Evan Kurt - Research, Work, and Projects
Welcome to my website, where you can learn more about me and the projects in which I am involved.
I am currently a research scientist with Immorna Biotherapeutics, working on novel RNA therapies for immuno-oncology applications. My research background spans applications in tissue engineering and biologics manufacturing, with my focus on gene and cell therapy development. I enjoy vector construction, nanoparticle and viral delivery optimization, and designing new models for drug screening. I continue my goal of advancing early pipelines on vector and therapeutic discovery and process development, particularly in disease repair, immune regulation, and oncology.
Previously, I completed my PhD in the Segura Lab at Duke University under Biomedical Engineering, where I defended my dissertation in August 2023. My PhD thesis focuses on viral and non-viral gene therapies and biomaterial design for regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing. I developed a novel granular hydrogel platform for DNA and RNA nanoparticle and virus delivery in murine skin and stroke models. I also was able to intern with local biotech over as part of my NIH T32 training grant, working in cell therapy discovery on new methods for nonviral CAR T cell generation.
Prior to my PhD, I completed my MS in Biochemical Engineering in May 2018 at Villanova University, and my BS in Chemical Engineering in May 2017. My undergraduate research focused on enhancing gene therapy though DNA methylation inhibition and developing protocols to compare different drugs. My graduate thesis focused on developing a novel method of in-line T-cell capture and analysis using 3D printed technology, after culturing in a WAVE bioreactor, with the goal of targeted capture and differentiation for non-viral modification into CAR T cells using a CRISPR system.
Apart from my research, I have been active in service and outreach work. I have mentored undergraduate and high school students, with many recently graduating and going on to college or medical school. I am also active in "Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics" (oSTEM) on Duke's Campus. I served as the co-president of the Villanova chapter of Engineers Without Borders and traveled several times to Panama to work on water resources and infrastructure. I also work in audio/visual event productions both at Duke and previously at Villanova, and I assisted in electrical and computer engineering projects with circuit design for microcontroller architecture and programming.