Preethi L Chandran

Dr. Preethi L Chandran is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Howard University's College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA). She holds a B.Tech in Industrial Biotechnology from Anna University and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on biomechanics, biophysics of glycans, multiplexed nanodelivery systems, and computational modeling of filamentous networks. She leads the Biomolecular Assemblies and Nanomechanics Lab, exploring glycan interactions, DNA nanocontainers, and cartilage biophysics using advanced techniques like atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering.

Her work includes developing salt-responsive nanogels, shear-reversible HIV-1 clusters, and mannose-based therapies. She has patented DNA-based nanoparticle delivery systems and authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Her software tools enable high-fidelity simulations of fibrous networks and precise analysis of biomaterial mechanics. Dr. Chandran teaches courses in transport phenomena, biomedical engineering, and material balances, emphasizing systems biology and engineering principles.

Research funding includes NSF grants for biophysical studies of viral glycans and nanodelivery systems. She mentors undergraduate researchers and collaborates on projects like nanoindentation techniques for heterogeneous tissues. Her lab integrates experimental and computational approaches to address biomedical challenges in drug delivery and tissue engineering.