Giovanni Traverso

Prof. Giovanni Traverso is an Associate Professor in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering and a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He leads the Laboratory for Translational Engineering (L4TE), focusing on biomedical innovations like ingestible drug delivery systems and implantable robotics. His work bridges engineering, medicine, and biology to address challenges in drug adherence, gastrointestinal therapeutics, and early cancer detection.

• Education: B.A. (Trinity College, Cambridge), Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins), M.B./B.Chir. (Cambridge)
• Postdoctoral training: Robert Langer's lab at MIT (biomedical engineering)

Research interests include biocompatible smart materials, gastrointestinal sensing, and translational medical devices. Notable innovations include a reusable face mask, kirigami stents, and ingestible capsules for macromolecule delivery.

Recent articles highlight advancements in microneedle injectors, electroadhesive hydrogels, and closed-loop drug delivery systems. Awards include Fellowships from the National Academy of Inventors and Controlled Release Society.

Teaching includes Medical Device Design (2.750) and Translational Engineering (2.S988). His clinical work at BWH and Harvard Medical School complements his academic roles.