Lauren Irwin, PhD

Dr. Lauren Irwin is a synthetic organic chemist at Block Biosciences, where she contributes to the design, synthesis, and data-driven development of novel small-molecule therapeutics focusing on lung-to-brain cancer metastasis. At Block Biosciences, Lauren integrates her synthetic expertise with medicinal chemistry strategy to drive analogue design, in-house synthesis efforts, and managing compound data to accelerate early drug discovery. She earned her PhD in Organic Chemistry from Western University, where her research centered on the total synthesis of complex alkaloid natural products.

Building upon her academic foundation, Lauren transitioned into industry with experience spanning process chemistry, environmental reference standard synthesis, and fluorinated compound development. Before joining Block Biosciences, she served as a medicinal chemist in the Magolan Lab, supporting preclinical medchem programs targeting various neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases.