Albert Folch

Professor Albert Folch is a core faculty member at the University of Washington College of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering. His lab develops microfluidic devices for translational cancer research, with a mission to make such tools as accessible as smartphones for clinical use.

• Education:
  • PhD in Surface Science and Nanotechnology, University of Barcelona (1994)
  • BS in Physics, University of Barcelona (1989)
• Postdoctoral Training:
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1994–1997)
  • Harvard Medical School (1997–2000)

Research Focus: The Folch lab integrates digital manufacturing (3D-printing, laser cutting) with bio-microfluidics to create microscale tools for cancer diagnostics and therapies. Their work addresses the challenge of limited human tumor tissue samples by enabling drug testing on live biopsies through microfluidic platforms that replicate physiological conditions.

Scientific Contributions: Recent publications highlight innovations in microfluidic tumor modeling, cancer drug screening, and neuroengineering platforms. Key themes include organ-on-a-chip technology, spatiotemporal gradient control, and precision oncology.

Honors & Grants:

• 2015 AIMBE College of Fellows
• 2006 NASA Space Act Award
• 2001–2006 NSF CAREER Award
• 2009–present Bringing Art Into Technology (BAIT) outreach program

Teaching: Instructs BIOEN 455 BioMEMS, applying his expertise in microtechnology to education.