Eva Chi

Eva Chi is a Professor and Regents' Lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of New Mexico's School of Engineering. She also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry and serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. Her academic career at UNM has progressed from Assistant Professor (2004-2008) to Associate Professor (2008-2014) to her current position as Professor (2015-present).

Dr. Chi received her educational training at prestigious institutions:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder (2004)
• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder (2001)
• B.S. in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1999)

Dr. Chi's research program is fundamentally focused on understanding supra-biomolecular assemblies that form the structural basis of life. Her work spans from nanometer-scale structures like lipid membranes to micrometer-scale structures like microtubules. She employs a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the interactions that drive the structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecular assemblies, with particular emphasis on protein assemblies and their biological consequences.

Her research has evolved to address critical challenges in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, where misfolded amyloid proteins form ordered fibrillar aggregates. Recognizing that these abnormal protein assembly processes occur decades before symptom onset, Dr. Chi's lab develops novel molecular probes for early disease detection and intervention. More recently, her work has expanded to include antimicrobial and antiviral applications of conjugated polyelectrolytes, including research on SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.

Dr. Chi's scholarly output demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental biophysical studies of protein-membrane interactions to applied research on biosensors and theranostics for protein misfolding diseases. Her work bridges chemical engineering, biochemistry, and neuroscience, with increasing emphasis on translational applications. Recent publications show a dual focus on neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and engineering education innovations.

Dr. Chi has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her research excellence and teaching contributions:

• UNM Women in STEM Award (2017)
• Regents' Lecturer (2017)
• School of Engineering Regents' Lecturer (2016-2019)
• School of Engineering Junior Faculty Research Award (2014)
• NSF CAREER Award (2012)
• AVS Biomaterials Interface Division Young Investigator Award (2010)
• Alzheimer's Association New Investigator Research Grant Award (2009)
• Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2009)
• NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2004-2007)

As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Chi has served as Associate Chair and Director of Undergraduate Program in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering since 2014. Her research program has been supported by significant grants including the NSF CAREER Award and Alzheimer's Association funding. She has contributed to curriculum development and educational reform within her department, focusing on student-centered approaches that leverage students' funds of knowledge in chemical engineering design challenges.

Dr. Chi leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on biomolecular assembly and protein structure. Her lab combines experimental and computational approaches to study protein-membrane interactions, with particular expertise in using conjugated polyelectrolytes as biosensors and therapeutic agents. The research environment fosters collaboration across chemical engineering, chemistry, and neuroscience disciplines.