Chikdu Shivalila
About Chikdu Shivalila
Chikdu Shivalila serves as the Senior Director of Biology at Wave Life Sciences, where he focuses on RNA editing and genetic engineering. He holds a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has extensive experience in RNA-based therapeutics and genetic engineering methods.
Current Role at Wave Life Sciences
Chikdu Shivalila serves as the Senior Director of Biology at Wave Life Sciences, a position he has held since 2024. His role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he oversees various projects related to RNA-based therapeutics. Prior to this, he was the Principal Scientist at the same organization from 2021 to 2023, contributing to the development of innovative genetic engineering techniques.
Education and Expertise
Chikdu Shivalila earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied from 2011 to 2015. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, which he completed between 2007 and 2009. His educational background is complemented by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University in 2016, focusing on advanced topics in biology.
Previous Experience at Wyss Institute
Before joining Wave Life Sciences, Chikdu Shivalila worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering in 2016. His tenure lasted for 11 months, during which he contributed to research initiatives that align with his expertise in genetic engineering and RNA-based applications.
Research Focus and Specializations
Chikdu Shivalila specializes in RNA editing and genetic engineering, particularly in the context of RNA-based therapeutics. He has expertise in CRISPR and Talan-based methods, which are pivotal in the field of genetic modification. His research interests also encompass stem cell biology, genetics, epigenetics, and synthetic biology.