November Keystone Symposia Fellow's Spotlight on Dr. Novalia Pishesha

Our November Fellow’s Spotlight showcases Dr. Novalia Pishesha, an assistant professor of pediatrics with appointments across Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital and the Broad Institute. With accolades that have placed her on the prestigious Boston Globe’s STAT+ Wunderkinds list, and the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 for the Asia Pacific region, she is gaining widespread attention for her innovative research engineering precision immunotherapies against autoimmune diseases.

Originating from East Java Indonesia, Dr. Pishesha came to the United States for college, attending City College of San Francisco and then transferring to the University of California, Berkeley where she completed her degree in Bioengineering. From there, she continued East to MIT to complete her PhD in Biological Engineering, conducting research under Dr. Harvey Lodish at the Whitehead Institute and Dr. Hidde Ploegh at Boston Children’s Hospital to bioengineer red blood cells as therapeutics. Working to develop cellular therapies for autoimmune disease, hyperlipidemia and biodefense applications, this research laid the groundwork for her later innovations in immunomodulatory bioengineering.

Following her PhD, she was elected a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows, where she expanded her training under Drs. Aviv Regev of the Broad Institute and Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia at the Koch Institute. This interdisciplinary environment catalyzed her shift toward nanobody-based therapeutics and translational immunology— work that spurred her to co-found two biotech startup companies: Cerberus Therapeutics and Orthrus Therapeutics.

Dr. Pishesha clearly embodies the spirit of innovation— integrated diverse expertise and technological prowess with a flair for creativity to design transformative therapeutics and chart a new path for the future of immunotherapy. Her promise and influence are increasingly acknowledged across scientific, engineering, and medical communities, as evidenced by recent distinctions such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Career Transition Award, Breakthrough T1D Career Development Award, Lupus Research Alliance Innovative Award, Charles H. Hood Foundation Child Health Grant, and the Rheumatology Research Foundation Innovative Award, among several others. Read more about her innovation and impact in this feature from Boston Children's Hospital and The Wall Street Journal.

At the same time, she does not lose track of her roots coming from humble beginnings:

My experiences (both bitter and sweet) as a woman in science, a first-generation college student, an immigrant, and an international scholar from a developing country have taught me the importance of fostering intercultural understanding and channeling it into both learning and meaningful mentoring.

Learn more about Dr. Pishesha's research, career aspirations and motivations below in the Q&A.

Novalia Pishesha, PhD

Principal Investigator, Division of Immunology | Boston Children’s Hospital
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics | Harvard Medical School
Associate Member | Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Briefly describe your research, why it is important, and what motivates you to pursue this area?

My research focuses on reprogramming how the immune system recognizes and responds to antigens. We use nanobody-based molecular tools to direct antigens and immune signals to specific antigen-presenting cells (APCs), allowing us to either quiet unwanted immune reactions or enhance protective ones. We also develop imaging and perturbation tools to quantify APC-T cell interactions and visualize these immune dynamics in real time.

Our goal is to design precise, antigen-specific immunotherapies for autoimmune, allergic, and infectious diseases. By linking nanobodies to drugs or antigens, we deliver immune cues exactly where and when they are needed, achieving durable immune tolerance while minimizing systemic side effects.

This work tackles a central challenge in immunology: how to induce lasting immune tolerance without suppressing the whole immune system. I’m driven by the belief that engineering the immune system with precision can create safer, more accessible treatments for patients everywhere.

What pivotal moment sticks with you from your experience as a Keystone Symposia Fellow, and how has it impacted you?

One moment that stands out is my first in-person SAB meeting. Walking into the room, surrounded by thought leaders from academia, industry, and government, I realized this was a space where I could actively contribute to shaping scientific dialogue. I met leaders from fields and institutions far beyond my own and gained perspectives I would never have encountered otherwise. Similarly, my cohort came from diverse scientific backgrounds and institutions, and the shared experience was truly empowering and cohesive.

That moment reshaped how I view my role in science, reinforcing that mentorship, collaboration, and community are not extras but essential parts of being a leader in research.

What prompted you to apply for the Fellows Program and how do you expect it to help shape your career?

I applied to the Keystone Symposia Fellows Program because I wanted structured mentorship and a broader perspective on how to build an inclusive and impactful scientific career. As a new investigator, I was eager to learn how to navigate leadership, networking, and community engagement beyond the lab bench. I expect that the lessons and relationships formed through the Fellows Program will continue to shape how I lead my lab, foster collaborations, and contribute to the global immunology community.

What are your thoughts on the importance of mentorship? How has your Keystone mentor influenced you and your career? How do you act as a mentor for your community?

As a woman, first-generation student, and immigrant from Indonesia, I never imagined I would one day lead my own laboratory. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who believed in me and nudged me forward, even when I couldn’t yet see the destination. Their guidance not only shaped my science but also the kind of mentor I strive to be.

My Keystone Fellows mentor, Dr. Richard Ransohoff, has been a grounding and inspiring presence. I deeply value our monthly meetings (sometimes even walks around Boston) where his thoughtful guidance helps me navigate the challenges of being a new PI. He reminds me to keep my eyes on the bigger vision, to stay patient through setbacks, and to view each challenge as an opportunity to grow.

To me, mentorship is not about producing replicas of oneself but about helping others find their own scientific voice. I carry this forward by creating a supportive and inclusive environment in my lab that values curiosity, independence, and collaboration. Beyond my lab, I am particularly passionate about building networks that connect Southeast Asian scientists to global research opportunities.

How has being a Keystone Symposia Fellow helped shape your career?

Being a Keystone Symposia Fellow has been a transformative experience in my career. I learned how Keystone Symposia is structured and had the unique opportunity to meet the advisory board and contribute ideas from the Fellows’ perspective. The program broadened my view of leadership in science. This truly extends beyond technical excellence to include mentorship, communication, and community building. Through the Fellows network, I’ve gained mentors and peers who have offered invaluable advice on navigating early faculty challenges, from managing a lab to shaping a sustainable research vision.

Most importantly, the fellowship helped me see myself not just as a researcher, but as part of a global scientific community working collectively to advance discovery and inclusion in science.

https://www.pisheshalab.com/

Learn more about:

Keystone Symposia Fellows Program

Keystone Symposia Health Equity Initiatives