MIT Student Wins Goldwater Scholarship for Groundbreaking Cancer Research

Alex Tang, a senior at MIT, has been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. The award supports undergraduates aiming to become leading scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Tang is currently dual-majoring in chemistry and biology while minoring in biomedical engineering. Tang's interest in medicine began early. As a child, he read Lisa Sanders' Diagnosis column in The New York Times Magazine, sparking his dream of becoming a physician. Now, he aims to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and real-world patient care.

For the past three-and-a-half years, Tang has researched the effects of combined immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapy on metastatic colorectal cancer. His goal is to develop personalised cancer treatments by understanding how tumours resist therapy. Beyond academics, he serves as editor-in-chief of MIT's student newspaper, *The Tech*, and competes as a triathlete, finishing third in his age group at the 2025 Boston Triathlon. Tang plans to attend medical school, where he will refine his clinical skills while continuing his scientific work. His long-term ambition is to become a physician-scientist, translating lab findings into better therapies for cancer patients.

The Goldwater Scholarship will help Tang advance his research and medical training. His work focuses on turning scientific insights into tailored cancer treatments. The award recognises his potential to contribute meaningfully to both science and medicine.