Meet our Early Career Scientist Grant Winner Chanpreet Kaur
It’s time to meet another of our Early Career Scientist Grant winners! Chanpreet Kaur of Loyola University Chicago, USA, is the next life science researcher to receive our monthly $500 career support grant!
Chanpreet works in Dr Kelly Langert’s lab and will use the grant to help fund her attendance at the International Society for Neurochemistry Meeting in New York on 19th-22nd August 2025.
When we asked Chanpreet how she felt about receiving the award, she told us:
I am grateful to receive the Early Career Scientist Grant from Hello Bio. This support enables me to share my findings with the broader scientific community through conference presentations. It’s wonderful to have this encouragement at an early stage in my career. Chanpreet Kaur, Loyola University Chicago, USA, Hello Bio Early Career Scientist Grant winner
Congratulations Chanpreet! First, can you tell us a bit more about your research work?
Research in the Langert Lab incorporates topics in pharmacology, neuroscience, and bioengineering as we work towards the goal of advancing treatment options for inflammatory diseases of the CNS and PNS. Broadly, we are interested in targeted drug delivery- the idea that we can avoid side effects and toxicity by administering therapeutic compounds only to the affected sites. Strategies that we are exploring for targeted delivery include loading drugs into biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles, tuning the size and composition of the nanoparticles to facilitate controlled release, and modifying the nanoparticle surface to allow for adhesion and uptake.
-Ongoing Projects:
1. Optimization of a biomimetic delivery system– focuses on coating of polymeric nanoparticles with cell membranes for targeted delivery to inflamed endothelium.
2. Repurposing of statins – focuses on targeted delivery of cholesterol-lowering statins as a novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic.
3. Role of the blood-nerve barrier in disease– focuses on targeted delivery in two demyelinating diseases that affect the PNS, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
What excites you most about your field of research?
What excites me most about my field is how research can directly impact medicine and improve lives. Translational research in neurodegeneration and neuropathy is especially important for addressing unmet medical needs. Beyond that, the process of answering unknown questions, generating new knowledge, and uncovering even more questions to explore is a privilege that makes this work incredibly fulfilling.
Which scientists working today do you most admire, and why?
I deeply admire Dr Gonzalo Torres, our department chair. Apart from his impressive scientific accomplishments, I truly respect his people management skills. He has a remarkable ability to foster collaboration and build a strong sense of community within the department. His leadership goes beyond research excellence—he creates an environment where everyone feels supported and valued, which is essential for the growth and success of both individuals and the entire team.
What do you think are the biggest challenges currently facing life scientists and their work?
One of the biggest challenges life scientists face is securing reliable funding, as important discoveries often take years of work. Additionally, translating research into real-world medical treatments is also difficult due to the time, resources, and collaboration required.
And finally… what’s your favourite science quote?
"Theory is when you know everything, but nothing works. Practice is when everything works, but no one knows why. Research is sometimes both theory and practice, where nothing works and nobody knows why."
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Thank you so much Chanpreet! We hope you have a fantastic time at the International Society for Neurochemistry Meeting next year!
Connect with Chanpreet:
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LinkedIn: Chanpreet Kaur
Are YOU a life science PhD or postdoc researcher? Why not apply for our next monthly grant!
Application is quick and easy, just fill out the form here: https://hellobio.com/early-career-scientist-grant-application
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