Doctoral Candidate Selected as IFER Graduate Fellow

March 17, 2025

By Katya Hrichak

Yansong (Harry) Peng, a biomedical engineering doctoral candidate, was selected as a recipient of a 2024-25 International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER) Graduate Fellowship for Alternatives to the Use of Animals in Science to pursue biomedical research using bioengineered microsystems rather than animal test subjects.

Using “organ-on-a-chip” technology and a tissue engineering approach, Peng studies how tumors block lymphatic vessels, or drainage pathways, to further the development of predictive, patient-specific cancer models that can improve both drug screening and treatment outcomes.

“The bioengineered tumor models can reduce reliance on animal testing while providing insights into cancer-immune interactions,” he said. “This work supports the development of more effective cancer immunotherapies and helps bridge the gap between preclinical studies and clinical trials, ultimately advancing personalized and precision medicine.”

IFER annually awards fellowships to early career scientists who prioritize the development of alternatives to animal models and testing protocols.

“Receiving the IFER Fellowship Grant is an incredible honor, as it underscores the importance of developing ethical, non-animal-based research methods,” said Peng.

“It allows exploration of new therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature and immune cell trafficking, accelerating progress in personalized medicine.”

Receiving the fellowship will additionally provide Peng with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations and the potential to influence policies on animal testing alternatives through increased visibility for ethical biomedical research.