To study how cancer develops, Dr. Chen Cao is building tumors in the lab. By monitoring these model tumor microenvironments, the bioengineer aims to discover why some cancer cells metastasize, or move to other areas of the body, while others do not. The program, which provided a $1.8 million research grant, is designed to attract top talent in cancer research to the state. Known as CPRIT Scholars, these independent investigators are expected to make outstanding contributions in cancer research. Dr. Chen Cao Title: assistant professor of bioengineering, CPRIT Scholar in Cancer ResearchPreviously: postdoctoral researcher, Princeton UniversityResearch interests: single-cell sequencing, bioinformatics, developmental biology, cancer evolution, microfluidics, imaging“We print different cells and let them form tumor environments,” Cao said.