Imagine a world where medicine is revolutionized, not just by doctors at the bedside, but by brilliant minds in the lab. That's the world Molly Shoichet is building. This University of Toronto researcher is on a mission to tackle the toughest medical challenges, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Molly's path wasn't always clear. She initially dreamed of becoming a doctor. But, during her undergraduate studies at MIT, a simple encounter with polymers changed everything. She was fascinated by these large molecules, the building blocks of materials from proteins to plastics. This sparked a passion that would redefine her career.
Instead of medical school, Molly dove into graduate studies, earning a PhD in polymer science and engineering. She then transitioned into a faculty position at the University of Toronto, where she believed she could make a bigger impact.
And she was right! Over 30 years later, Professor Shoichet has become a powerhouse in the field. She's founded multiple startups, received countless awards, and made groundbreaking discoveries in areas like spinal cord injuries, blindness, and cancer.
At the heart of her work are hydrogels – polymer chains that can absorb large amounts of water. These squishy substances mimic the body's tissues and can be used to release medications, influence stem cells, and reach difficult-to-access areas like the retina and brain.
"Like FedEx, we work on the packaging to get the therapeutics where they need to be and when they need to be there," she explains.
For instance, she's collaborating with other researchers to address the critical issue of stroke treatment. Did you know that over 85% of stroke patients don't get timely treatment? Shoichet's team designed an enzyme to promote brain repair, a breakthrough that led to the creation of Chase Biotherapeutics.
Her work also extends to retinal diseases, with discoveries now being used in Synakis, a company developing treatments for retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
And that's not all. Her hydrogel-based drug delivery system is being commercialized by AmacaThera, offering a potential solution to post-operative pain management. This could drastically reduce the need for addictive opioids.
But here's where it gets controversial... Shoichet also uses hydrogels to study how cancer cells invade, a complex and challenging area of research. She is drawn to these 'big problems' and thrives on collaboration, embracing the years-long process of understanding intricate health issues.
The scientific community has recognized her contributions, with inductions into all three of Canada's national academies and numerous prestigious awards. She's also held prominent leadership roles, including a brief stint as Ontario's chief scientist.
Shoichet's dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers is evident in her lab. She emphasizes the importance of understanding existing research, effective communication, and collaboration.
As she enters her fourth decade at U of T, Molly continues to balance her groundbreaking research with a fulfilling personal life.
What do you think of Molly Shoichet's approach? Do you agree that academics have a unique responsibility to tackle the most difficult scientific challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
