch first sat down with Greg Sawyer, PhD, he wasn’t sure what to expect. A philanthropist and longtime member of Moffitt Cancer Center’s Board of Directors, Couch was exploring ways to deepen his support for cancer research. What he found in Sawyer, the chair of Moffitt’s Bioengineering Department, was more than a brilliant engineer. He found a shared vision.
That early conversation sparked an idea.
What if Moffitt built a place where engineering and cancer science could come together to drive discovery?
That vision came to life in March 2025 with the opening of the Nikon Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art imaging facility made possible by Couch’s support and Sawyer’s leadership.
In March 2025, Moffitt became the first cancer center to open a Nikon Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art imaging facility made possible by Couch’s support and Sawyer’s leadership.
The Nikon Center of Excellence is equipped with some of the most advanced microscopy and imaging technologies available today. These tools allow scientists to observe cancer cells in motion and in high resolution, providing real-time insights that could lead to earlier detection, better treatments and, ultimately, cures. The center will serve as a critical engine for Moffitt’s expanding research enterprise and lay the groundwork for enhanced collaboration between engineering and oncology teams.
Couch’s journey toward supporting the center began through conversations with Moffitt President and CEO Patrick Hwu, MD, who introduced him to Sawyer’s pioneering work. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a commitment.
“I was really impressed with the idea of introducing engineering into research,” Couch said. “At first, I didn’t fully understand how it would work, but after meeting with Greg, it became clear. Engineering has the potential to significantly accelerate discovery across departments and reshape how we approach cancer.”
Inspired by the possibilities, Couch made the decision to support Sawyer’s work.
“Supporting Moffitt research is very important,” Couch said. “The results we’re seeing are already making a tremendous impact, not just on Moffitt’s progress but on the lives of patients.”
Sawyer said the early discussions with Couch were formative.
“Ted had already decided he wanted to support bioengineering,” Sawyer said. “We started to shape what that could look like together. His input and belief in our mission helped turn this center from an idea into a reality.”
Sawyer is no stranger to innovation. A mechanical engineer by training and now a leader in biomedical engineering, he has spent his career pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in research and translational science. His journey to Moffitt was a personal one.
Sawyer was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in 2013. After coming to Moffitt as a patient, he wanted to find a way to contribute to cancer research by harnessing his love for engineering. He was recruited to Moffitt in 2023 to lead the new Bioengineering Department.
“Ted understood our vision from day one,” Sawyer said. “He saw how engineering could drive progress in cancer care. His support gave us the freedom to build something bold.”
Their relationship has evolved into a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared values and even geography. Couch and Sawyer are soon-to-be neighbors and meet regularly to talk about science, life and the future.
“He’s just a great human being,” Couch said. “Smart, considerate and deeply committed to what he’s doing. His story, from the University of Florida, to being a patient at Moffitt, to becoming one of its top innovators, is really beautiful.”
Couch also sees the Nikon Center of Excellence as a cornerstone for Moffitt’s future growth, particularly in Pasco County, where Moffitt’s Speros campus is under development.
“This center is going to play a major role in our expansion,” Couch said. “It’s going to be a very busy place serving patients from Hernando, Citrus and beyond. That access is going to matter.”
The Nikon Center of Excellence reflects Moffitt’s larger mission, to combine leading-edge science with compassionate care and to bring hope to patients and families facing cancer. It also demonstrates what is possible when visionary supporters and passionate researchers come together.
“This is just the beginning,” Sawyer said. “Thanks to Ted’s belief in what we’re doing, we’re building something that will have a lasting impact for science, for Moffitt and for the people we serve.”
