BRITTON CHANCE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE (CBE): “Next-generation Cancer Therapeutics Guided by Structural, Mechanistic, and Biophysical Properties” (Jennifer Cochran, Stanford University)

Bio & Abstract:

Jennifer Cochran is the Macovski Professor of Bioengineering and Senior Associate Vice Provost for Research at Stanford University. Prof. Cochran was recruited in 2005 as one of the founding faculty members in Stanford’s Bioengineering department and served as its Chair from 2017-2022. She is also a member of the chemical engineering, immunology, biophysics, and cancer biology graduate groups. Her research and translational interests focus on protein-based drug discovery for applications in oncology, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Prof. Cochran’s work also encompasses designer protein inputs and biochemical circuits for engineered cell therapies, new tools for high throughput protein engineering and analysis, and molecular engineering for climate and sustainability solutions. Leveraging her entrepreneurial experience, she enjoys mentoring others on technology transfer and life science company formation and is the faculty Director of Protein Therapeutics at Stanford’s Innovative Medicine Accelerator. Dr. Cochran’s seminar will discuss protein engineering approaches for targeted cancer treatment, guided by macromolecular analysis and biophysical design criteria. Examples include structural and mechanistic elucidation of protein-based immunotherapeutics, engineered ligand and receptor inhibitors, and tumor-targeted immunostimulants and chemotherapeutics. The Britton Chance lecture has special meaning as she considers Penn part of her educational roots, having spent time in the Stellar Chance Laboratory building as a postdoctoral fellow.