Key Takeaways
- Personal experiences, like a family illness, can inspire careers in biomedical science.
- Academic strength and hands-on internships are essential for early-career success.
- Young chemists play a key role in optimizing biotech processes like RNA synthesis.
- Joining science societies and presenting research builds networks and career momentum.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of biomedical science, young professionals are increasingly stepping into roles once reserved for seasoned researchers. Among them is Oleksandra Bondarenko, an early-career chemist whose journey from Ukraine to the United States reflects not only personal resilience but also a deep commitment to scientific discovery. Her story sheds light on the motivations, educational milestones, and lab-based contributions that define a new generation of researchers working at the intersection of chemistry and healthcare.
Early Inspiration and Academic Foundation
Oleksandra, when did your interest in science begin?
I truly became passionate about the exact sciences while studying at an English school in Taunton, United Kingdom, after moving from Ukraine at the age of 15. When I enrolled in high school in London, I consciously chose to specialize in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. It was during this time that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to biomedicine, with the goal of contributing to improved healthcare systems and advancing global medicine.
My grandmother’s battle with leukemia added a deeply personal motivation. I wanted to understand what was happening in her body at the molecular level—and how we might change that through research and innovation.
To pursue this path, Oleksandra enrolled at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), where she recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
From the Classroom to the Lab: Education Meets Application
How has your education shaped your research experience?
MCPHS provided more than just a solid academic foundation—it also opened doors to real-world research. I actively participated in the university’s scientific community: writing research papers, attending seminars, and presenting at student conferences.
One key moment was presenting on the use of carbon nitride in artificial photosynthesis, which helped me develop skills in literature review, hypothesis generation, and critical analysis.
In lab settings, Oleksandra mastered complex synthetic chemistry techniques like Suzuki coupling (used to form carbon-carbon bonds) and Claisen-Schmidt aldol condensation (a method of forming ketones and aldehydes). She also became proficient in analytical techniques such as:
- NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), which provides structural data,
- TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography), used for monitoring reactions,
- UV spectroscopy, to analyze compound purity and behavior.
MCPHS also helped her land competitive internships at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she supported active cancer biology research, opportunities awarded to fewer than 5% of undergraduate applicants nationally.
Current Role: Research at MCPHS University in Professor Michelle Young’s Lab
What’s your current role at MCPHS?
At MCPHS University, I conduct focused research in Professor Michelle Young’s lab, dedicated to the design and synthesis of novel WP1066 analogues targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway for colorectal cancer therapy. My work addresses the critical need for more effective therapeutic options by developing targeted small molecules that mitigate tumor progression, overcome immune evasion, and combat chemoresistance. This research aims to enhance the precision and efficacy of current colorectal cancer treatments through innovative chemical methodologies.
Scientific Contributions and Research Impact
Even early in my career, I’ve had opportunities to contribute meaningfully to research:
Selected Research Contributions:
- RNA Synthesis Optimization (EnPlusOne): Developed buffer systems that increased enzymatic reaction efficiency and batch-to-batch reproducibility, key for therapeutic production.
- Data Workflow Innovation: Created structured templates for HPLC/MS data analysis, improving accuracy and speed in lab-wide experiments.
- Oncology Assays (Dana-Farber): Improved cellular assays used to study MYB protein degradation—a process with potential implications in treating certain leukemias.
MYB is a transcription factor often overexpressed in cancer cells. We’re studying ways to reduce MYB activity to suppress leukemia progression. While the mechanisms are still under review, our assays made early investigations more reliable.
She is also a member of several prestigious scientific societies:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Northeastern Section Younger Chemists Committee (NYSCC)
- Sigma Xi
- Women’s Enterprise in Science and Technology (WEST)
- Applied in 2025 to the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
These memberships provide access to global mentorship, publishing opportunities, and scientific conferences.
Publications and Ongoing Research
In 2024, MCPHS published a book titled Experiencing the World of Healthcare, where my chapter detailed my internship at Dana-Farber and contributions to oncology assay design.
I’m currently co-authoring a paper titled Targeting MYB for Degradation by Microtubule Destabilization in Leukemia, with researchers Rutter JC and Barrett K. It explores emerging hypotheses in MYB targeting for cancer therapy and is being submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal.
Vision for the Future
Why did you choose the U.S. for your scientific journey?
The U.S. is a global epicenter of biomedical research. Institutions like Dana-Farber and EnPlusOne are constantly redefining what’s possible in cancer therapy, and I wanted to be a part of that energy.
What’s next in your career?
I am committed to advancing scientific knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the scientific community through impactful research publications, conference presentations, and the development of innovative methodologies in biotechnology. My focus remains firmly on therapeutic RNA development and oncology drug pipelines, driven by rigorous research and collaborative scientific exploration, as I prepare my first-authored publication.
Graduate school is also on the horizon. I hope to pursue a PhD or master’s program to deepen both my technical and leadership abilities in biomedical innovation.
What drives you?
My grandmother’s illness planted the seed, but today I’m motivated by the impact science can have. Research isn’t abstract to me—it’s a tangible way to change lives. That possibility keeps me focused and driven.
Advice for Aspiring Scientists
Oleksandra shared a few tips for students hoping to follow a similar path:
Tips from Oleksandra:
- Apply for internships early and often—tailor your applications with intention.
- Get comfortable reading peer-reviewed journals like Nature or JACS.
- Attend student conferences to present even preliminary results.
- Join scientific societies—they open doors to mentorship and publication.
- Don’t wait to be “ready”—start doing science with what you know.
Conclusion
Oleksandra Bondarenko exemplifies a new generation of biomedical professionals: personally driven, technically skilled, and globally engaged. Her journey—from a high school student inspired by her grandmother’s illness to a contributor at top-tier cancer institutes—highlights how passion, preparation, and persistence can forge a path in modern science.
As she continues her work in RNA therapeutics and oncology, Bondarenko’s trajectory reminds us that impactful science begins with a personal story—but grows through collaboration, curiosity, and purpose.
