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 Immorna Biotherapeutics, working on novel RNA therapies for immuno-oncology applications. My research background spans applications in tissue engineering and biologics manufacturing, with my focus on gene and cell therapy development. I enjoy vector construction, nanoparticle and viral delivery optimization, and designing new cell culture and animal models for drug screening. I continue my goal of advancing early pipelines on vector and therapeutic discovery and process development, particularly in disease repair, immune regulation, and oncology.

Previously, I completed my PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2023 from the Segura Lab at Duke University. 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 from the Kelly lab at Villanova University, and my BS in Chemical Engineering in 2017. My undergraduate research in the Elmer lab focused on enhancing gene therapy though DNA methylation inhibition and developing protocols to compare different drugs to enhance delivery and expression. My graduate thesis 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.

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). 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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