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Researchers Unplugged: Leou Ismael Banla, MD

3 minute read
An illustration of four people enjoying and engaged in different activities such as listening to music and enjoying nature

Mass General Brigham is home to a research community of thousands of individuals working to understand disease and develop solutions to medicine’s most pressing challenges. But who are they and what do they do when they’re not conducting research? Learn more about them in the Researchers Unplugged series!

From clinical research coordinators to postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and principal investigators — they are all part of Mass General Brigham.

Our next guest in the series is Leou Ismael Banla, MD.


Leou Ismael Banla, MD

Q: What lab/department do you work in and what is your role?

I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Center for Systems Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital. I work jointly under the mentorship of Miles Miller, PhD, and William Hwang, MD, PhD.

I am currently a radiation oncology resident at Mass General Brigham completing my research time.

Q: Can you describe/explain your research?

I work with drugs that are specially designed to activate only when exposed to radiation. This approach could help reduce side effects because the drug is only "turned on" in areas where we target it with radiation, like cancerous tissues.

By focusing the drug's action directly on the tumor, we can better protect healthy cells and make the treatment more effective in the right spot.

Dr. Banla's lab bench

Q: When and why did you get interested in the work that you are doing?

I learned about this work during my second year of my clinical residency at Mass General Brigham, and as a radiation oncology trainee, I became intrigued by the potential of using radiation for purposes beyond simply breaking DNA.

Q: What do you like to do outside of the lab/work?

I like to cook and keep up with the NBA.

Q: If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Found in the corners of Dr. Banla's work area

It would be fufu (a west African dish).

Q: What is your favorite TV show, podcast, book, or movie?

I love 90’s sitcoms! Martin is one of my favorites.

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?

I am the youngest of six, I have five sisters.

Q: Why do you like most about performing research at Mass General Brigham?

The passion of the people I work with.

Miles Miller, PhD, and William Hwang, MD, PhD

Q: If you had to describe your Principal Investigator using a fictional character, who would it be and why?

Miles Miller would be Sherlock Holmes, as he is always on the lookout for clues to solve scientific problems.

Will Hwang would be Ethan Hunt from the Mission Impossible series for his ability to quickly find ways to navigate even the most complex problems.

Q: What’s your favorite way of spending a Sunday morning?

Relaxing, chatting with family and eating delicious breakfast food.


We're looking to highlight anyone who contributes to research, from postdocs to clinical research coordinators to lab techs and beyond. Anyone come to mind? Drop us a note at: mquintanilladieck@mgh.harvard.edu