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We welcome Dr. Suzie Hwang Pun from the University of Washington, as the next speaker in our seminar series. Dr. Pun is the Washington Research Foundation Professor of Bioengineering, and the Director for the Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute.

Integrated Chemical Systems for Cancer Immunotherapy Applications

Abstract: Biological systems have exquisite complexity, responsiveness, and interactions at multiple scales. We have developed synthetic materials inspired by nature to address unmet medical needs. In the first example, unique aptamers with high affinity for T cell markers were discovered and applied as alternatives to antibodies for T cell isolation in the manufacturing process for CAR T cells. In the second example, a polymer was developed that mimics the endosomal release mechanism of adenovirus, selectively displaying a membrane-disrupting peptide in acidic pH. This polymer promotes efficient endosomal release and has been used to deliver biologic drugs such as nucleic acids and peptides into the cell for applications such as cancer immunotherapy.

Bio: Suzie H. Pun is the Washington Research Foundation Professor of Bioengineering, Director for the Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, and Associate Director of the Resuscitation Engineering Science Unit (RESCU) at University of Washington. She is a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), and has been recognized with MIT Technology Review’s “Top 100 Young Innovators” designation, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, and as an AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassador. She was also recognized with the University of Washington’s Marsha Landolt Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award for her dedicated mentoring of students. She currently serves as an Associate Editor for ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering and on the Science Board of Reviewing Editors. Suzie Pun received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University and her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. She also worked as a senior scientist at Insert Therapeutics/Calando Pharmaceuticals developing polymeric drug delivery systems before joining the Department of Bioengineering at University of Washington. Her current work focuses on biomaterial applications in drug delivery and gene and cell therapy.

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