Stanford University School of Medicine
Nicholas Guardino
Biomedical scientist. Aspiring founder.
Bridging oncology research and entrepreneurship.
About
Scientist turned entrepreneur
PhD Candidate in Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine at Stanford, with 8+ years of combined experience in oncology, wound healing, and computational biology. I study how skin tumors evolve, metastasize, and resist treatment — with the long-term goal of translating discoveries into therapies and companies.
My research spans single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and in vivo functional studies across multiple institutions. I'm deeply involved in Stanford's entrepreneurship ecosystem through the Stanford Biotech Group and serve as President of the Student Body Government for the Stanford Stem Cell Program.
Research & Experience
A career built across top institutions
PhD Candidate, Dermatology & Oncology
Lab of Anthony Oro
Investigating tumor epithelial and microenvironmental states influencing tumor progression and drug resistance. Leveraging computational expertise to discover genomic and spatial transcriptomic alterations in metastatic disease.
Research Analyst, Orthopedic Oncology
Lab of Benjamin Alman
Produced the first-ever single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of human chondrosarcoma. Discovered and functionally tested metastatic drivers of primary human chondrosarcoma in mouse lungs in vivo.
Life Science Research Professional, Surgery
Lab of Michael T. Longaker
Interrogated transdifferentiation between adipocytes and fibroblasts and their contribution to scarring. Discovered small molecule inhibitors of fibrosis, leading to a patent application now in large animal testing for Pre-IND.
Research Assistant, Stem Cell Biology
Lab of Joseph T. Rodgers, Keck School of Medicine
Investigated priming injuries and their potential impact on nerve and muscle regeneration.
Clinical Science Intern
Roche Headquarters, Basel, Switzerland
Assisted with Trial Master File (TMF) documentation, critical for FDA study approval.
Stanford University
PhD in Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine
Expected 2028/2029
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
May 2020
Selected Publications
Published in leading journals
A selection from 25+ publications. View full list on Google Scholar →
Allele-Specific Expression Reveals Genetic Drivers of Tissue Regeneration in Mice
Multiomic Analysis Reveals Conservation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Phenotypes Across Species and Tissue of Origin
Growth Arrest Specific-6 and Angiotoxin Receptor-Like Signaling Drive Oral Regenerative Wound Repair
Mechanotransduction Inhibition Prevents Scarring and Yields Regeneration in a Large Animal Model
Targeting Circulating Mechanoresponsive Monocytes and Macrophages Reduces Fibrosis
Protein Phosphatase 1 Regulatory Subunit 3C Integrates Cholesterol and Isocitrate Dehydrogenase in Chondrocytes and Neoplasia
Targeting IKK-Mediated NF-kB Signaling in Metastatic Chondrosarcoma: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy
The COMPASS Complex Maintains the Metastatic Capacity Imparted by a Subpopulation of Cells in UPS
Desmoplastic-Stromal Signatures Predict Patient Outcomes in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Patent Application
Piezo Inhibition for Wound Healing
Griffin M, Guardino N, Talbott HE, Januszyk M, Wan DC, Longaker M.T.
Currently in large animal testing for Pre-IND filing
Elected Leadership
President, Student Body Government
Stanford Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Program
Running institute events, interviewing hires (staff & faculty), policy decisions, student recruitment
Vision
From bench to boardroom
I believe the next wave of transformative biotech companies will be founded by scientists who deeply understand the biology. My goal is to leverage my expertise in oncology, regenerative medicine, and multi-omic computational approaches to build therapies — and ultimately a company — that can change patient outcomes at scale.
I'm actively building at the intersection of science and entrepreneurship through Stanford's biotech and venture ecosystems, and I'm looking for collaborators, mentors, and investors who share this vision.
Deep Science
8+ years of hands-on research across oncology, wound healing, and computational biology
Translational Impact
Patent application in Pre-IND stage, targeting clinical relevance from day one
Founder Mindset
Active in Stanford Biotech Group and entrepreneurship programs, building toward company formation
Contact
Let's connect
Interested in discussing biotech ventures, collaborative research, or investment opportunities? I'd love to hear from you.