Student Spotlight: Harry Peng
March 17, 2025
Harry Peng is a doctoral candidate in biomedical engineering from Guangzhou, China. He earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering and M.S. in biomedical engineering from New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering and now studies how tumors block lymphatic vessels under the guidance of Esak Lee at Cornell.
What is your area of research and why is it important?
Think of a city with heavy traffic and blocked roads—emergency vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks, cannot get to where they are needed in time. In solid tumors, something similar happens: Immune cells, which act like first responders, struggle to reach inside of the tumor because of high pressure and clogged drainage systems. My research focuses on “clearing the roads” by studying how tumors block tiny drainage pathways called lymphatic vessels. By restoring proper drainage, we can reduce pressure inside tumors and allow immune cells to move in more freely, helping cancer treatments work more effectively and improving patient outcomes.
What are the larger implications of this research?
My research uses organ-on-a-chip technology and tissue engineering approach, advancing the development of more predictive, patient-specific cancer models that can improve drug screening and treatment outcomes. The bioengineered tumor models can reduce reliance on animal testing while providing insights into cancer-immune interactions. 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.
What does it mean to you to have received a grant from the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER)?
Receiving the IFER fellowship grant is an incredible honor, as it underscores the importance of developing ethical, non-animal-based research methods. The grant supports my commitment to advancing biomedical technologies that align with the 3Rs principle (replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal testing). It also connects me with a network of researchers dedicated to ethical scientific innovation, reinforcing the broader movement toward more humane and human-relevant research methodologies.
What will receiving this grant mean for your research?
The IFER grant provides essential funding to further develop my vascularized solid tumor models, enabling refinement of the system’s ability to mimic the complexities of human tumors. It allows exploration of new therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature and immune cell trafficking, accelerating progress in personalized medicine. Additionally, the grant facilitates interdisciplinary collaborations and increases visibility for ethical biomedical research, potentially influencing regulatory policies on animal testing alternatives.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
Beyond my academic pursuits, I am deeply passionate about tennis, skiing, and exploring art installations and galleries. Engaging in tennis and skiing not only keeps me physically active but also sharpens my strategic thinking and resilience. Visiting art installations and galleries enriches my creativity and offers diverse perspectives, which I find inspiring both personally and professionally.
Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?
I chose Cornell for its strong interdisciplinary research environment, cutting-edge facilities, and commitment to translational biomedical engineering. The collaborative nature of the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering allows me to work at the intersection of mechanobiology, vascular biology, cancer, and immunoengineering. Moreover, Cornell’s emphasis on ethical research and animal care aligns with my goal of advancing non-animal-based experimental models, making it the ideal place to pursue my Ph.D.