Skip to content
Science — Business — Chemistry — Health — Leadership — Materials — Teaching — Fitness-and-exercise — Environment

Transitioning Lab Discoveries to Clinical Practice and Beyond

Experienced immunologist and virologist, Matthew Dolan, a graduate of MIT, has held prominent roles in the U.S. and overseas.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Immunology and virology expert, Matthew Dolan, a graduate of MIT, has held prominent positions in...
Immunology and virology expert, Matthew Dolan, a graduate of MIT, has held prominent positions in the U.S. and internationally.

Transitioning Lab Discoveries to Clinical Practice and Beyond

A Different Perspective

Medical school wasn't all orthopedic surgery for Matthew Dolan '81. While he briefly flirted with the materials science aspects, he soon realized he wasn't cut out for it. "I can't parallel park," he laughs, "but that's not a deal-breaker." He believes in focusing on what you're good at and what excites you.

With a career tackling issues from bench to bedside, Dolan has become a leading figure in immunology and virology. From battling foodborne diseases and Ebola to addressing biological weapons and COVID-19, his work has taken him far and wide. He's even been a guest on NPR's "Science Friday."

"This job is fun and fascinating," he says, "and I aim to convey that excitement. It's contagious and can inspire others."

Cambridge Companions

Dolan holds MIT dear, still keeping in touch with many friends from his days in Cambridge. He credits his time at MIT for preparing him for the challenges he'd face later in his career. As a Course 7 major, he gained a diverse educational foundation, including organic chemistry that aided him in understanding toxicology and the study of pathogens like Legionella, which can spread through water systems.

One such challenge came when he worked in the Amazon Basin in Peru during a public health crisis of rising childhood mortality due to malaria. Dolan discovered that human agriculture had altered the Amazon's tributaries, leading to stagnant water that allowed a mosquito species to thrive.

Serving with a Purpose

For Dolan, finding meaning in difficult times comes from the words of Alsatian polymath and Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer: "The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve."

During the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when there was no effective treatment, Dolan worked tirelessly, only to see patients succumb to the disease. "You can't give up," he says, "There are other battles to fight, and worrying about yourself is selfish."

Lasting Legacy

Dolan cherishes the people he's worked with, regardless of where they come from. He's worked in Russia after the Berlin Wall fell, focusing on HIV/AIDS in Moscow and tuberculosis in the Russian Far East. Although relations between Russia and the U.S. are tense, he remains hopeful about the future.

Dolan's greatest impact, he believes, has been through teaching. "The knowledge I've passed on continues to ripple forward," he says. During his tenure, he developed laboratory biosafety and biosecurity programs with the U.S. departments of State and Defense and taught them around the world.

"Preventionwork lets you care for processes before they become problems that affect people," he explains. "I've had the privilege of working with some truly remarkable individuals."

  1. Matthew Dolan, a leading figure in immunology and virology, expresses a keen interest in teaching, believing that conveying excitement about science can inspire others.
  2. In his undergraduate days at MIT, Dolan majored in Course 7, which provided him with a diverse educational foundation, helping him understand topics such as organic chemistry and its application in toxicology.
  3. During a public health crisis in the Amazon Basin, Dolan found that human agriculture had altered the environment, leading to stagnant water that facilitated the growth of mosquito species contributing to rising malaria cases.
  4. Dolan's career has taken him to various parts of the world, tackling issues ranging from foodborne diseases to Ebola and even addressing biological weapons and COVID-19.
  5. Guest lectures on NPR's "Science Friday" are among the highlights of Dolan's career, providing him with a platform to share his insights and enthusiasm for science.
  6. Despite challenges in his career, such as the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic when there was no effective treatment, Dolan remains resilient, drawing inspiration from the words of Albert Schweitzer, "The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve."
  7. Dolan's work has included serving in Russia after the Berlin Wall fell, focusing on HIV/AIDS in Moscow and tuberculosis in the Russian Far East.
  8. In terms of legacy, Dolan values the people he's worked with, regardless of their background, and believes his greatest impact has been through teaching, with the knowledge he's imparted continuing to ripple forward.
  9. At various points in his career, Dolan has developed laboratory biosafety and biosecurity programs with the U.S. departments of State and Defense, sharing his expertise around the world.
  10. Prevention work, according to Dolan, allows one to care for processes before they become problems that affect people.
  11. The MIT education Dolan received prepared him for the challenges he faced later in his career, providing him with a broad understanding of various science disciplines, including chemistry.
  12. In addition to his work in immunology and virology, Dolan has also shown interest in other areas, such as health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and even finance, reflecting his holistic approach to career and personal development.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest