Sapna Deo

Sapna Deo, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She serves as Director of Graduate Studies and Director of the Molecular Medicine Pathway, contributing to academic leadership and student mentorship.

• Develops bioluminescence-based tools for point-of-care diagnostics
• Researches RNA sensing systems using engineered proteins
• Investigates targeted delivery of therapeutics using nanocarriers

Her 15 most recent publications (2025-2023) span Clinical Chemistry, Biosensors, Cancer Therapeutics, Environmental Monitoring, and Infectious Disease Diagnostics. Notably, she created portable paper-strip tests for pathogens and miRNA detection methods.

• Excellence in Mentorship Award (2023)
• National Science Foundation Career Award (2013)
• Outstanding Faculty & Research Fellowships

Her lab (Deo Lab) develops bionanotechnology tools using luminescent proteins and nanoplatforms for applications in:

• Pathogen detection in resource-limited settings
• RNA biomarker analysis
• Targeted gene/drug delivery
• Wound healing nanotherapeutics

She holds multiple US patents for bioluminescent imaging systems, nanocarriers, and diagnostic platforms.