Caryn L. Heldt

Dr. Caryn L. Heldt is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Michigan Technological University (MTU) and serves as the Director of the Health Research Institute and the James and Lorna Mack Endowed Chair in Continuous Processing. She holds an Affiliate Professorship in Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on viral surface chemistry, bioseparations, and biomanufacturing innovations. She earned her BS in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from MTU (2001) and her PhD in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University (2008), followed by postdoctoral training at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2010).

Her lab, the Heldt Bioseparations Lab, investigates virus-cell interactions to optimize biotherapeutic production, including vaccines and gene therapies. Key research areas include aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) for purification, continuous manufacturing processes, and stabilizing vaccines through additives and complex coacervation. Notable achievements include an NSF CAREER Award (2015) and collaborations with institutions like the University of Massachusetts for vaccine formulation studies.

Her work bridges virology and engineering, addressing challenges in antiviral materials, extracellular vesicle characterization, and cost-effective viral vector production. The lab emphasizes sustainable methods, such as eco-friendly surfactants and scalable purification techniques, to enhance both efficiency and accessibility of biomedical products.

• Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2015)
• Grants: Funding from NSF, industry partnerships, and institutional endowments
• Labs/Teams: Heldt Bioseparations Lab, Health Research Institute