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Caroline Werlang
5th Year Ph.D. Candidate in Biological Engineering
Professional Background
Caroline Werlang is an esteemed Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she has cultivated a deep expertise in microbiology, glycobiology, synthetic biology, and protein engineering. As a Siebel Scholar and an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Caroline is actively contributing to groundbreaking research aimed at employing unique molecules in mucus as antivirulence therapeutics. This innovative approach seeks to combat infections while skillfully navigating the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. Her passion for the intersection of science and human health is evident in her work, which not only impacts the realm of infectious disease but also promises to enhance sustainability through a nuanced understanding of bacterial interactions in varied environments.
Prior to her tenure at MIT, Caroline's academic journey began at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Her intellectual curiosity propelled her to Switzerland as a Fulbright Fellow at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), further broadening her research horizons in the field of bioengineering. This diverse educational pathway has equipped Caroline with a solid foundation and a rich tapestry of experiences that fuel her current research interests in promoting human health through engineering solutions.
Education and Achievements
Caroline’s academic credentials reflect her dedication and pursuit of excellence. She is on the cusp of completing her Doctorate in Biological Engineering at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an institution renowned for its contributions to innovation and science. Additionally, her time as a Fulbright Fellow underscores her commitment to international collaboration and knowledge exchange, as she studied bioengineering at EPFL, one of Europe's leading technical universities.
Her undergraduate studies at Caltech not only provided her with a strong technical background in chemical engineering but also laid the groundwork for her research acumen, which she further developed during her time as an undergraduate research assistant at both Caltech and Rice University. Caroline’s experiences range from hands-on laboratory work to theory-based learning, which have molded her into a multifaceted scientist.
Teaching and Mentorship Experience
An advocate for communication and mentorship, Caroline has amassed over four years of experience in teaching and guiding aspiring scientists inside and outside of the laboratory. Her role as a Teaching Assistant for eight different courses at MIT is particularly noteworthy, as it has earned her department awards for teaching excellence, demonstrating her commitment to fostering learning and understanding among students. Caroline’s focus extends beyond academics; she is also trained in conflict management through the MIT REFS (Research and Education for the Future of Science) program, showcasing her belief in the importance of effective interpersonal communication.
Her role as a Teaching Ambassador at the MIT Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) further underscores her commitment to enhancing scientific education and professional development. Here, she has likely contributed to initiatives aimed at improving teaching strategies and fostering an inclusive learning environment across disciplines. Caroline’s well-rounded experience in teaching, mentoring, and conflict resolution builds her profile as a valuable leader in the scientific community.
Notable Achievements
Caroline Werlang's impressive academic and professional journey has been marked by several notable achievements. As a Siebel Scholar and NSF Graduate Research Fellow, she has gained recognition for her research contributions and potential in the field of biological engineering. Her innovative work on leveraging mucus molecules for therapeutic applications uniquely positions her at the forefront of research tackling antibiotic resistance, one of today’s most pressing health crises.
Furthermore, her interdisciplinary background, including extensive research experience and a solid foundation in chemical engineering, allows her to approach complex scientific challenges with a multifaceted perspective. Her proficiency in teaching and mentoring not only demonstrates her academic excellence but also her ability to inspire future generations of scientists. As a conflict management coach, Caroline has developed essential skills that complement her technical expertise, ensuring she can contribute to a collaborative and productive research environment.
Caroline's journey is not just about her own accomplishments but also about the impact she aims to have on public health and sustainability. By understanding bacterial interactions and health at the molecular level, she aspires to contribute to solutions that enhance our health systems and environment, proving that scientific inquiry is paramount for societal progress. As she looks toward her future post-Ph.D., Caroline’s combination of technical prowess, educational dedication, and innovative research will undoubtedly make her a leader in her field.
Achievements
- Ph.D. Candidate at MIT
- NSF Graduate Research Fellow
- Siebel Scholar
- Teaching Assistant for 8 courses at MIT
- Fulbright Fellow at EPFL
- Teaching Ambassador at MIT Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab
- Conflict Management Coach (MIT REFS)
- Department awards for teaching excellence
Location
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