Jayoung Kim

Jayoung Kim is an Assistant Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the UNT System College of Pharmacy. Her research focuses on precision gene therapy through nanoparticle-based delivery systems, addressing challenges in delivering nucleic acids to inaccessible organs such as the brain, eyes, and lungs. She combines material science, machine learning, and clinical pathology to optimize delivery vectors for disease-specific barriers.

Education:

• Certificate in Data Science, Harvard Extension School
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University
• PhD and MSE in Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
• BS in Bioengineering, University of California at Berkeley

Research Interests:

Dr. Kim’s work emphasizes nanoparticle engineering for tissue-specific barriers (e.g., blood-brain, ocular, mucosal), personalized optimization using machine learning, and high-throughput screening. Her lab develops localized gene therapy systems to enhance transfection efficiency across biological barriers like the cornea and internal limiting membrane. Recent projects include 3D-printed corneal models and erythrocyte-anchored nanoparticles for targeted delivery.

Grants & Projects:

• Individual Lifestyle Exposure (NIBIB, 2025–2026)
• Peptoid-Based Nanoparticle Development (NIBIB, 2024–2027)
• 3D-Printed Corneal Model for Collagen Cross-Linking Therapy (UNT Health Science Center, ongoing)
• Artificial Red Blood Cell Nanoparticle Carriers for Gene Delivery (UNT Health Science Center, ongoing)

Labs/Teams:

Her lab collaborates with institutions globally, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to gene therapy and nanoparticle innovation. Ongoing projects involve biomaterials engineering, ocular drug delivery, and personalized medicine strategies.