Raised in small-town Texas, Ethan's diverse scientific interests were finally focused on chemistry and cell biology thanks to a truly great high school science teacher. After moving to Los Angeles for graduate school, Ethan's research focused on investigating several novel nanoparticle-based immunotherapies for brain cancer. Through this work, he gained a deep appreciation and a passion for the science that occurs at the interface of immunology, chemistry, and materials science. While in the Esser-Kahn lab, Ethan has focused primarily on quantitative immunology, developing a first-of-its-kind method to quantify the activation threshold of the TLR2/6 pathway. Outside of lab, he enjoys exercising, learning new languages, and volunteering at his local church.
Fun fact: winter is actually Ethan's favorite season. Even after several Chicago winters, he still finds snow exciting. Of course, this exuberant fascination with snow is probably a consequence of his snow-free southern upbringing (and a reflection of how rarely he has to shovel snow). We’ll see how much longer it lasts…
PhD
Biological Sciences, Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences (2017)
Advisor: Jacob Berlin
Dissertation: “Applications of Nanoparticles in Cancer Immunotherapy”
BS
Chemistry, Baylor University (2011)
Quote
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit”—Will Durant
Scientific Hero
Michael Faraday
Quantitative Immunology, TLR2/6 Activation Threshold