Daniel J. Siegwart

Daniel J. Siegwart is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), where he also holds a leadership role in the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC). He directs the Program in Genetic Drug Engineering and the Drug Delivery Program in Biomedical Engineering, and is Co-leader of the Chemistry and Cancer Program in the NCI-designated SCCC. He holds the W. Ray Wallace Distinguished Chair in Molecular Oncology Research.

• B.S. in Biochemistry, Lehigh University (2003)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University (2008)
• NSF EAPSI Research Fellow, University of Tokyo (2006)
• NIH NSRA Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT with Robert Langer (2008–2012)

Daniel J. Siegwart's research focuses on materials chemistry and nanoparticle engineering for the targeted delivery of genomic medicines. His lab develops synthetic carriers for siRNA, miRNA, mRNA, pDNA, and CRISPR/Cas gene editors, with applications in cancer therapy and genetic disease correction. Key breakthroughs include the first non-viral in vivo CRISPR/Cas gene editing system and the development of Selective ORgan Targeting (SORT) lipid nanoparticles, enabling predictable tissue-specific delivery. His work integrates principles from chemistry, engineering, and biology to advance therapeutic delivery systems.

His recent publications, appearing in Science, Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Materials, and PNAS, reflect a strong trend in gene editing technologies, lipid nanoparticle design, and precision targeting for therapeutic applications. The work spans from fundamental materials science to translational in vivo models, demonstrating a consistent focus on overcoming delivery barriers in gene therapy.

His scientific honors include:

• CPRIT Scholar Award
• American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award
• Young Innovator Award in Nanobiotechnology
• Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator Award
• Election to the Controlled Release Society (CRS) College of Fellows
• Election to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows

Daniel J. Siegwart leads an active research group focused on genetic drug engineering, supported by significant grants from NIH, CPRIT, and other agencies. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and translational innovation. He mentors students and postdoctoral fellows in the development of next-generation delivery platforms. The Siegwart Lab is a hub for cutting-edge research in nanomedicine and gene therapy, aiming to bridge engineering solutions with clinical impact.

The lab's work is centered on the Program in Genetic Drug Engineering at UTSW, where they design and optimize synthetic nanoparticles for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. The team combines combinatorial synthesis, high-throughput screening, and mechanistic studies to develop carriers with tunable properties for organ-selective delivery. Their recent focus on SORT LNPs and zwitterionic modifications highlights a commitment to solving long-standing challenges in biodistribution and targeting.