Aiden McCarty '26: Harnessing Boston’s Academic and Medical Hub

Aiden McCarty ’26, a biology major, is taking full advantage of studying in a city at the center of scientific and medical innovation.

With access to top research institutions and dedicated faculty, he has expanded his academic experience beyond the classroom and into the lab. Supported by the Hakim and Rogers scholarships, he has pursued meaningful research and built connections with accomplished mentors in his field.

“Without these scholarships, I doubt I would have been able to complete my degree,” McCarty explained. “They’ve given me the freedom to seize opportunities that have profoundly shaped my personal and professional life.”

Research at Joslin Diabetes Center

Since joining Emmanuel, McCarty has immersed himself in academic and extracurricular pursuits that reflect his curiosity and commitment. A pivotal moment came in March 2024, when he began working under Dr. Natalie Karagodsky, Assistant Professor of Biology, whose research spans molecular biology and genetics. This role has taken him beyond the Emmanuel campus to the renowned Joslin Diabetes Center, where McCarty has conducted research alongside postdoctoral fellows and participated in high-level lab meetings.

“The work that I do for Dr. Karagodsky allows me the privilege to work in our collaborator's lab at Joslin Diabetes Center,” McCarty said. “My research uses C. elegans to study aging and its relation to lipid metabolism, the proteasome, and oxidative stress. More specifically, I investigate how transcription factor SKN-1 (and by extension its human ortholog NRF) impacts bodily processes.”

Over the summer of 2024, McCarty deepened his experience at Joslin, attending regular lab meetings with the Blackwell Lab and collaborating closely with postdoctoral researchers. His efforts culminated in an opportunity to attend the M.A.P.S.S. research conference at the University of Wisconsin—Madison, where he heard from leaders in the field, including Nobel Prize recipient Gary Ruvkun. “The chance to hear from top scientists and share a room with those making groundbreaking discoveries was unforgettable,” McCarty said.

Faculty Mentorship and Support

McCarty credits his mentors at Emmanuel and Joslin with inspiring his passion for science and research. Dr. Vincent Cannataro, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Lynn Atkinson, Lecturer of Biology, provided foundational support during his early years at Emmanuel, and Dr. Karagodsky’s mentorship has been instrumental in shaping his confidence and career aspirations. Additionally, Dr. Jorge Castillo-Quan of Joslin has helped McCarty navigate the complexities of lab work and scientific discovery.

Beyond research, McCarty has embraced many facets of campus life at Emmanuel. He is an active member of the Biology Club, participating in workshops such as a suture clinic led by U.S. Army medics. He also serves on the executive board of the Wentworth Institute of Technology sailing team, a role made possible through the Colleges of the Fenway club sports program. “Being able to mentor my peers and help them develop technical skills on the water has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time here,” McCarty said.

For McCarty, Emmanuel’s location in Boston has been a game-changer. The city’s dense network of academic, medical, and research institutions has provided him with unparalleled opportunities to connect with professionals at various stages of their careers.

“One of the benefits of being in Boston is the countless academics, healthcare workers, and students we can effortlessly connect with,” he said. “I’ve had the chance to work with professionals in different fields, which has been incredibly inspiring.”

As he looks to the future, McCarty is exploring a range of career paths in the medical field. “The varied curriculum at Emmanuel has prepared me for so many potential healthcare careers,” he said. “I’ll spend the rest of my junior year and senior year shadowing professionals in different fields to determine my next steps.”

For now, McCarty remains focused on making the most of his time at Emmanuel and in Boston, a city that continues to fuel his ambitions and expand his horizons.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far,” he said. “And I’m excited to see where they’ll take me next.”