News & EventsDepartment Events
Events
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May28
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessSyntax in Epigenetic Programming for Stem Cell DIfferentaition and Therapeutics
Our genomes encode the re-use of elements (i.e. signaling pathways, transcription factors, etc) in multiple distinct contexts to achieve remarkably organized processes during embryogenesis. In this presentation, we will discuss 1) how the sequential order of activities can be essential for those activities’ ability to carry out genetic instructions, 2) the development of a synthetic biology system for programming step-wise stimulation of multiple activites in stem cells, and 3) building a company that uses synthetic biology to program human stem cell differentiation.
Brad Merrill, PhD is currently a professor within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at University of Illinois (UIC). Brad received his PhD from University of California, San Diego and Postdoc at the University of Chicago, and Rockefeller University. After training in yeast genetics and mouse developmental biology, he started his research lab at UIC in 2004. Over the last two decades, Brad has been fortunate enough to have curious and dedicated trainees pursue research into a variety of shared research interests, including the molecular biology of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, roles of Tcf/Lef factors in animals and stem cells, and the dynamic process of gastrulation. Recently, his group began to use the interesting biology of CRISPR systems for engineering synthetic biological tools, including the platform technology for the local biotech start-up, Syntax Bio.
TIME Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
LOCATION LR4, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Will Chaussee [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)
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May29
EVENT DETAILS
lessMore details to come.
TIME Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
LOCATION LR5, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Olivia Wise [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)
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Jun4
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessPolymer, Platform, Partner: Lessons from Two Biotech Startups
Sean Kevlahan’s entrepreneurial journey began with the cofounding of Quad Technologies, a startup focused on cell separation and activation technologies to enable scalable cell
therapy manufacturing. As CEO, Sean guided Quad from concept to commercialization, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Bio-Techne. At Bio-Techne, he transitioned into a leadership role where he launched and scaled the Cell and Gene Therapy business unit, spearheading strategic initiatives that expanded the company’s footprint in advanced therapeutics. Driven by a continued passion for genetic medicine and delivery innovation,
Sean went on to co-found Nanite—a next-generation non-viral gene delivery company. At Nanite, Sean is now leading the development of programmable polymer nanoparticles designed to unlock targeted, durable expression of therapeutic proteins and peptides via DNA delivery. His journey reflects a deep commitment to building platform technologies at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and medicine, with the goal of transforming how genetic medicines are delivered and developed.Sean Kevlahan is the CEO and co-founder of Nanite, a biotechnology company pioneering the design of programmable polymer nanoparticles for non-viral gene delivery. He holds a
B.S. in Biochemistry from Hofstra University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University. Throughout his career, Sean has worked at the intersection of materials science and genetic medicine. Prior to founding Nanite, he cofounded Quad Technologies, which was acquired by Bio-Techne. Following the acquisition, Sean went on to nucleate Bio-Techne’s Cell and Gene Therapy business unit, where he led all strategic initiatives in the CGT space.TIME Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
LOCATION LR4, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Will Chaussee [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)
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Jun5
EVENT DETAILS
lessMore details to come.
TIME Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
LOCATION LR5, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Olivia Wise [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick-Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE)
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Jun15
TIME Sunday, June 15, 2025
CONTACT Office of the Registrar [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Jun16
EVENT DETAILS
lessMcCormick School of Engineering PhD Hooding and Master's Degree Recognition Ceremony. The most up to date information can be found on our graduation webpage.
TIME Monday, June 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
LOCATION 2705 Ashland Ave
CONTACT Northwestern Engineering Events [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Jun16
EVENT DETAILSmore info
lessMcCormick School of Engineering Undergraduate Convocation. The most up to date information can be found on our graduation webpage.
TIME Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
LOCATION 2705 Ashland Ave
CONTACT Northwestern Engineering Events [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Jun23
EVENT DETAILS
lessSummer classes begin
TIME Monday, June 23, 2025
CONTACT Office of the Registrar [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Sep16
EVENT DETAILS
lessFall 2025 Classes Begin
TIME Tuesday, September 16, 2025
CONTACT Office of the Registrar [email protected] EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar