Enduring passions for medicine, journalism, and triathlons

Alex Tang's dream of becoming a physician started in grade school when he read Lisa Sanders' "Diagnosis" column in The New York Times Magazine. Although he often encountered unfamiliar medical terms, Tang was captivated by the magic of medicine, as Sanders described how physicians turned puzzling sets of symptoms into concrete diagnoses and treatment plans for patients.

A decade later, Tang is one step closer to achieving his dream. The MIT senior has challenged himself academically, dual-majoring in chemistry and biology and minoring in biomedical engineering. "All of the courses have encouraged me to think about problems through different lenses," he says.

Tang has also challenged himself as the editor-in-chief of MIT's student newspaper, The Tech, and as a competitive triathlete. In the fall, he will begin medical school, where he hopes to develop clinical skills and continue honing his scientific abilities. Ultimately, he aspires to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, focusing on how cancers respond to and resist treatment. He wants to help convert those insights into novel therapies that can be tailored to individual cancer patients.

"I want to advance precision oncology, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective, personalized treatment possible," he says.

Thriving in the lab

Originally from Massachusetts, Tang was eager to make the most of his MIT experience, especially because of its extensive research opportunities. "Both my parents worked in the Cambridge biotech space, and being able to contribute to innovative science here has been a priority," he says.

Early on, Tang gravitated toward oncology after joining the Nir Hacohen Lab at the Broad Institute, an interest cemented after taking 7.45 (Cancer Biology), which was taught by professors Tyler Jacks and Michael Hemann. Fascinated by how new cancer therapies were changing patients' lives, he joined a project with implications for patients with difficult prognoses: For the last three-and-half years, Tang has been studying the effects of combined immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapy on tumors in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

"I hope my work can provide clarity for patients and physicians, and empower them to be confident in their options for care," Tang says.

Last year, Tang was awarded a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, which supports undergraduates who go on to become leading scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in their respective fields.

In addition to gaining technical skills, Tang has found working in the Hacohen Lab to be enriching in other important ways.

"What's been great about research is learning from experts in the field who become your role models," he says, "They are at the frontiers of investigating the most challenging questions in the field, and iterating through the scientific process with them is such a joy."

Looking forward to medical school, he hopes to complement his basic science research with work that is more clinically involved.

"I want to bridge the gap between fundamental discoveries and tangible improvements in patient care," Tang says. He has already set out on this mission, recently leading the development of a prognostic assay in lung cancer.

Breaking news

After stopping by the booth for MIT's student newspaper, The Tech, during Campus Preview Weekend, Tang knew he wanted to join and contribute to a publication that has long chronicled MIT's history and culture. Starting as a news writer and later serving as editor-in-chief, he learned how to write under pressure, reported on major campus events, and balanced leadership with collaboration.

"It's been such an honor and pleasure to document people across the diverse MIT community who are all contributing to the character of the Institute in different ways," he says.

It's an activity he'll drop everything for.

"When we have things come up and we have to do a breaking news story or we have some editorial thing that needs to be managed, I'll just stop working to sort out whatever's happening," he says. "I think that's what passion really is about."

His journey with The Tech has not always been easy. In the summer between his first and second year, he found himself solely responsible for producing the paper's news content amidst a staff shortage while the paper was facing financial difficulties.

"Coming into sophomore fall, I focused on recruiting more staff and seeking out ways to get more funding," Tang says. "The paper wouldn't be here without the people, both students and faculty advisors alike, who bought into The Tech's mission."

Though he hopes to pursue a career in medicine, Tang has found journalism to be integral in shaping how he will connect and communicate with patients and colleagues.

"You are responsible for taking someone's story, breaking it down, and retelling it in your own words in a way that you feel would resonate with the audience and serve the community," he says.

An outlet through triathlon

Despite his busy schedule, Tang prioritizes staying active and maintaining fitness. A former competitive swimmer in high school and now a triathlete, he still finds himself drawn back to the water when everything around him feels fast-paced.

"Swimming, biking, and running are good ways to de-stress," Tang says. "It's therapeutic in the sense that you can just let go. The race is just that culmination of letting it go at a more elevated level."

He credits MIT's infrastructure for helping him stay committed to training. "My dorm is steps away from the pool and the track," he says. "The convenience is superb."

Tang has found success in competitions, most recently placing third in his age group at the 2025 Boston Triathlon. In fact, it is the feeling of accomplishment that pushes him every day.

"There are many days when you want to take it easy, but you have to remember the joy waiting for you at the end of the race when you've put in the work," he says. "It motivates me to be conscious and aware of what I'm doing in practice."

During the summer, Tang and his younger brother go out for long runs in the Boston suburbs. "It is great to have my brother push me every day," Tang says. "There has been no one more supportive of me than my family."