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  • 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)

  • Jun
    4

    BTP Seminar Series: Sean Kevlahan, Nanite

    McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

    12:00 PM LR4, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Wednesday, June 4, 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)

  • Jun
    5

    ChBE Seminar Series: TBA

    McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

    9:30 AM LR5, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

    LOCATION LR5, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Olivia Wise    olivia.wise@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)

  • Jun
    15

    2024-2025 Commencement Ceremony

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Sunday, June 15, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Jun
    16

    Northwestern Engineering PhD Hooding and Master's Degree Recognition Ceremony

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    9:00 AM 2705 Ashland Ave

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, June 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    LOCATION 2705 Ashland Ave   

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    CONTACT Northwestern Engineering Events    northwestern-engineering-events@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Jun
    16

    Northwestern Engineering Undergraduate Convocation

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    2:00 PM 2705 Ashland Ave

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    LOCATION 2705 Ashland Ave   

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    CONTACT Northwestern Engineering Events    northwestern-engineering-events@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Jun
    23

    Summer classes begin

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, June 23, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Sep
    16

    Fall 2025 Classes Begin

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar