Rachel Diane Field

Senior Associate

2024 - Current

Associate

2023 - 2023

Associate

2022 - 2023

The Engine, built by MIT, is a venture firm that invests in early-stage companies solving the world’s biggest problems through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. Our mission is to accelerate the path to market for Tough Tech companies by providing access to a unique combination of investment, infrastructure, and community.

Co-Founder

2022 - 2023

Head Of Research And Development, Co-Founder

2022 - 2022

Sensory Cloud pioneers discoveries at the frontier of respiratory biology and olfaction. Our first product is FEND, a natural saline mist that hydrates and cleanses the airways of airborne particles. Named a TIME Best Invention of 2020 and Fast Company World Changing Idea 2021, FEND helps you breathe better.

Technology Lead

2017 - 2022

• Directing intellectual property management for platform technology to reduce respiratory droplet exhalation and corresponding virus transmission • Demonstrating technology effectiveness during human studies and related research efforts • Prototyped early-stage POC for first product (FEND), a mister delivery device

PhD, Molecular and Microscale Bioengineering Laboratory

2016 - 2021

• Advisor: Samuel K. Sia • Dissertation: Ultrasound-Responsive Microcapsules for Localized Drug-Delivery Applications • Primary research focus: I developed ultrasound-responsive drug-loaded microcapsules, for integration in a closed-loop system for wound healing. The complete system is composed of implanted sensors and drug-loaded actuators, linked by an ML-based control algorithm. • Irving Institute TL1 Fellowship (2019-2021) -- 'Implantable Device for the Capture of Early-Stage Cancer Cells', co-mentored by Dr. Azra Raza and Dr. Samuel Sia • National Science Foundation Semi-Finalist • Over 5 years, have supervised 8 undergraduate and masters students

Teaching Assistant

2018 - 2019

• Solid Biomechanics (Spring 2018) • Biomedical Design I-II (Fall 2018 - Spring 2019): Project-based design course for graduate students, highlighting: need identification, concept generation, concept selection, implementation, and introduction to entrepreneurship • Global Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Fall 2019): Collaborated with teaching faculty for piloting this new, interdisciplinary course

Technology Transfer Fellow

2019 - 2020

• Assessed Columbia University research projects and relevant recent academic literature, to determine patentability and potential marketability/need • Served as a team project manager for Columbia Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRx) • Prepared marketing material for relevant technologies

VP Research, Co-Founder

2013 - 2017

• Developed a successful start-up focused on digitally-controlled scent for diagnostic and smart home applications • Designed the hardware prototypes and oversaw hardware design through to off-shore, scaled production • Oversaw develop of software user experience to enable scented eBooks, films, audio tracks, and messages • Co-inventor on nine U.S. Provisional Patents, for utility and for design, related to olfactory communication • Received International press, including: Wired, CBS, Fast Company, Le Monde, the New York Times

Co-Founder

2013 - 2017

Engineering Research Fellow

2012 - 2013

• Designed and constructed a ‘digital olfaction device’ for diagnostic applications with neurodegenerative patients • Harvard University President’s Challenge Finalist and Grant Recipient (2012)

Idea Translation Fellow

2012 - 2012

Developed a startup idea about linking the olfactive experience with smartphone technology, which evolved into a research project for the Wyss Institute.

Peer Advising Fellow

2009 - 2012

Intern, Shanghai Office

2011 - 2011