Jessica Wong

Global Challenge: Engineering Better Medicines

Abstract

My time in the GLASS program has been full of opportunities and connection. Through the program, I have studied abroad in Abu Dhabi, participated in research opportunities in mechanobiology and protein engineering, pursued a Master’s degree, and attended professional conferences. In addition, I have met incredibly passionate people who inspire me every day to problem solve, innovate, and be curious. I worked on my GLASS project from the summer of 2022 until the completion of my Bachelor’s degree, with the Montclare Lab and the Army Research Office. From shadowing during my first week, to designing and executing experiments on my own, I have developed technical laboratory skills and refined my intrepretive analysis skills. This research aligns with the NAE Grand Engineering Challenge of Engineering Better Medicines, striving to address critical health challenges such as organophosphate toxicity. Furthermore, our efforts contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by advancing treatments for pesticide poisoning. By bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical application, we aim to catalyze the development of injectable therapeutics, heralding a new era in organophosphate detoxification research.

Bio:

During her time at NYU, Jessica Wong studied Biomolecular Science and Biotechnology through the BS/MS program, aspiring to help further the development of biomaterials that would aid in personalized and accessible treatments.

When she studied abroad at NYU Abu Dhabi, she joined the Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications. Jessica's research involved T-cell exhaustion tests on biomaterials to better understand interactions between antigen-presenting cells and T-cells, with an application in T-cell therapy. 

Throughout her junior and senior years, her research at the Montclare lab involved protein engineering with expression, purification, and characterization. Her main project was focused on developing functional protein hydrogels for use as wet adhesives, working towards a hydrogel drug delivery system. 

Jessica's industry internship experience at Abbvie involved evaluating Protein A membrane columns on the CMC Biologics Process Development Protein Purification team. She worked with AKTA systems, utilizing HPLC and UV-vis instrumentation for her innovation project. 

In Jessica's spare time, She enjoys exploring the city, trying new foods, and playing the piano and guitar.