Graduate student Helen Eisenach has been awarded a 2024 Curci PhD Fellowship! The Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation supports researchers working toward a healthy and sustainable future for all. 

A member of both the Baker and King Labs here at the University of Washington, Helen’s research focuses on creating proteins that can assemble into large, complex structures, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with de novo protein design.

Working with the King Lab, Helen is leveraging deep learning tools to accelerate vaccine design. “It’s not that we couldn’t do it before, but we can do it faster now,” she explained.

Helen is also developing new methods for delivering therapeutic proteins and other molecules into cells to more precisely treat disease. Inspired by natural systems like viruses, she aims to create custom delivery vehicles that overcome current limitations in the field.

“We’ve reached a critical mass of people here who’ve carved up drug delivery into subproblems, needs, and required tests. Each is a project of several years,” she said. “When it comes to big scientific problems like this, no one person can solve it all on their own — but I can leave a dent.”

Nominated by her department chair, Helen views her Curci fellowship as more than just funding. “Individual fellowships are both an affirmation of the science and the person behind the science. It’s not just an investment in an idea; it’s an investment in a person and pushes them forward,” she explained. “It feels great to have someone other than your PI saying, ‘We have your back.’”

When she started graduate school, Helen initially planned to return to industry. However, her time at the Institute for Protein Design has rekindled her interest in academia. “It can be challenging and stressful at times, but seeing people work together on research because they find it interesting, and not necessarily because the project is market-ready, has been inspiring.”

Helen’s long-term goal now is to lead her own research group, where she can continue to pioneer research on significant medical challenges.

The Curci Foundation funds graduate students each year but does not accept applications or unsolicited nominations. Learn more at curcifoundation.org.