Unlocking Tomorrow: Dr. Nina Tandon on the Cutting-Edge of Science – Insights from Our Research Blog

A long time ago—well, January 23 at the Rubenstein Arts Center—biomedical engineer Nina Tandon captivated us with her work at EpiBone. She shared how they grow personalized bones and cartilage from stem cells, a process that feels almost magical.

Before diving into her groundbreaking work, Tandon shared stories from her childhood that inspired her scientific journey. Her grandmother, Dadi Ma, wanted to study math but was discouraged due to the era she lived in. Tandon honored her grandmother’s dreams by pursuing a STEM education. She also recalled late-night visits to the research library with her mother, where they explored topics like memory and perception together. Meeting Dr. Maria Musarella was pivotal, as Dr. Musarella introduced Tandon to a team at MIT working on a potential cure for her brother’s retinitis pigmentosa—igniting a spark within her that would eventually lead to her own innovations.

Tandon’s journey began with electrical engineering. She worked at a Bell Labs spin-off but soon felt isolated in her new suburban life post-9/11. However, during this time, she connected the dots between genes and data. She realized that our bodies are remarkable, sophisticated systems. “The axon conduction in a nerve is similar to the equations governing the transatlantic cable,” she noted. This insight deepened her passion for science and engineering.

Years later, Tandon applied to the MIT team Dr. Musarella had mentioned. It was a full circle; she was finally living out her childhood dream. Yet, she learned a vital lesson: it’s crucial to prioritize people over content in her work. Tandon’s willingness to discuss her mistakes and failures was refreshing. She emphasized that these moments often teach us the most. For students like me, it was comforting to hear a successful scientist acknowledge that failure is part of the journey to success.

Her career accelerated from there. Tandon joined Robert Langer’s lab at MIT, where she spent five years studying how to use electrical signals to guide stem cells into becoming tissue. She also gained experience in management consulting at McKinsey & Company, expanding her understanding of entrepreneurship while pursuing her EMBA and PhD concurrently.

In 2014, Tandon co-founded EpiBone in a lab transformed from a candy factory in Harlem. Using CT scans, the team creates a custom scaffold to grow bone and cartilage in just two to four weeks. They have successfully created jaw bones for six patients, integrating flawlessly within months. This technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine, moving away from merely managing pain to offering long-term solutions.

Despite its promise, Tandon faced challenges, particularly with funding and clinical trials in the U.S. Moving EpiBone to Abu Dhabi offered her a better environment and resources to advance her work. Here, she feels optimistic about the future of EpiBone and its capability to enhance patient care.

In closing, Tandon left us with her thoughts on gratitude. Even during tough times, she reminds herself of the miracle in everyday life, such as the simple act of her heart beating. Tandon demonstrates that success is not just about reaching the top but also about appreciating every step of the journey. Her insights and dedication inspire those around her, and we look forward to seeing how her work will continue to shape the future of medicine.

—Sarah Pusser, Class of 2028

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