معرفی
Dr. Elizabeth Gillies is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western University's Faculty of Engineering, with a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry. She leads an active research program focused on polymer chemistry and biomaterials development, with applications spanning drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and agricultural technologies. Her work bridges multiple disciplines including chemical engineering, chemistry, and biomedical science through collaborations across Science, Engineering, and Medicine faculties.
- B.Sc. from Queen's University
- Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley (2004)
- Marie Curie Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Bordeaux, France
Dr. Gillies' research centers on the design and synthesis of smart materials with novel properties and functions. Her group develops polymeric platforms for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering, creating materials ranging from nanoparticles to 3-D scaffolds. Current projects focus on musculoskeletal health, cancer, and immunology/microbiology applications, with particular emphasis on achieving targeted delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents. Her work often involves interdisciplinary approaches that combine polymer chemistry with biological applications.
Analysis of Dr. Gillies' recent publications reveals a strong focus on self-immolative polymers, stimuli-responsive materials, and controlled drug delivery systems. Her research demonstrates consistent innovation in polymer chemistry, particularly in developing materials that respond to specific biological triggers. The work spans fundamental polymer science to practical applications in medicine and agriculture, with increasing emphasis on sustainable and renewable materials in recent years.
- R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2017
- NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship, 2017
- Fallona Interdisciplinary Science Award, 2016
- Faculty Scholar, Western University, 2016-2018
- Petro Canada Young Innovator Award, 2012
- Early Researcher Award, Government of Ontario, 2008-2013
- Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, 2006-2016
- John Charles Polanyi Prize, 2006
Dr. Gillies has successfully secured significant research funding through prestigious awards including the Canada Research Chair and NSERC Steacie Fellowship. Her research group provides students with comprehensive training in polymer synthesis and characterization techniques including NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, HPLC, GPC/SEC, light scattering, and imaging methods. Students in her lab have opportunities to participate in biological testing of new materials, gaining valuable interdisciplinary experience. Current projects involve collaborations across multiple faculties to address challenges in musculoskeletal health, cancer treatment, and immunology.
Dr. Gillies leads a vibrant research group focused on developing new polymeric materials with applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Her laboratory combines synthetic chemistry approaches with biological testing to develop materials that address specific medical challenges. The group works on designing polymers with novel functions such as triggered degradation or presentation of bioactive molecules, creating materials from nanoparticles to coatings and 3-D scaffolds for various biomedical applications.
