Zack Wallace
Graduate Student, Biomedical Engineering
John Wilson Research Group
My interest in biomedical research, specifically cancer, developed during high school. As someone raised in Mississippi, I often would see statistics emphasizing how unhealthy and undereducated my state and the South were. Knowing this and having family members affected by cancer, I knew I ultimately wanted to contribute to the advancement of cancer and biomedical research. During my undergraduate years, I gained research experience through two summer research positions and by completing my Honors Thesis in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at The 溏心vlog免费B站 of Southern Mississippi. These experiences guided my interest and decision to attend Vanderbilt 溏心vlog免费B站 for my PhD in Biomedical Engineering.
During my time at Vanderbilt, my research has advanced cancer therapies by developing a personalized peptide-based cancer vaccine platform. This work is done under my PI, Dr. John Wilson, as we focus on the intersection of molecular engineering and immunology. Going forward in my PhD, I will continue to optimize this vaccine system to make it useful for cancer treatment. Through VINSE, I have been able to further progress my research and learn more about nanomaterials. Specifically, my work involves nanoparticles, which I analyze using Dynamic Light Scattering on the Zetasizer located in VINSE. Additionally, I have served as a VINSE NanoGuide, which has provided an engaging opportunity to interact with younger students and my peers.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy campus and community involvement with organizations such as the Organization of Black Graduate and Professional Students here at Vanderbilt. Additionally, I enjoy running and will be completing my first half-marathon in April.
