Steven J. Jonas, M.D., Ph.D. 

Steven J. Jonas, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician who treats children with cancer and blood disorders with stem cell transplants and gene therapies. As a scientist with a doctorate in engineering, he concentrates on the development of new nanotechnologies that facilitate safer and quicker delivery of therapeutic materials, such as genes and gene-editing materials, directly to patient cells. The ultimate goal of Jonas’ research is to create complementary tools that reduce costs and increase the efficiency of pre-existing treatments like cancer immunotherapies.

Nanotechnologies enable scientists to manipulate molecules and cells more effectively by using infinitesimally small materials and devices that are measured in units called nanometers.  One strand of hair averages between 80,000 and 100,000 nanometers wide. Jonas’ passion for nanotechnology stems from his doctoral studies in materials science and engineering in the lab of Bruce Dunn. With a unique background that spans pediatric medicine, materials science, bioengineering, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, Jonas bridges these diverse fields and hopes to develop technologies to advance the discovery and manufacturing of stem cell-based therapies.

Jonas recently led a team that developed a new device and methodology for the safer delivery of DNA into stem and immune cells. The technique uses high-frequency acoustic waves generated in microfluidic devices to make cell membranes temporarily porous, enabling therapeutics to enter the cell without causing any permanent cell damage. Currently, cell collection, processing and modification can take weeks or months to deliver genetic material into enough patient cells to produce a therapeutic dose. Jonas hopes this “acoustofluidic” technology, alongside complementary research projects he is pursuing, can shorten preparation time considerably and one day facilitate the same-day collection, genetic manipulation and reinfusion of patient stem cells for a wide range of gene therapy applications.

Jonas earned both his doctorate in materials science and engineering and medical degree at UCLA, where he completed his residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology.