MSE Seminar: “Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Imaging and Treatment,” Miqin Zhang – Kyocera Chair Professor of Materials Science and Engineering University of Washington
April 3 at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
One of our key research areas focuses on developing innovative nanoplatforms for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and therapy-response monitoring. We aim to understand material-biosystem interactions and design nanoparticles capable of delivering effective therapeutic payloads. This presentation will discuss strategies for synthesizing and engineering nanoparticles to ensure stability, extended blood circulation, and controlled drug release while overcoming biological barriers. I will also highlight the applications of our nanoparticle formulations in targeted delivery of DNAs, siRNAs, and mRNAs, integrated with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Our scalable and safe nanoparticles demonstrate effectiveness in overcoming therapy resistance, metastasis, and tumor recurrence in various murine models.
Miqin Zhang
Kyocera Chair Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington
Miqin Zhang, Ph.D. is the Kyocera Corporation Chair Professor in Materials Science and Engineering and Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington, with adjunct appointments in Radiology, Bioengineering, and Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Dr. Zhang received her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from University of California at Berkeley and joined the University of Washington as an Assistant Professor in 1999, advancing to full Professor in 2008. Her research focuses on the development of nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery, cancer diagnostics, biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering, and biosensors for drug screening and toxin detection. Dr. Zhang’s lab is dedicated to translating biomaterials innovations into clinical applications to address pressing healthcare challenges. Dr. Zhang has published over 200 papers and holds 31 US/international patents. Her work is highly cited, with more than 44,000 citations (Google Scholar).