Stevens Chemical Biology Ph.D. Students Drive Innovation in Cancer and Drug Research
Past and current doctoral students praise Chemistry and Chemical Biology department for its hands-on training, excellent faculty and real-world focus
At Stevens Institute of Technology, a new generation of scientists is shaping the future of medicine through groundbreaking research in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Ph.D. students Kylee Zgeib, Shabnam Samimi and Het Vyas are each tackling critical challenges in cancer biology and drug discovery, supported by a program that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on experience and a tight-knit academic community.
Kylee Zgeib: A Passion for Cancer Research and Teaching
Kylee Zgeib, who graduated in May 2025 with a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology, focused her research on colon cancer under the mentorship of assistant professor Ansu Perekatt. Zgeib, who also earned her master’s degree at Stevens and holds a bachelor’s in biomedical science from the University of New Hampshire, was drawn to the university for its location and the strength of its academic programs.
"I expected a hard process requiring lots of hard work," Zgeib said. "Stevens met my expectations with that. But it exceeded them with the support I received within the CCB department."
Zgeib’s experience in the lab reinforced her passion for research, while her time as a teaching assistant sparked an interest in education. Though she plans to focus on her family in the short term, she is open to pursuing a career in college-level teaching in the future.
She credits the department’s supportive environment — particularly the efforts of administrator Mary Newell — for helping her succeed. “It’s a tight-knit community that strives to support each student,” she said.
Shabnam Samimi: Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Shabnam Samimi, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate originally from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, is conducting research that could improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Under the guidance of professor and department chair Woo Lee, Samimi is investigating how endothelial cells (specialized flat cells that line the interior surface of all blood cells and serve multiple, critical functions) protect multiple myeloma cells from natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity or the ability of a substance or process to damage or kill cells. Her work aims to enhance NK cell-based therapies by exploring the tumor microenvironment’s immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Samimi’s decision to attend Stevens was influenced by its location in New Jersey’s pharmaceutical corridor and its proximity to New York City. “The program has exceeded my expectations by equipping me with advanced laboratory skills, critical thinking abilities and professional connections,” she said.
Her practical experience includes a clinical oncology internship at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and a research assistantship at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Center for Discovery and Innovation. She also served as a teaching assistant in undergraduate chemistry labs.
Samimi plans to become a research scientist in oncology and immunotherapy and says Stevens has been instrumental in preparing her for that path.
"The flexibility to pursue research aligned with my interests, combined with strong mentorship and a supportive environment for international students, has made this an ideal setting for academic and personal growth," she said.
Het Vyas: Designing the Next Generation of Therapeutics
Het Vyas, a Ph.D. candidate in chemical biology, is exploring the use of organoboron compounds in therapeutic drug design. His research, conducted in Associate Professor Abhishek Sharma’s lab, focuses on developing boron-based molecular frameworks to target complex biomolecular interfaces and modulate disease-relevant pathways.
Vyas holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from L.J. Institute of Pharmacy and a master’s in medicinal chemistry from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Ahmedabad, India. He was drawn to Stevens for its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and its proximity to major biotech and pharmaceutical hubs.
"Stevens has not only met but surpassed my expectations," Vyas said. "The collaborative academic community and access to cutting-edge instrumentation have been invaluable."
In addition to his research, Vyas has mentored undergraduate students and participated in interdisciplinary projects, experiences that have helped shape his leadership and communication skills. He plans to pursue a postdoctoral position and ultimately aims for a career in academia, though he is also open to gaining industry experience.
A Shared Commitment to Scientific Discovery
Though their research interests vary, Zgeib, Samimi and Vyas share a common appreciation for the program’s rigorous training, supportive faculty and emphasis on real-world applications. Whether in the lab, the classroom or industry internships, these students are gaining the skills and experience needed to become leaders in their fields.
"The faculty are supportive, the research is innovative, and the academic environment is designed to produce well-rounded scientists," Vyas said.
As they continue their journeys in science and medicine, these Stevens Ph.D. students exemplify the university’s mission to foster innovation, collaboration and impact in the world of chemical biology.