What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
During my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, I spent a significant amount of time reviewing scientific literature for academic projects and research assignments. While exploring drug delivery technologies, I came across nanomedicine and was immediately fascinated by its potential and how this field has caused a significant impact on COVID vaccine delivery. This experience motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in nanomedicine at Northeastern University.
Have you participated in any co-op or study abroad programs? How was that experience?
Currently, I’m doing my co-op at Evonik, which has been a gamechanger. I’m working on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) downstream processing, specifically focusing on LNP formulation, characterization, and nucleic acid assays. It’s one thing to learn about nanoparticle stability in a classroom but seeing how we scale these processes and ensure quality in a professional setting is where the real learning happens.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
When I’m not in the lab, I’m usually trying to see as much of the world as I can. I’ve loved exploring the different landscapes here in the U.S. There’s something incredibly grounding about standing against the New York City skyline or hiking through snow-capped mountains. Traveling is how I reset. It keeps me curious and gives me a fresh perspective that I bring back to my research.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
Definitely the “aha!” moments in the lab. A specific highlight was working in Dr. Atef Ahmed’s Nanomedicine Lab on Talazoparib liposomes. We had a rough start where our initial trials with the Sunshine machine led to emulsions instead of clean particles. Troubleshooting that protocol and finally achieving a perfect 168 nm particle size with a low Polydispersity Index (PDI) felt like winning a championship.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
I’ve been lucky to work under Dr. Atef Ahmed and Vionnie Yu. They didn’t just teach me techniques like nanoparticle formulation or CRISPR/Cas9, they taught me how to handle the 90% of science that is “failure.” Dr. Atef’s lab was where I really honed my formulation and cell culture skills, and that mentorship gave me the confidence to step into a big role at a company like Evonik.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
The dream is to stay right here in the Boston biotech hub, working at a company which focuses on LNP Screening. I’m fascinated by mRNA platforms and how we can use chemistry to steer nanoparticles to specific organs beyond the liver. My goal is to be a Lead Scientist in an R&D team, bridging the gap between a new molecular discovery and a scalable drug product.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
I want to use my clinical background as a pharmacist and my technical training in nanomedicine to make advanced therapies more accessible.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and, more importantly, don’t be afraid to fail. In science, a “negative” result isn’t a waste of time. It’s just data telling you which way to turn next. Embrace the troubleshooting.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Just that the community here is incredible. Moving across the world to a city like Boston is a huge leap, but the collaborative environment at Northeastern makes it feel like you’re part of a team from day one.
