Justin Edaugal

Title of Program: Quantitative Biology with a Cancer Biology Concentration

E-mail Address: jedaugal@vols.utk.edu

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Year: Junior

Anticipated Graduation Date: 2023

Description of Program: One of the leading causes of death around the globe, cancer is a major health issue that is quickly growing. Researchers have been studying the field of Cancer Biology to understand the disease’s complex behaviors and physiological effects. However, in the last decade, newer interdisciplinary approaches to biology have become increasingly popular, integrating the use of mathematical models, computational work, and quantitative principles to not only understand cancer, but to predict its behavior and engineer therapeutics. Entitled “Quantitative Biology with a Cancer Biology Concentration”, my program investigates cancer from these newer approaches, focused on preparing me for the evolving field of cancer research and industry. Combining disciplines such as engineering, cancer biology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, as well as chemistry, this research-based program sets a solid foundation for cancer research and clinical application.

Departmental Emphases: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Primary Major), Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Chemistry.

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Tian Hong (BCMB) and Dr. Steven Abel (CBE)

Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): After graduation, I plan to pursue a joint MD-PhD program with a PhD in Cancer Biology. I plan to continue cancer research in my graduate years with the goal of leading a translational research laboratory and clinical trials as a physician-scientist.

Other Academic Interests: Psychology, Public Health, Visual Art

Research Experiences or Internships: Currently, I am a member of Dr. Tian Hong’s Computational Systems Biology Lab in the Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Department. Prior to my current position, I have assisted in a Biomedical Engineering Lab, researching the use of collaborative robotics for cognitive training and rehabilitation of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementias. Additionally, I have completed a Co-op term with Flint Group in Asheville, NC. There, I worked in Research and Development as a Chemical Engineering Co-op under the Department of Technology.

Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: Engineers in Medicine Society Executive Officer, American Institute of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter, TEDxUTK Speaker Committee. Outside of campus, I work part-time as a barista, enjoy making art, hiking, and going to local coffee shops!