Molly Shoichet (she/her)

About me

I was born/grew up in:  Toronto, Ontario

I now live in: Toronto, Ontario

I completed my training/education at: BSc: Massachusetts Institute of Technology; PhD: University of Massachusetts, Amherst

What I do at work

I lead a team of about 30 researchers. We answer questions and solve problems that no one else has been able to solve. Our questions are related to biology and medicine, and we use chemistry and engineering to solve these problems. For example, we create new materials that deliver drugs and stem cells to the brain, eye, and spinal cord.

We also invent materials that allow us to model cancer in the lab. This helps us discover new drugs. When we develop a new drug or technology, we patent these inventions. Then we look for ways to get these to the people who need them. Usually, we do this by starting a company or licensing our inventions to other companies. For example, I am co-Founder of AmacaThera which is a spin-out company from my lab. As a Professor, I teach courses. I also work to provide a better environment for graduate students in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. As co-Founder of Research2Reality.com, I work to engage the public in research. Check out The Shoichet Lab to learn more about what we do.

Everything I do involves teamwork! For example, I work with other scientists and the researchers in my lab to advance knowledge.  I also work closely with researchers in industry to use our knowledge to solve real life problems. Using our website, Research2Reality, I work increase social media attention to research across Canada.

My career path is

When I was in school, I thought that I would be a medical doctor. Later I got excited about the possibility of inventing medicines of the future. This led to an entirely different career path. We fail every day in research. It takes resilience to pursue a career in science. If you're really trying to do something no one else has done, then you are going to fail before you succeed.

I am motivated by

I love working with people who inspire me to think differently and to achieve my best.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Our goal is to advance knowledge to make a difference in human health. In doing so, we work on cutting-edge problems and to invent new solutions and strategies. It is enormously gratifying to be inventing the future.

Outside of work I

I enjoy being with my family, hiking with my dog, skiing, and working out, I read novels and historical fiction. I volunteer on several boards such as MaRS Discovery District and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre.

My advice to others

This is a great career! You have the flexibility to pursue answers to questions that you're really interested in. And you can learn new things every day while working with incredibly smart and dedicated people.