Evan Kurt - Research, Work, and Projects

Welcome to my website, where you can learn more about me and the projects in which I am involved.

I am currently a research scientist with BD (Becton-Dickinson) in RTP, working on new materials and chemical modifications to support dermal wound repair and enhance BD's medical device portfolio. My research background spans applications across tissue engineering, oncology, and biologics manufacturing, with my focus on gene and cell therapy development and biomaterials. I continue my goal of advancing pipelines on therapeutic discovery and product development, particularly for disease treatments and tissue repair.

Previously, I was scientist at Immorna Biotherapeutics (2023-2025), where I led formulations of novel RNA therapies for immune-oncology applications. I served as the primary PI for all animal screening models and developed new assays for cell culture screening. Before that, I had completed my PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Segura Lab at Duke University (2018-2023). My PhD thesis focused on viral and non-viral gene therapies and biomaterial design for regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing applications. I developed a novel granular porous hydrogel platform for localized DNA and RNA nanoparticle and virus delivery in murine subcutaneous, dermal, and stroke models. I also was able to intern with local biotech as part of my NIH T32 training grant, where I explored new methods for nonviral CAR T cell therapy generation.

Prior to my PhD, I completed my MS in Biochemical Engineering in 2018 at Villanova University, and my BS in Chemical Engineering in 2017. My graduate thesis in the Kelly lab (2017-2018) focused on developing a novel method of in-line T-cell capture and analysis using 3D printed technology, after culturing in a single-use cellbag (WAVE™) bioreactor, with the goal of targeted capture and differentiation for non-viral modification into CAR T cells using a CRISPR system. My undergraduate research in the Elmer lab (2015-2017) focused on enhancing gene therapy though DNA methylation inhibition and developing protocols to compare different drugs to enhance delivery and expression.

Apart from my research, I also work in audio/visual event productions, both currently at Duke and previously at Villanova. You may see me at the back of Duke Chapel for many services and concerts, and on the sidelines of the men's and women's basketball games running the house system. I have been active in service and outreach work as well. I have mentored research associates and undergraduate and high school students over the years, with many advancing or pursuing careers in engineering and medicine. I previously was active in Duke's chapter of "Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics" (oSTEM), and currently am active in BD's OPEN group to support LGBT in the field. I served as the co-president of the Villanova chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) and traveled several times to Panama to work on rural water resources and infrastructure. From both hobby interests and past team projects, I also work on electrical and computer engineering projects, from circuit design for microcontroller architecture and programming, to computer hardware and repairs, to additive manufacturing.

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