O'Shaughnessy Ventures Supports Bioengineer in Mitochondrial Engineering Breakthrough
O'Shaughnessy Ventures Supports Bioengineer in Mitochondrial Engineering Breakthrough
On June 11, 2026, O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV), a venture firm dedicated to empowering innovative creators, proudly announced the awarding of an O'Shaughnessy Fellowship to Liyam Chitayat, a talented bioengineer situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This fellowship marks a significant step forward in the field of biotechnology, particularly in the engineering of mitochondria—often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. These organelles are crucial for energy production and play vital roles in various cellular processes, including the development of neural connections, muscle contraction, and programmed cell death.
Chitayat’s journey has been exceptional from the start. Beginning her undergraduate studies in chemistry and biology at just 12 years old and pursuing a master's degree in biomedical engineering by 17, she is now a Ph.D. candidate at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Holding a Hertz Fellowship, Chitayat has an impressive background that includes serving as Israel's Directorate of Defense Research and Development's first female