Lab Members

Rodrigo Romero, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Genetics
Assistant Member, James P. Allison Institute™

Dr. Romero is a cancer biologist studying how disruptions in cell identity enable tumor evolution and therapy resistance. His research focuses on lineage plasticity, a process by which cancer cells transition between cellular states to evade treatment and adopt more aggressive phenotypes. His laboratory combines next-generation mouse models and organoid systems with functional genetics and single-cell and spatial genomics to uncover the molecular rules governing cell fate decisions in cancer. Before joining UT MD Anderson in 2026, he trained as a postdoctoral fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and earned his Ph.D. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Manav Agarwal, M.S.
Research Assistant II

Manav supports ongoing studies using organoid and mouse models to investigate mechanisms of lineage plasticity in cancer. He performs molecular and cellular assays, assists with genetic perturbation experiments and contributes to the maintenance and characterization of the lab’s experimental systems. He obtained his B.S. from the Florida Institute of Technology and his M.S. from New York University (NYU).

Olivia Davis

Olivia is a first-year Ph.D. student at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in biomedical engineering, where she conducted cancer genetics research using patient-derived organoids. Outside the lab, Olivia enjoys reading, traveling, crafting, spending time with friends and family and trying new restaurants. She is also a devoted Moe’s fan. As a new Houston resident, she’s excited to explore the city and discover some new favorite spots.

Victor Nguyen

Victor is a first-year Ph.D. student at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences with interests in the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. He earned his B.S. in molecular biology from The University of Texas at Dallas in 2026 and has research experience spanning stem cell biology and cancer biology. Outside the lab, Victor enjoys playing the violin, making origami cranes and exploring new restaurants.