Abby D'Andrea

Since June 2021 I have been working with Olivia as an undergraduate researcher on developing pH-responsive cationic nanoparticles for oral delivery of therapeutic siRNA in immunotherapy applications in the Peppas lab, The Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine. In the lab, I have assisted Olivia with synthesizing nanoparticles of a wide range of formulations as well as characterizing these nanoparticles based on their size, volume swelling ratio, and pKa using dynamic light scattering as well as their cytotoxicity and loading and release profiles. Having had no prior experience, Olivia has taught me many valuable laboratory skills and helped me develop my passion for biotechnology research. She has guided me with the utmost patience and compassion and is truly a one-of-a-kind mentor to all, both inside and outside of the laboratory. 

Currently, I am finishing my final year of chemical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and continuing to work with both Olivia and her other undergraduate researchers in the lab. Thanks to my experiences, I am planning on pursuing a career in the biotechnology field following graduation!