Tufts University student Cathy Hoang joined InnDura Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based at LabCentral in Cambridge that is developing in vivo engineered polytypic cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer, after the company connected with her through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s (MLSC) Internship Challenge in 2025. Through her exceptional technical skills, scientific curiosity, and collaborative leadership, Cathy was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Susan Windham-Bannister Life Sciences Intern Award, and following her internship, she was hired full-time by InnDura.
As a member of InnDura’s Research and Development team, Cathy quickly became an integral contributor to the company’s work, optimizing its proprietary EVE16™ platform for multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells within the bone marrow. She rapidly developed expertise in molecular cloning, lentiviral vector production, immune cell engineering, and complex functional assays, consistently delivering high-quality results while demonstrating independence and initiative comparable to the level of a professional with years of experience. Her analytical approach and ability to troubleshoot complex experimental challenges helped accelerate the team’s research efforts.
Cathy also distinguished herself through her leadership and collaborative mindset. Working within a small, fast-paced research team, she introduced new communication tools, helped coordinate experimental workflows, and identified opportunities to improve efficiency across multiple projects. Her willingness to share knowledge, support colleagues, and foster an inclusive team culture strengthened both InnDura’s productivity and its collaborative environment.
Cathy graduated from Tufts University in 2025 with a degree in Biochemistry and, following the success of her internship, accepted a full-time position as a Research Associate at InnDura Therapeutics. She now contributes to both in vitro and in vivo preclinical research while pursuing her long-term goal of earning a PhD and leading her own research laboratory. The MLSC is proud to be part of Cathy’s path to her career in the life sciences through the Internship Challenge.
The MLSC’s Internship Challenge connects students and recent graduates with paid internship opportunities at life sciences companies across the Commonwealth. The program enables meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare the next generation of talent to thrive in Massachusetts’ world-leading life sciences ecosystem. Applications are currently open for the 2026-27 program round. Click here to learn more.
