Eden Tanner

Dr. Eden Tanner is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi, leading the Tanner Lab. She holds a B.Sc. in Advanced Science (Chemistry) from the University of New South Wales, a Ph.D. in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry from the University of Oxford, and completed postdoctoral research at Harvard University. Her work focuses on drug delivery systems using ionic liquids and nanomaterials, particularly for biomedical applications such as nanoparticle-based therapies and overcoming biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier.

Her research interests include ionic liquids, drug delivery mechanisms, nanomaterial synthesis, and their applications in cancer therapy, neuroHIV treatment, and photothermal therapy. She teaches General Chemistry courses (CHEM 105/106) and emphasizes making chemistry accessible through innovative laboratory instruction. The Tanner Lab collaborates across disciplines, integrating physical chemistry with bioengineering to address unmet clinical needs.

Dr. Tanner’s publications highlight advancements in nanoparticle design, surface functionalization strategies, and the development of responsive drug delivery systems. She has pioneered approaches like protein-avoidant ionic liquid (PAIL)-coated nanoparticles to enhance circulation time and target specificity. Her work also explores transdermal and topical delivery mechanisms using ionic liquids, alongside applications in antimicrobial therapies and diagnostic sensing technologies.