Ryan Margolis

OVERVIEW

Ryan Margolis, a 4th-year Ph.D. student in Sirsi Lab, is working on a cutting-edge project involving a three-dimensional focused ultrasound system to improve drug delivery. His research has significant implications for treating various diseases, including cancer. Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy targeted tissues. Ryan’s project involves using FUS to temporarily disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enhance drug delivery to the brain. BBB is a natural barrier that prevents many drugs from reaching the brain, making treatment of neurological diseases challenging. The Convergence Grant allowed Ryan to explore the therapeutic effects of his FUS system in greater detail. Specifically, he will perform experiments aimed at characterizing the immune response following ultrasound therapy, providing valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of this innovative approach. Ryan’s interest in FUS began during his master’s program at Drexel, where he took an ultrasound class that demonstrated the impact of FUS on Parkinson’s disease patients. This experience inspired him to pursue research in this area and make a meaningful contribution to the field.

Ryan’s research on using FUS to improve drug delivery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological diseases and cancer. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to seeing the results of his research.