Irene A. Chen, M.D., Ph.D.

Chen’s research explores the biomolecular design and evolution of life-like biochemical systems — particularly synthetic cells and bacteriophages — to better understand the principles of molecular function and develop new therapeutic tools. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with translational applications, aiming to harness these systems to address challenges in biotechnology and infectious disease.

Chen studies how simple biological components, such as catalytic RNA, behave when encapsulated in synthetic cells, revealing complex behaviors that shed light on the origins of life and the dynamics of molecular evolution.

By combining in vitro evolution with high-throughput sequencing, Chen’s work has led to several significant advancements in mapping molecular fitness landscapes, providing insights into how biochemical activity changes across different molecular sequences. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of how molecules evolve and adapt, and informs the design of optimized therapeutic agents.

Additionally, Chen investigates bacteriophages — the most abundant biological entities on Earth — for their natural role in bacterial infections and their potential as drug delivery vehicles. She is exploring strategies to harness phage-based nanomaterials and phage delivery agents to target bacterial pathogens, while addressing key challenges around safety and control.