Bio
Julia’s research experience involves a variety of different biomaterials-related projects that aimed to treat human diseases such as cancer and diabetes. However, her the focus of her doctoral dissertation was saving beneficial pollinators, such as bees, from the harmful effects of pesticides. Julia is looking forward to gaining new knowledge and experiences as she starts her career post-graduation. When she is not saving the bees, Julia can be found swing dancing, crocheting, or watching the latest movie releases.
- Biomaterial Science
- Drug Delivery
- Pesticide Detoxification
- Polinator Health
PhD in Chemical Engineering, 2024
Cornell University
BS in Chemical Engineering, 2019
University at Buffalo
Experience
Biomaterial Strategies to Improve Bee Health
- Synthesized and characterized hydrogel microparticles for the capture of neonicotinoid insecticides.
- Designed and optimized protocols to assess microparticle treatment efficacy in improving bee health after neonicotinoid exposure.
- Investigated the biodistribution and residence time of microparticles in bees using fluorescent microscopy.
Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
- Synthesized hydrogels for the delivery of therapeutics for cancer treatment in a murine breast cancer model and evaluated their rheological properties.
- Performed in vivo mouse imaging to assess drug release, hydrogel degradation, and tumor size.
- Quantified the uptake of nanoparticles by macrophages for future applications in pharmacokinetic model development.
- Synthesized elastomers for tissue engineering and crosslinked polymer nanocapsules for cancer imaging under the guidance of senior lab members.
Teaching
Julia has been a Teaching Assistant (TA) for the following courses:
- Design and Analysis of Biomaterials - Spring 2021, 2022, 2024
- Designed questions for problem sets, exams, and quizzes and implemented active learning approaches to achieve student learning objectives.
- Supervised and managed undergraduate teaching assistants.
- Created rubrics and evaluated students according to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) performance indicators.
- Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics - Fall 2023
- General Chemistry II - Spring 2020