Speaker: Joy Wolfram, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic
Title: Synthetic and biological nanoparticles for cancer and inflammatory conditions
Abstract: The application of nanotechnology in medicine provides new and innovative solutions to diagnose and treat disease, as nanoscale structures exhibit multifunctionality, unique electromagnetic properties, and distinct biodistribution profiles that can be exploited. Three promising concepts in nanomedicine will be discussed: i) optimization of nanoparticle size and shape for improved hemodynamics, ii) modulation of innate immunity to reduce nanoparticle clearance, and iii) use of biological nanoparticles (i.e. extracellular vesicles) for cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Bio: Dr. Joy Wolfram leads a nanomedicine research laboratory with the goal of developing innovative nanoparticles that bring the next generation of treatments directly to the clinic. She has designed many preclinical nanoparticles for treating cancer and other life-threatening diseases and has authored over 50 publications in the past five years. She is the director of the Nanomedicine and Extracellular Vesicles Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida and holds affiliate faculty positions at the Houston Methodist Hospital and the University of North Florida. She is a board member and scientific advisor of several companies around the world with a cumulative customer base of over 18 million. Her mission is to inspire and support underrepresented minorities in science. She is actively involved in community outreach and scientific education, including serving as the chair of an Education and Outreach Working Group of the National Cancer Institute in the United States. As a TED speaker she strives to bring science to a wider audience. She was included in the Amgen Scholars Ten to Watch List, which highlights the best and brightest up-and-comers in science and medicine across 42 countries. Native of Finland, she was selected as one of 12 internationally accomplished Finns, alongside Nobel laureates. She was also listed on the Forbes 30 under 30 in healthcare in 2019. Additionally, she is part of the Global Young Academy that represents 83 countries and is limited to 200 members who are selected based on scientific excellence and commitment to service.
For more information, contact Muaad Alody at malody@gc.cuny.edu