Angela K. Pannier

Angela K. Pannier is the Swarts Family Chair of Biological Systems Engineering and a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a Courtesy Appointment in the Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her research focuses on engineering systems and biomaterials for cell and gene therapies. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Northwestern University) and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Education:

• Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Northwestern University
• M.S., Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• B.S., Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Research Interests: Pannier’s work spans nonviral gene delivery, tissue engineering, developmental biology, stem cell engineering, extracellular vesicles, and DNA vaccination. Her lab develops innovative approaches to enhance gene therapy efficacy and safety, with applications in regenerative medicine and vaccine development.

Awards:

• PECASE (2019)
• NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2017)
• BMES Fellow (2020)
• AIMBE College of Fellows (2022)
• UNL Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Researcher Award (2020)
• Multiple teaching and mentoring awards

Grants & Advising: Pannier has secured funding from NIH, NSF, USDA, and industry. She has mentored over 50 undergraduates and advises on strategic initiatives like the N2025 plan. Her lab focuses on advancing gene delivery technologies, including oral DNA vaccines and extracellular vesicle-based therapies.

Labs/Teams: Pannier Lab at UNL collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across engineering, medicine, and agriculture to tackle challenges in gene therapy and regenerative medicine.