Rebecca is a chemical engineer developing nanotechnologies to probe biological systems. During her PhD, she investigated the fundamental interactions between engineered nanotechnologies and the complex biological environments they are intended to function in. Her research has helped to create more robust nanosensors for uses such as monitoring dopamine in the brain and detecting SARS-CoV-2.

As a Schmidt Science Fellow working with Professor Li-Huei Tsai at MIT, Rebecca pivoted into neuroscience and used her nanoscale tools to understand the molecular mechanisms driving Alzheimer’s Disease. She aimed to develop novel nanosensors that target key Alzheimer’s Disease biomarkers and to integrate these nanosensors into brain models that correctly recapitulate the human disease.

She is now a Burroughs Wellcome CASI Fellow and Postdoctoral Associate at MIT.

Rebecca envisions that a dynamic and molecular view of the underlying drivers of Alzheimer’s Disease will lead to innovations in developing impactful treatment strategies and ultimately, a cure. Through her research, Rebecca aspires to pioneer the implementation of real-time sensors together with human brain models that will transform the way in which we understand and treat neurodegenerative diseases.