MIT senior Katie Spivakowski has been selected as a 2026-27 Churchill Scholar and will pursue a master’s degree in biological sciences at the Wellcome Sanger Institute at the University of Cambridge, UK, this fall.
Spivakowski, a double major in biological engineering and artificial intelligence and minors in mathematics and biology, aims to integrate computational and bioengineering into an academic research career focused on developing robust and scalable solutions that promote equitable health outcomes.
At MIT’s Bathe BioNanoLab, Spivakowski is researching the therapeutic applications of DNA origami, DNA scaffold nanoparticles for gene and mRNA delivery, and co-authored a manuscript in print. science. She is leading the development of immunotherapies for cancer cachexia with a team supported by MIT’s BioMakerSpace. This research won a silver medal at the international synthetic biology competition iGEM. MIT Undergraduate Research Journal. Previously, he worked on Merck & Co.’s Modeling and Informatics team characterizing mutations in cancer-related proteins and at the New York Center for Structural Biology improving cryogenic electron microscopy particle detection models.
On campus, Spivakowski serves as director of undergraduate initiatives for the MIT Biotechnology Group. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring and serves as instructor and co-director for class 6.S095 (Stochastic Problem Solving), teaching assistant for classes 20.309 (Bioinstrumentation) and 20.A06 (Bioengineering Practice), laboratory assistant for 6.300 (Signal Processing), and associate advisor.
“Katie is an outstanding researcher with a keen intellectual curiosity and will be a future leader in bioengineering,” said Kim Benard, associate dean for distinguished fellowships. “We are proud that she will represent MIT at Cambridge.”
The Churchill Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship that offers 16 American students each year the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree in science, mathematics or engineering at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. Established in 1963, this scholarship honors former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s vision for scientific exchange between the United States and the United Kingdom. Since 2017, two Kanders Churchill Scholarships have also been awarded each year for research in science policy.
MIT students interested in learning more about the Churchill Scholarship should contact Kim Benard in MIT Career Advising and Professional Development.
