MIT Senior Katie Spivakovsky Wins Prestigious Churchill Scholarship for Biological Sciences Research

MIT senior Katie Spivakovsky has been selected as a 2026-27 Churchill Scholar, earning her a place in the prestigious graduate program at Cambridge University's Wellcome Sanger Institute. The Churchill Scholarship, established in 1963 to honor former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's vision for U.S.-U.K. scientific exchange, annually awards 16 American students the opportunity to pursue fully funded graduate degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering at Churchill College within Cambridge University.

Spivakovsky, who is double-majoring in biological engineering and artificial intelligence with minors in mathematics and biology, will undertake an MPhil in biological sciences this fall. Her selection places her among an elite group of scholars who have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, joining MIT's distinguished list of Churchill recipients that includes Mishael Quraishi (2025), three scholars with MIT ties in 2022, and Mehtaab Sawhney (2020).

Groundbreaking Research in DNA Origami and Cancer Therapeutics

At MIT's Bathe BioNanoLab, Spivakovsky has been investigating therapeutic applications of DNA origami and DNA-scaffolded nanoparticles for gene and mRNA delivery. Her work has already resulted in a manuscript co-authored for publication in Science, one of the world's most prestigious scientific journals. DNA origami, a technique that involves folding DNA into precise nanoscale structures, represents a cutting-edge approach to drug delivery and molecular engineering.

Beyond her work in the Bathe BioNanoLab, Spivakovsky has demonstrated remarkable initiative in addressing complex medical challenges. She leads a team developing immune therapy for cancer cachexia, a devastating wasting syndrome that affects many cancer patients. This project, supported by MIT's BioMakerSpace, earned a silver medal at the international synthetic biology competition iGEM and was published in the MIT Undergraduate Research Journal. The work exemplifies how computational approaches can be integrated with biological engineering to tackle pressing healthcare challenges.

Industry Experience and Technical Expertise

Spivakovsky's research experience extends beyond academia into industry settings. She worked on Merck's Modeling & Informatics team, where she characterized a cancer-associated protein mutation, gaining valuable experience in pharmaceutical research and development. Additionally, she improved cryogenic electron microscopy particle detection models at the New York Structural Biology Center, contributing to advancements in structural biology techniques that are crucial for understanding protein structures and developing targeted therapies.

Her diverse research portfolio demonstrates a unique ability to bridge computational methods with biological applications. This interdisciplinary approach is increasingly vital in modern bioengineering, where artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming how researchers design experiments, analyze data, and develop therapeutic interventions.

Leadership and Commitment to Education

Beyond her research accomplishments, Spivakovsky serves as director of the Undergraduate Initiative in the MIT Biotech Group, where she helps guide and mentor fellow students interested in biotechnology careers. Her commitment to education is evident in her extensive teaching and mentoring activities across multiple MIT departments.

She has served as a lecturer and co-director for class 6.S095 (Probability Problem Solving), a teaching assistant for classes 20.309 (Bioinstrumentation) and 20.A06 (Hands-on Making in Biological Engineering), a lab assistant for 6.300 (Signal Processing), and as an associate advisor. This dedication to teaching reflects her understanding that scientific progress depends not only on individual research achievements but also on cultivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Vision for Equitable Health Outcomes

Spivakovsky's academic and career goals center on integrating computation and bioengineering to develop robust, scalable solutions that promote equitable health outcomes. This vision addresses one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare: ensuring that technological advances in medicine benefit all populations, not just those with access to cutting-edge treatments.

Her work in DNA origami and nanoparticle delivery systems has particular relevance for developing more accessible and cost-effective therapeutic approaches. By leveraging computational methods to optimize biological engineering solutions, she aims to create technologies that can be deployed more widely and efficiently across different healthcare settings.

Recognition from MIT Leadership

Kim Benard, associate dean of distinguished fellowships, praised Spivakovsky's selection, stating: "Katie is a brilliant researcher who has a keen intellectual curiosity that will make her a leader in biological engineering in the future. We are proud that she will be representing MIT at Cambridge University."

This recognition underscores the significance of Spivakovsky's achievements within the context of MIT's rigorous academic environment, where exceptional students are the norm rather than the exception. Her selection as a Churchill Scholar places her among the university's most accomplished students across all disciplines.

The Churchill Scholarship Program

Since its establishment in 1963, the Churchill Scholarship has become one of the most prestigious awards available to American students pursuing graduate studies in STEM fields. The program not only provides financial support but also creates a network of exceptional scholars who continue to influence scientific and technological advancement globally.

In addition to the main scholarship program, since 2017, two Kanders Churchill Scholarships have been awarded annually for studies in science policy, reflecting the program's recognition that scientific advancement must be accompanied by thoughtful policy frameworks to achieve its full potential impact on society.

Future Impact and Research Trajectory

Spivakovsky's Churchill Scholarship represents more than individual achievement; it signals the emergence of a researcher poised to make significant contributions to the intersection of artificial intelligence, biological engineering, and healthcare equity. Her work at the Wellcome Sanger Institute will likely build upon her MIT research while exposing her to new methodologies and collaborative opportunities at one of the world's leading genomic research centers.

The integration of AI with biological engineering represents one of the most promising frontiers in modern science. As computational power continues to grow and biological understanding deepens, researchers like Spivakovsky who can navigate both domains will be essential in translating scientific discoveries into practical medical solutions.

Her focus on equitable health outcomes also positions her work at the forefront of a critical conversation in biotechnology: how to ensure that advances in personalized medicine, gene therapy, and other cutting-edge approaches benefit diverse populations rather than exacerbating existing healthcare disparities.

As Spivakovsky prepares to begin her studies at Cambridge this fall, her Churchill Scholarship serves as both recognition of past achievements and an investment in future contributions that could reshape how we approach complex medical challenges through the integration of computation and biological engineering.