ANDREA JOSEPH
drug delivery engineer focused on preterm birth and neonatal brain injury
ABOUT ME
After completing my undergraduate degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in 2016, I began a PhD at the University of Washington Department of Chemical Engineering under Professor Elizabeth Nance. My thesis work involved the development of a biodegradable nanoparticle platform for the brain-targeted delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug cargo to the neonatal brain. As my interest in neonatal health grew, I became drawn towards the research of preterm birth, which affects at least 10% of infants born worldwide. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania working under Dr. Michal Elovitz, where I study the immune mechanisms which drive preterm labor as well as nanotherapeutic transport within the maternal-fetal unit. My long-term goal is to develop nanotechnology for the prevention of preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes.
Email: andreajphd@gmail.com
Twitter: @andrea_j0seph
EXPERIENCE
NEUROSCIENCE &
NANOSCIENCE
My PhD thesis focused on the development of biodegradable drug delivery vehicles, polymeric nanoparticles, to overcome the brain's unique barriers which prevent 99% of therapeutics from acting within the brain.
PEDIATRICS & NEONATOLOGY
As a preemie myself, I am dedicated to the study of new technologies and medicines that can improve the health of the 10% of babies worldwide born too soon.
LEADERSHIP
I have served on the officer boards of the Society of Women Engineers, Women in Chemical Engineering, and the Young Scientist Committee of the international Controlled Release Society.
MENTORSHIP
I have mentored seven UW undergraduate students and three high school students in the Nance Lab. My students have won fellowships and presented at national conferences.
EVENT PLANNING
I have experience planning several large events (100-400 people) with budgets from $4000-6000. Events include the 11th and 12th Annual Graduate Student Symposium and professional development workshops at the CRS Annual Meetings.
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
I served on the board of UW Engage Science, a science communication-focused organization. I am passionate about information design and am always innovating my slide and poster visuals!
TEACHING & TUTORING
I was an independent tutor between 2017-2021, working with more than 16 Seattle high school students in advanced math and science. In addition, I was a teaching assistant for two chemical engineering courses and am developing a curriculum for a new UW course.
SCIENCE OUTREACH
I have been active in science and engineering outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students through my department and college events. Favorite activities include making homemade caviar and magnetic nanoparticles!
September 2016 - May 2021
PhD Chemical Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
In the Nance Lab, I investigated design parameters of a biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle platform, and evaluated therapeutic efficacy in rat models of neonatal brain injury.
EDUCATION
August 2013 - May 2016
BS Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
In the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering undergraduate program, I took seminars, lectures, and lab courses on fundamental engineering concepts (thermodynamics, transport phenomena) as well as social policy, literature, and writing.
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
OUTSIDE OF WORK, FIND ME...
TRAVELING
Portugal and Spain, 2019
Germany, 2018
London and Barcelona, 2017
Milan and Florence, 2016
25 out of 50 states!
Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.