Project: 

Microphysiological Systems for Modeling Autoimmunity in Type 1 Diabetes

►Where are you from originally, and where did you go to school?

I grew up in New York City, went to college at MIT, and earned an MD and PhD from Harvard Medical School.

►What is your current position?

Hanna Wise Professor of Cancer Research at the University of Pennsylvania.

►Why did you decide to become a researcher?

Because it’s the best job in the world! Seriously, it was because the opportunity to think about and solve scientific problems – particularly those that might have an impact on human health – is unbelievably satisfying.

►What is the “Big Picture” of what you study?

The laboratory has diverse interests, many of which don’t necessarily fit together in a single “big picture.” I would say that in general we try to identify gaps in knowledge that have clinical implications and do our best to fill those gaps.

►What is your favorite aspect of your research?

Seeing a result for the first time and inferring something new about how nature works from it.

► What do you hope to achieve with your research?

To keep discovering new things, and improve treatments for patients in the process.