Eric A. Appel

Eric A. Appel is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment, and holds courtesy appointments in Pediatrics (Endocrinology) and Bioengineering. His interdisciplinary research bridges materials science, bioengineering, and medicine to develop advanced polymeric systems for healthcare and environmental applications.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Cambridge (2012)
• M.S. in Polymer Science, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (2008)
• B.S. in Chemistry, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (2008)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Bioengineering, MIT

Research Focus: Dr. Appel’s laboratory engineers biomimetic polymeric materials that serve as tools to study fundamental biological processes and create next-generation therapeutic solutions. His team specializes in injectable hydrogels, drug-delivery depots, and vaccine technologies. These materials are designed to provide sustained release of biologics ranging from GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes to broadly neutralizing antibodies against infectious diseases.

Recent work leverages supramolecular chemistry to create shear-thinning, self-healing hydrogels that can be delivered with minimal invasiveness yet persist in vivo for months. The group also develops polymer excipients that stabilize ultra-high-concentration biologics, enabling easier storage and administration. Environmental applications include intumescent hydrogels that expand into protective aerogels during wildfires, shielding critical infrastructure.

Scientific Awards:

• Jon Weaver PhD Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry
• Materials Research Society Graduate Student Award
• National Research Service Award, NIH NIBIB
• Margaret A. Cunningham Immune Mechanisms in Cancer Research Award
• Hellman Scholars Fund Young Faculty Award
• American Diabetes Association Young Faculty Award
• American Cancer Society Young Faculty Award
• PhRMA Foundation Young Faculty Award
• IUPAC Hanwha-Total Young Polymer Scientist Award (2022)
• Society for Biomaterials Young Investigator Award (2023)
• Biomaterials Science Lectureship Award, Royal Society of Chemistry (2023)

Impact & Translation: Dr. Appel’s innovations have yielded 35+ patents and served as the foundation for three start-up companies, translating hydrogel and excipient technologies toward clinical and commercial use. His laboratory collaborates extensively with clinicians at Stanford School of Medicine and industry partners to accelerate the path from bench to bedside.

Laboratory & Teams: The Appel Lab is a multidisciplinary team comprising materials scientists, chemical engineers, bioengineers, and translational scientists. The group is housed within the Stanford School of Engineering and maintains strong ties to the Woods Institute for the Environment, fostering collaborations that extend from fundamental polymer physics to global health initiatives.