Interdisciplinary NEET Program at MIT Proves Ideal for Students Seeking Diverse Learning Experience
Katie Spivakovsky, a whiz-kid hailing from Menlo Park, California, was raised in a family that valued intellectual diversity and discussions about every topic under the sun. From the chemistry of food browning to the mysteries of prime numbers, dinner-table conversations at her home were always intriguing. Her parents, one of whom studied physical chemistry and the other statistics, sparked her love for knowledge that transcended borders.
As a high school student, Spivakovsky dabbled in a multitude of subjects, from classic literature to computer science. She craved an undergraduate experience that fostered her multifaceted interests and offered endless possibilities. That's when she stumbled upon MIT and its one-of-a-kind initiative, New Engineering Education Transformation (NEET). The cross-departmental education program was the cherry on top that convinced her that MIT was the right fit.
NEET is a program that empowers undergraduates to confront the challenges of the 21st century head-on through interdisciplinary learning. With four domains of study, or "threads," to choose from, students can delve into Autonomous Machines, Climate and Sustainability Systems, Digital Cities, or Living Machines. Upon completing the typical four years, NEET scholars walk away with a degree in their chosen major and a NEET certificate, arming them with in-depth knowledge of their field and the ability to thrive across multiple domains.
Now a junior, Spivakovsky is double-majoring in biological engineering and artificial intelligence and decision-making, with a minor in mathematics. With the burgeoning convergence of biology and computer science, Spivakovsky calls herself a curious soul seeking to harness engineering and computational tools to uncover new biomedical insights - a central objective of NEET's Living Machines thread, in which she's currently enrolled.
"NEET is about more than just engineering," Amitava "Babi" Mitra, the NEET founding executive director, notes. "It's about nurturing young engineers who dare to dream big, cherish collaboration, and are raring to take on the world's thorniest problems with heart and unquenchable curiosity."
Spivakovsky's achievements during her time at MIT have already made their mark globally. In 2023, she led an undergraduate team at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Paris, France, where they put forth a proof of concept for a therapy to treat cancer cachexia. Cachexia, a widespread fading-away condition with no FDA-approved treatment, affects 80% of late-stage cancer patients, leading to 30% of cancer-related deaths. Spivakovsky's team earned a silver medal for devising the engineering of macrophages to eliminate excess interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory protein abundant in cachexia patients, and their research was later published in MIT's Undergraduate Research Journal, an honor Spivakovsky describes as "unreal and humbling."
Spivakovsky, who works as a researcher in the BioNanoLab led by Mark Bathe, professor of biological engineering and former NEET faculty director, focuses on validating nucleic acid nanoparticles for therapeutic use. According to Bathe, "Katie displays remarkable promise as a scientific leader – she brings unmatched passion, creativity, and a unique blend of biological and computational expertise to her project on creating novel vaccines."
Class 20.054 (Living Machines Research Immersion) that Spivakovsky is taking as part of the NEET program complements her work in Bathe's lab by offering workshops that emphasize scientific communication, staying current with scientific literature, and research progress updates. "I find my curiosity propelled by switching between different topics," she remarks.
Her interdisciplinary zeal took her to Merck over the summer, where she interned on the Modeling and Informatics team. While working on the development of a drug to neutralize a cancer-causing protein, she honed her skills in computational chemistry, and her geometric analysis techniques identified locations on the protein where drug molecules might bind. "My team continues to utilize the software I developed and the insight I gained through my work," Spivakovsky shares. "With the target protein having an immense patient population, I'm optimistic that within the next decade, drugs will enter the market, and my modest contribution may touch many lives."
When glancing toward her future, Spivakovsky envisions herself standing at the crossroads of artificial intelligence and biology, ideally in a role that seamlessly blends wet-lab work with computational research. "I can't envision myself in a career devoid of either," she emphasizes. "This thrilling synergy is where I feel most inspired."
Wherever Spivakovsky's curiosity leads her next, she's certain of one thing: "NEET has played an instrumental role in shaping me as a scientist."
- Katie Spivakovsky, an undergraduate student at MIT, was raised in a family that valued intellectual diversity and discussions about various topics.
- Spivakovsky's parents, one of whom studied physical chemistry and the other statistics, instilled in her a love for knowledge that transcends borders.
- As a high school student, Spivakovsky had a multifaceted interest in subjects ranging from classic literature to computer science.
- Seeking an undergraduate experience that would nurture her diverse interests, Spivakovsky was drawn to MIT's New Engineering Education Transformation (NEET) program.
- NEET offers students the opportunity to delve into specific domains of study, such as Autonomous Machines, Climate and Sustainability Systems, Digital Cities, or Living Machines.
- Spivakovsky is currently double-majoring in biological engineering and artificial intelligence and decision-making, with a minor in mathematics.
- Spivakovsky's research focuses on validating nucleic acid nanoparticles for therapeutic use, with a particular interest in creating novel vaccines.
- In 2023, Spivakovsky led an undergraduate team at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, developing a therapy for cancer cachexia.
- The research was later published in MIT's Undergraduate Research Journal, an honor Spivakovsky describes as "unreal and humbling."
- Spivakovsky's work in the BioNanoLab has led to the development of software that is still in use by her team today.
- Spivakovsky envisions herself standing at the crossroads of artificial intelligence and biology in her future career.
- She is optimistic that within the next decade, drugs will enter the market as a result of her work, potentially touching many lives.
- In reflection, Spivakovsky credits NEET for playing an instrumental role in shaping her as a scientist.
