This is a recorded presentation for the 2021 Controlled Release Society Annual Meeting

A big way to ring in my 25th birthday! Some of Elizabeth's introduction is cut off.

This is an oral presentation for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting in 2020 (virtual). I presented on my recent research work investigating the effect of surfactant choice on polymeric nanoparticle fate.

Town Hall and UW Engage Science present local graduate students discussing their cutting-edge research. Tune in for a look at the forefront of research in our region, and meet the students who are leading the latest wave of scientific discovery. Forces are found throughout the human body from processes such as blood flow, digestion, or urination. Often these forces oppose molecular interactions, but in some cases force causes certain molecules to bind even stronger. Laura Carlucci outlines her research on this force, revealing how molecules with this binding property play crucial roles in nature, including facilitating bacterial urinary tract infections. Laura Carlucci is a grad student in the department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. She is studying the effects of mechanical forces on molecular binding, as well as the mechanism behind a particularly force-resistant interaction found in nature. In the United States, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely, putting them at an increased risk for brain disease. Since brain diseases are often worsened by inflammation, natural anti-inflammatory spices are being investigated as potential therapeutics. Andrea Joseph presents research evaluating turmeric—the humble yellow spice used in Indian curries—exploring properties that allow it to promote the health of neurons. Using engineering interventions to efficiently transport turmeric across biological barriers, Joseph demonstrates techniques for reducing inflammation and promoting recovery in the injured baby brain. Andrea Joseph’s research focuses on developing nanoparticles as drug carriers to improve the delivery of medicine to the brain. Using this technology, she is working to develop next-generation therapeutics that have increased effectiveness, require fewer doses, and reduce side effects for patients with brain injuries and diseases. Proper cell division, the process of one cell splitting into two identical cells, is essential for human development. A critical step in this process is making sure both new cells have the correct amount of DNA chromosomes—cells with too many or too few chromosomes may have errors which can contribute to cancer. Molly Zych uses microscopy to visualize human chromosomes that end up in the wrong cell. Through her work she aims to unravel how and why specific chromosomes make mistakes during cell division. Molly Zych studies cell division in order to understand how human cells accurately separate DNA into two new daughter cells. Using microscopy and cell biology tools, she works to understand why errors occur in this process and how they contribute to both developmental disorders and cancer advancement. Presented by the University of Washington and Town Hall Seattle. https://townhallseattle.org/ Please make a donation online by clicking the link, by texting TOWN HALL to 44321, or by joining Town Hall as a member. https://townhallseattle.org/support/

This was an invited lecture on my thesis work at the University of Washington in November 2020