From the lab bench at URI to the cutting-edge of cancer research at MIT, Kevin Bian\u2019s journey is fueled by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making science matter. As a postdoctoral researcher and CEO of Daybreak Pharmaceuticals, the company he co-founded to advance RNA-based therapies, Kevin is working to develop new treatments that overcome drug resistance in cancer. In this Q&A, he reflects on the long hours, unexpected breakthroughs, and tight-knit URI community that shaped his path\u2014from his first publication at URI to leading research that could change patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n What keeps me motivated is a deep sense of curiosity and the drive to uncover how complex At MIT, my research focuses on developing new therapeutic strategies to overcome drug Alongside my research, I serve as the CEO of Daybreak Pharmaceuticals, the company I co- My time at URI laid the foundation for everything I do now. I joined Dr. Deyu Li\u2019s lab without Beyond the science itself, URI gave me the space and support to grow into an independent Be open to exploration, especially early in your journey. You may start with one goal in mind, It is also important to talk to people on different paths. Understanding how others have shaped The acceptance of my first publication was a defining moment\u2014and honestly, even more URI roots, MIT breakthroughs, and a CEO leading the charge against cancer\u2014Kevin Bian\u2019s journey shows where curiosity and resilience can take you From the lab bench at URI to the cutting-edge of cancer research at MIT, Kevin Bian\u2019s journey is fueled by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making science matter. As a postdoctoral researcher […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":639,"featured_media":55230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[35,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/639"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55222"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55228,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55222\/revisions\/55228"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/pharmacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}More than anything, URI helped\nme realize that I was capable of doing more than I originally imagined, and that realization\nchanged the course of my career.<\/blockquote><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n
Q & A<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
1. How do you stay inspired or motivated in your career?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
systems work. In research, progress is rarely linear. There are long stretches of uncertainty, but
when an experiment aligns with a hypothesis or reveals something unexpected, it brings a clarity
and excitement that is hard to describe. Those moments remind me why I chose this path.
I am also motivated by the possibility of doing work that matters. The idea that a discovery in the
lab could eventually lead to something useful is a powerful force. It gives meaning to the long
hours and setbacks. Over time, I have come to see that the most important progress often
happens quietly and gradually, and staying committed to the process is what ultimately moves
the science forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Can you tell us about the work you are currently doing and what you enjoy most about it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
resistance in cancer. Many tumors survive chemotherapy by activating a damage tolerance
mechanism that allows them to bypass the effects of treatment and accumulate mutations,
eventually becoming resistant to therapy. We are developing a novel approach that combines
RNA and nanoparticle technologies to block this pathway, making cancer cells more sensitive to
existing drugs. This work is still in the early stages, but we have already seen encouraging results
in multiple cancer types, including ovarian, breast, and lung cancers. What I find most rewarding
is the opportunity to build something original from the ground up\u2014starting with a biological
question, designing tools to explore it, and steadily transforming that idea into something that
could ultimately help patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
founded to move this technology toward clinical application. This role has challenged me in new
ways. I am responsible not only for scientific direction but also for building a team, raising
funding, and setting a long-term strategy in an environment where every decision matters. What I
appreciate most about this experience is the clarity it brings\u2014translating science into action
requires focus, urgency, and the ability to communicate vision. As much as I value discovery, I
believe research should not end at publication. My goal is to create something that can reach
patients, and Daybreak is the vehicle to do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. How did your time at URI help prepare you for your career?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Beyond the science itself, URI gave me the space and support to grow into an independent\nresearcher.<\/blockquote><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n
any prior background in DNA damage research, but through his mentorship, I was introduced to
a field that would go on to define my scientific direction. We worked on several ambitious
projects, collaborated with institutions across the country, and published multiple papers
together. One of those collaborations connected me with MIT, where I continued my research
after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
researcher. The access to resources, the close-knit lab environment, and the ability to start
working hands-on from the beginning helped me develop both technically and intellectually. I
also had opportunities to present my work, lead experiments, and mentor younger students,
which prepared me for the responsibilities I would later take on. More than anything, URI helped
me realize that I was capable of doing more than I originally imagined, and that realization
changed the course of my career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. What is one piece of advice you would give to current students?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Growth often looks like\ndiscomfort in the moment. Give yourself space to push through it.<\/blockquote><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n
but as you gain experience, your interests can shift in ways that lead to something more fulfilling
than you expected. That was true for me. I began my PhD thinking it was simply a step toward a
better job, but the process challenged me, changed me, and revealed a deeper passion for
research than I had ever anticipated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
their careers can give you valuable insight and help you see what is possible. And finally, do not
be afraid to struggle. There were times early in my PhD when I thought I would not make it
through. The pressure, the workload, the uncertainty\u2014it was overwhelming. But I held on, and
over time, those experiences became the foundation of my confidence. Growth often looks like
discomfort in the moment. Give yourself space to push through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Do you have a favorite memory or defining moment from your time at URI?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
exciting than defending my dissertation. It was the first time I felt a true sense of belonging in
research. Seeing my work recognized gave me the confidence to fully commit to this path.
What stands out even more, though, is how our lab felt like a second family. We were a small,
dedicated team, but the atmosphere was always full of curiosity, support, and joy. Dr. Deyu Li
was a hands-on mentor, joining us regularly to talk through ideas and guide the science. We also
knew how to enjoy life beyond the lab\u2014playing music, hosting barbecues, and even sailing to
Block Island. That environment taught me that great science grows not just from hard work, but
from community and shared purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"