The late Irving O. Shoichet was a remarkable man who loved science.
A successful entrepreneur, first in the oil and gas industry and then as an executive for his founding company Skycharter, Mr. Shoichet believed in building a community of ideas based on intelligent debate and discussion. He had a profound impact not only on his family, but friends, colleagues and others around him. The Irving O. Shoichet Lecture Series for the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry was established through a gift from Mrs. Dorothy Shoichet as a way to celebrate the accomplishments of her late husband and recognize his commitment to intellectual exchange and dynamic discourse.
The series provides an important forum for distinguished researchers from across North America and around the world to showcase cutting-edge scientific research that addresses critical issues facing our world today. Situated within the Department’s renowned Lectures at the Leading Edge series, the Irving O. Shoichet Distinguished Lecture brings together innovative thinkers and scientists to stimulate discussion and generate ideas. The inaugural lecture of 2010 featured MIT’s Professor Robert Langer, a world expert on biomedical engineering, and continues in 2011 with lecturer Professor Rakesh Jain of Harvard University.
Internationally recognized for his seminal research in tumor biology, Professor Jain promotes the normalization of blood vessels in the tumor as a way to more effectively deliver cancer drugs. He is the Cook Professor of Tumor Biology at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Steele Laboratory in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital. His seminar, entitled “Delivery of molecular and nano-medicine in tumors” will illuminate the role of chemical engineering in understanding blood vessel function and cancer growth. The lecture will be delivered on Wednesday October 19 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in room 116 of the Wallberg Building (200 College Street).
In concert with the lectureship, the Shoichet family has generously established an Irving O. Shoichet Graduate Scholarship. This important Scholarship is awarded to graduate students within the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry whose research and studies are focused on the areas of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The Scholarship enables students to reach their full potential and personifies Mr. Shoichet’s passion for the individual’s pursuit of higher education.
“My dad had a big heart and a love for learning,” says daughter, Professor Molly Shoichet of the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Science. “He was a perfectionist with a photographic memory. He and my mother encouraged us to pursue our dreams and strive for excellence in everything we do.”
In celebration of the importance of dreams, excellence and intellectual rigour, the Irving O. Shoichet Distinguished Lecture exposes the community to innovative thinkers.
