معرفی
Dr. Katherine Elvira is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Microfluidics for Drug Discovery and Healthcare at the University of Victoria's Department of Chemistry. Her research focuses on developing microfluidic technologies for drug discovery, artificial cells, and healthcare applications, emphasizing collaboration with industry and commercialization. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and prior experience as a Senior Scientist at ETH Zürich.
Education:
- PhD in Chemistry, Imperial College London
- Senior Scientist and Lecturer, ETH Zürich
Research interests include lab-on-a-chip systems, artificial cell membranes, drug delivery systems, and biomimetic prototissues. Her work bridges chemistry, biology, and engineering, with projects ranging from drug discovery to food science (e.g., 'beer-on-a-chip').
Publications and projects highlight advancements in microfluidic device design (e.g., plug-and-play platforms) and biomimetic models for predicting drug behavior. Collaborations with industry include partnerships with Phillips Brewing and StarFish Medical.
Awards:
- Canada Research Chair Tier 2
- MSHRBC Scholar
- Emerging Investigator (Lab on a Chip, 2020)
Teaching focuses on analytical chemistry and microfluidics. She advises graduate students and mentors postdocs, emphasizing interdisciplinary training. The Elvira Lab is equipped with advanced CFI-funded facilities and offers funded positions for 2025.
Future work includes expanding artificial tissue models, optimizing PDMS alternatives, and fostering industry partnerships for commercializing microfluidic innovations.
