Matthew R. Lockett
The Power List 2018
Matthew R. Lockett
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Early inspiration
I have always been interested in applying chemical principles to quantify biological systems. Academia has afforded me the chance to work with creative and driven colleagues and students, who continually inspire me to work harder and learn more, as we tackle hard questions at the interface of chemistry and biology.
Research
We are developing a paper-based 3D culture platform, to determine how components of the microenvironment affect cellular behavior (for example, hormone sensitivity or drug resistance). To best quantify the extracellular environment and intracellular responses in these 3D spaces, we are developing new sensors and methods of bioanalysis.
Scientific heroes
I have been very fortunate to interact with a number of very supportive mentors and colleagues, each pushing the field of analytical sciences in new and exciting directions. I am forever indebted to my PhD advisor, Lloyd Smith, who has always encouraged me to pursue hard problems and dream big.
Advice
Love science, even when it does not love you back.
Nominator comment:“Matthew is doing fantastic work developing new tools to analyze cellular behavior in 3D cultures with defined micro environments and gradients.”
