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Jessica Larsen, October 24

Jessica Larsen

Jessica Larsen

Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Clemson University

Stimuli-responsive polymers to promote neurologic self-healing

October 24th

4:00–5:00 p.m.
Physics/Astronomy Auditorium A114

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, neurologic disorders account for the largest global burden through both early mortality and loss of independent life due to disability. Although there is a clear need for treatments that can enter the brain, there are a very limited number of medications available on the market. A major contributor to this fact is the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents passage of more than 98% of small molecule therapeutics from the blood into the brain tissue.

The Larsen Lab works on polymeric biomaterials-based approaches to either bypass the BBB or transport payloads through the BBB. By understanding the pathophysiology of each disease, polymeric biomaterials can be created to respond specifically to disease-based stimuli and promote natural healing processes in the brain.

In this talk, Professor Larsen will highlight some of her ongoing projects in this space, specifically focusing on the following: 1. enzyme-responsive polymersomes that can promote self-healing autophagic processes in neuropathic lysosomal storage disease model, GM1 gangliosidosis. 2. pH-responsive polymersomes as delivery vehicles for nerve-regenerative peptides isolated from the G3BP1 protein, demonstrated to promote neurite outgrowth in dorsal root ganglia cultures, with some neuronal specificity. 3. self-healing and temperature-responsive hydrogel nanocomposites to promote microenvironment modulation and deliver model therapeutics that could be applied to nerve injury, spinal cord injury, or wound healing in the brain.

Bio

Professor Jessica Larsen began her academic career at the University of Virginia, obtaining her BS in Chemical Engineering in 2012. She obtained her PhD in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University where she was able to perform research under Drs. Mark Byrne in Chemical Engineering and Doug Martin in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Professor Larsen is the research mentor for five PhD students, two masters thesis students, and as many as 20 undergraduate students a semester. In her undergraduate mentoring efforts, she has received the Phil and Mary Bradley Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry. She was also selected as the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Woman at Clemson University. She received the NSF CAREER Award in the Spring of 2021.

Most recently, she was selected by the South Carolina Governor to be the 2022 recipient of the Governor’s Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research. Personally, Professor Larsen is engaged in the local community as a Cross-Country coach at Seneca High School. Her women’s team won the SC AAA state championship for three consecutive years.