Kevin McHugh

Kevin McHugh is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Rice University and a CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research. He leads the McHugh Lab, which focuses on developing biomaterial microdevices for drug delivery, cancer immunotherapy, and tissue engineering using advanced fabrication techniques like multi-photon 3D printing. His work bridges materials science, immunology, and global health, with a particular emphasis on single-injection vaccines and controlled-release systems.

Education

• Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Boston University (2014)
• M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Boston University (2012)
• B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University (2009)

Research Interests

McHugh’s lab explores three core areas:

1. Drug Delivery: Designing systems for targeted drug release to improve vaccine efficacy and chronic disease management.
2. Cancer Immunotherapy: Developing localized immunostimulatory therapies to enhance anti-tumor responses.
3. Tissue Engineering: Creating bioinstructive scaffolds for functional tissue regeneration.

Recent projects include a $2M CPRIT grant for cancer immunotherapy and Gates Foundation funding to develop combination vaccines for the developing world.

Grants & Awards

• CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research
• NIH R21 Award (2024)
• NIH R25 Award (2024)
• Gates Foundation Grant (2024)

Lab & Collaborations

The McHugh Lab collaborates on translational research, with a focus on clinical feasibility. Notable achievements include microneedle-based vaccination record systems and heat-stable vaccine microparticles. The lab actively trains students in bioengineering, materials science, and immunology.