For Troy graduate Ty Naquin, biomedical science and cell research is a passion. Naquin is turning this passion into an opportunity as he takes his next steps at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Slapout, Alabama, native graduated from Troy University in 2020 with a degree in physics. He continued his studies at Duke University, where he graduated with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and material science.
“"I am thrilled to start at MIT where I will work on an exciting project to improve the biomanufacturing of protein and cell therapies to significantly improve patient outcomes,” Naquin said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds in both the pharmaceutical industry and academia.”
At Duke, Naquin was awarded the prestigious NSF graduate fellowship, a government-funded award that paid for his Ph.D. for three years. Though academics was important to him, Naquin also stayed involved during his time at Duke.
He was a walk-on for the wrestling team and played ultimate frisbee. Naquin had such a love for frisbee that now, he even plays semi-professionally.
After his time at Duke, Naquin was offered two post-doctoral fellowships - one from MIT and one from Harvard. After considering which lab was more appealing to him, Naquin chose MIT.
“I wanted to do something far more applied, and I wanted my work to have a more immediate impact,” Naquin said.
As a post-doctoral candidate, Naquin will work as an independent scholar under an experienced professor and engage in a specific research project. At MIT, that project involves measuring the physical characteristics of cells, such as density. Naquin explained this can be used to manufacture future therapies for hospitals.
Naquin began his work at MIT on Sept. 3 of this year. His goal is to one day create a start-up company from his research.
“If we can create this model to predict the types of products cells produce and then control the products it produces, that would be very impactful for biomanufacturing,” If the start-up falls through he said he can see himself coming back to the south to teach as a professor.
With the new Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, Naquin said he can even see himself coming back to Troy.
Though Naquin’s story is far from over, his accomplishments speak volumes. Not only do they reflect a positive image on Troy’s physics program, but they serve as inspiration for others who may be interested in pursuing further education.
“Somebody from Prattville or Dothan is not thinking, ‘I can go to Troy and end up at MIT as a top researcher,’ but it’s been done before, and it will be done again,” said Dr. Govind Menon, Interim Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Troy professor Rakshak Adhikari was one of Naquin’s classmates at Troy. The two graduated the same year, and still keep in touch to this day.
“I think it's important for students to realize what they can achieve through consistent, focused effort,” Adhikari said. “Ty's is one of many great success stories we have of hard-working physics students.”
Naquin attributes some of his success to his former professors. He said without their support, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
“I was really close with all my professors,” he said. “I still come back and see them every now and then.
“They were a big part of my motivation to go to graduate school and helped me a lot with the application process. I’m very glad I did it.”
Comments