Molly Shoichet (she/her)
Professor and Research Team Lead
University of Toronto
Learn About My Career
I teach undergraduate students in engineering and I lead a research team in biomedical and chemical engineering.
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
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.
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 love working with people who inspire me to think differently and to achieve my best.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- Drama
- Foreign languages
- Math
- Physical Education/Health
- Science
- Music
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Brought people together
- Liked helping people
- Organized activities for my friends
- Played on a sports team
- Was motivated by success
- Wanted to be in charge
- Engaged in volunteer activities
- Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
- Learned best “by doing”
Partners
Royal Society of Canada
Let’s Talk Science appreciates the support of the Royal Society of Canada in connecting us with this individual.
The Royal Society of Canada is a member driven organization that recognizes Canada's leading scholars, researchers, artists and scientists from across disciplines and across generations in order to help build a better future in Canada and around the world. Let’s Talk Science and the Royal Society of Canada work together to provide timely content on issues that affect us all – from education to the impact of leading-edge scientific discoveries.
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