Alicia is a PhD candidate in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Her research focuses on using mass spectrometry based proteomics to characterize altered kinase signaling at the tumor-immune interface. Using a systems biology approach, she hopes to better understand how treatments can better target immune cells to eradicate cancer cells. Alicia grew up in Dallas, Texas and earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University. In her free time, Alicia enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants.

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WHAT IS A HEALTHCARE ADVANCEMENT YOU HOPE TO SEE IN YOUR LIFETIME?

Improvements in xenotransplantation. I look forward to improved engineering and clinical expertise to allow us to transplant either artificial organs or organs from other animals into patients. I was incredibly excited by the news of the recent pig kidney transplant and look forward to a future where families can be assured their loved one can receive the organ transplant they need.

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WHAT IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL CONTENT YOU READ LAST YEAR?

Factfulness by Hans Rosling - this book offers a refreshing perspective on the progress the world has made, particularly in health in developing nations.

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FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT RECENT INNOVATION HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT IN TECH/HEALTH?

ChatGPT - This might be the most transformative innovation from the past 5 years. From a health perspective, it has had a tremendous impact on empowering patients and their families to better understand their conditions and medical information.