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Department Events

Events

• May

  14

  BTP Seminar Series: Yaxin Wang, Natera

  McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

  12:00 PM LR4, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILSmore info

  From Crops to Patients: A Career Journey Across Molecular Farming and Clinical Diagnostics

  In this seminar, I will share my career journey spanning two biotechnology fields: molecular farming and clinical diagnostics. I began as a molecular biology scientist and later advanced to the genetic screening team lead in the molecular farming industry, where I developed plant-based systems for producing cheese alternatives while gaining valuable experience in genetic screening and team leadership. Recently, I transitioned into clinical diagnostics, where I now work as a senior scientist focusing on NGS assay development for cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detection. Throughout my presentation, I will introduce the backgrounds of both fields, highlight key research projects, and discuss how the technical skills and scientific mindset I cultivated in molecular farming enabled my transition to clinical diagnostics. I will also reflect on the challenges and opportunities I encountered along the way, and share important lessons I've learned about scientific leadership and adaptability. My goal is to inspire graduate students to explore diverse career paths, embrace interdisciplinary learning, and appreciate the broad impact that molecular biosciences can have — from crops in the field to patients in the clinic.

  Dr. Yaxin Wang is an innovative molecular biologist with over five years of industry experience spanning molecular farming and clinical diagnostics. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of California, Davis, where her research focused on root parasitic plants and biocontrol methods. At Alpine Bio, Yaxin advanced from scientist to team lead, contributing to multiple patents in plant-based protein expression systems and developing high-throughput genetic screening platforms. Currently, she serves as a senior scientist specializing in next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay development for cell-free DNA detection, driving innovations in precision and personalized diagnostics. Her unique career trajectory demonstrates the versatility of molecular biology expertise across diverse applications, from agricultural biotechnology to clinical diagnostics.

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  TIME Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  LOCATION LR4, Technological Institute    map it

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  CONTACT Will Chaussee    william.chaussee@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

• Feb

  26

  ChBE Seminar Series - Michelle Calabrese, Guest Seminar – February 26th @9:45am in Tech L361

  McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

  9:30 AM L361, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILS

  Dear ChBE Department and affiliates,

  Please join us Thursday, February 26th at 9:45am in Tech L361 for a guest seminar by Michelle Calabrese.

  Michelle Calabrese will present a seminar titled, "TBD".

  Bagels and coffee will be provided at 9:30am, and the seminar will start at 9:45am. Please plan to arrive on time to grab a bagel and mingle!

  *Please note that there will be no Zoom option for seminars this year.

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  TIME Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

  LOCATION L361, Technological Institute    map it

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  CONTACT Jennifer Young    jennifer.young@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

• Mar

  5

  ChBE Seminar Series - Nitash Balsara, Guest Seminar – March 5th @9:45am in Tech L361

  McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

  9:30 AM L361, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILS

  Dear ChBE Department and affiliates,

  Please join us Thursday, March 5th at 9:45am in Tech L361 for a guest seminar by Nitash Balsara.

  Nitash Balsara will present a seminar titled, "Movement of Polymer Molecules under Electric Fields and Relevance to Rechargeable Batteries".

  Bagels and coffee will be provided at 9:30am, and the seminar will start at 9:45am. Please plan to arrive on time to grab a bagel and mingle!

  *Please note that there will be no Zoom option for seminars this year.

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  TIME Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

  LOCATION L361, Technological Institute    map it

  ADD TO CALENDAR

  CONTACT Jennifer Young    jennifer.young@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

• Mar

  12

  ChBE Seminar Series - Daniel de Castro Assumpcao and Elizabeth Johnson, Student Seminars – March 12th @9:45am in Tech L361

  McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

  9:30 AM L361, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILS

  Dear ChBE Department and affiliates,

  Please join us Thursday, March 12th at 9:45am in Tech L361 for student seminars by Daniel de Castro Assumpcao and Elizabeth Johnson.

  Daniel de Castro Assumpcao will present a seminar titled, "Reaching the Liver, and the Liver only: A Targeted Nanodelivery Strategy".

  Elizabeth Johnson will present a seminar titled, "Microcompartment signal sequences work cooperatively to mediate enzymatic core formation and encapsulated pathway function".

  Bagels and coffee will be provided at 9:30am, and the seminar will start at 9:45am. Please plan to arrive on time to grab a bagel and mingle!

  *Please note that there will be no Zoom option for seminars this year.

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  TIME Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

  LOCATION L361, Technological Institute    map it

  ADD TO CALENDAR

  CONTACT Jennifer Young    jennifer.young@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)