Alex Cushing

Northwestern PhD Candidate | Translational Nanomedicine & Cancer Therapeutics | Healthcare & Life Sciences Strategy

Evanston, Illinois, United States

About

I am a PhD candidate in Materials Science at Northwestern University in Chad Mirkin's lab specializing in engineering lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. My work sits at the interface of materials science, oncology, and translational drug development. I am particularly interested in the strategic challenges facing biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies from therapeutic platform development to commercialization and healthcare innovation.

Experience

  • Graduate Student at Northwestern University
    Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Researching lipid nanoparticle formulations delivering innate immune stimulants for cancer immunotherapy

  • Vice President at Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance @ Northwestern
    Aug 2025 - Present · 1 yr

    Coordinating pro-bono engagements, organizing case competition, and establishing events for Northwestern Advanced Degree Candidates.

  • Process Engineering Intern at Applied Materials
    Jun 2022 - Sep 2022 · 4 mos

    In Office of CTO, improved manufacturing process efficiency of R&D product

  • Project Manager at Engineers Without Borders USA
    Jan 2020 - Jan 2022 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Manager of 30+ engineers working on implementing sustainable water technologies in the island of Mali, Fiji. In charge of processing paperwork, team budgeting, and club recruiting.

  • Polymer Engineer at University of Central Florida
    May 2021 - Jul 2021 · 3 mos

    Worked to develop a wound healing bandage made from polymer nanofibers. Found a novel way to embed phenolic acids and metal nanoparticles into hydrogel system.