Leerang Yang

Hi, I’m Leerang! I am a machine learning scientist interested in the intersection of biology, engineering, and machine learning.

I was most recently AI Research Scientist II at 1910 Genetics, leading early efforts in designing a virtual cell model that would enable a rational design of complex gene and cell therapies, and creating a technical roadmap for property-aware generative antibody design model. Previously, I worked as a data scientist developing next-generation vaccines at Apriori Bio, where I developed deep learning and statistical models for prediction of viral evolution, epitope-paratope prediction, high-throughput library design, and protein sequence design. Prior to that, I was an AI fellow at Flagship Pioneering in summer of 2023, where I worked on venture creation ideas related to cutting-edge AI tools in biology such as single-cell transcriptomics foundation model.

I received my PhD from MIT in October 2023, advised by Prof. Arup Chakraborty. At MIT, I developed computational models of the immune system’s response to vaccination, with the goal of developing more effective vaccination strategies. One of my projects on a novel vaccination scheme, along with other related studies, have now led to a Phase 1 clinical trial of HIV vaccine. Prior to that, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Columbia University, where I worked on developing novel catalysts for key reactions in fuel cell technologies.

I am very interested in how AI is enabling us to engineer molecules, to understand and manipulate how they interact with biological systems, and to uncover novel targets. These advancements will not only accelerate the drug discovery process, but fundamentally change what is possible. I am trying to learn as much as I can, and I hope to be sharing some thoughts in my blog.

Outside of work, you might find me swimming at MIT’s Alumni Pool, walking around the neighborhood in Somerville, or hiking and camping the White Mountains!