Andri Kadaifciu

Academic Interests

Biology, Computer Science, Biotechnology, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Fun Fact

I love anything creative! While I love to paint, over the summer I picked up how to embroider.

From art history audio documentaries to technology chats to mandatory political updates, I have the most diverse Spotify podcast collection. And while this might partially be to keep myself busy on Duke’s C-1 bus rides, the true reason is that I love to learn and explore! My curiosity for the mysteries of life, what it is, and how it unfolds, has brought me to the field of Biology from a young age.

Over the past year, I have been able to pursue this interest remotely at the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative at the Broad Institute. There, I have specifically analyzed GWAS study data to identify key genetic and proteomic hits linked to cardiac disease manifestations. Given my interest in technology, I aspire to continue using computational biology skills to explore the foundations of disease pathologies.

I am also interested in the applications of scientific research to the lens of business and innovation. Over the last four years, I have co-founded Biotein, a wellness start-up creating an at-home assay that measures the risk of aging-related diseases. Biotein has allowed me to apply my creativity to scientific development and product engineering while exposing me to the entrepreneurial principles of market validation, business growth, and venture capital raising. Most importantly, it has taught me the power of initiative: seeing a problem and taking actionable, collaborative, creative, and sometimes risky steps toward a solution.

At Duke, I have been able to explore my interests in business and computer science by joining DTech Scholars, HackDuke, and Business Oriented Women. When I am not spending time with my friends and family, you will most likely find me writing, painting, practicing photography, or cooking

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

I am grateful for programs such as SPIRE which are such a backbone for students entering STEM with diverse backgrounds. SPIRE has not only been essential in helping me navigate the novelties of freshman year but also a tight-knit community where I have been able to build some of my closest relationships.