From biochemistry major to integrative cancer research at MIT
I was given the unique position of working on this biomaterials project because of my biochemistry training at MHC, which taught me to think critically about in vivo systems and generate insightful solutions.
Major: Biochemistry
Research Group: Chen Lab
Employer: Langer Laboratory at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT
The Langer Lab focuses broadly on improving medical treatments through the development of functional biocompatible devices with modular physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Evolution of materials to address the complex needs of this field requires collaborative efforts to generate application specific solutions. I work with a team of physicians and engineers focused on extended drug delivery in the gastrointestinal tract, addressing complications of poor patient adherence and obviating associated consequences such as ineffective therapies and the development of drug resistance.
My job is to invent new synthetic approaches using readily available reagents and simple chemistry to create bioresponsive materials. The development of such modular synthesis platforms for biomedical device applications requires insights to the interface of materials science and biochemistry. This position is a serendipitous compilation of my experiences at MHC as both a biochemistry major and researcher of materials science with Professor Chen. I was given the unique position of working on this biomaterials project because of my biochemistry training at MHC, which taught me to think critically about in vivo systems and generate insightful solutions.