Dr. Avani Agrawal gynaecologist

Dr. Avani Agrawal is a pioneering researcher spearheading advances in nanotechnology for biomedical applications. After graduating at the top of her chemical engineering class at IIT Bombay, she pursued a PhD in Bioengineering at Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley. Under the mentorship of world-renowned biotechnology experts, Dr. Agrawal began developing innovative nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery and biosensing.

During her PhD research, Dr. Agrawal invented a first-of-its-kind nanoparticle coated with tumor targeting agents and RNA molecules. By delivering toxic doses of RNA specifically to cancer cells, these nanoparticles showed remarkable ability to silence overexpressed cancer genes while sparing healthy cells. This breakthrough work demonstrated immense potential of RNA interference for safer, more precise cancer treatment.With a talent for translating scientific discoveries into solutions for pressing healthcare problems,

Dr. Agrawal joined the faculty at MIT after completing her PhD. She built a cross-disciplinary biomedical nanotechnology lab focused on commercializing academia’s promising innovations. Her lab designed novel nanoparticles that can cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver genetic therapies totreat previously incurable brain disorders. She also co-founded a startup using nano-biosensors to enable rapid, accurate sepsis diagnosis.

Named one of “35 Innovators Under 35” by MIT Technology Review, Dr Agrawal is regarded as a rising star in biotechnology. She sits on scientific advisory boards of major pharmaceutical companies guiding cutting-edge R&D initiatives. In addition to her stance as an inventor on over 15 patents, Dr. Agrawal is also a skilled scientific communicator. She authors insightful reviews on technology-driven medical breakthroughs in leading journals and routinely speaks at international conferences on healthcare innovation.

At just 36 years old with over 50 high-impact publications, Dr. Agrawal’s research at the dynamic intersection of nanomedicine and genetics is already transforming disease treatment and detection. Her multifaceted contributions as an inventor, entrepreneur and advocate demonstrate immense dedication to progressing healthcare through the power of small science.