Marianna Foldvari

Marianna Foldvari is a Professor at the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada, and a founding director of the American Society for Nanomedicine (ASNM) and International Society of Nanomedicine (ISNM). Her research focuses on nanomedicine, non-invasive drug delivery systems, and biomolecular devices for regenerative medicine applications in dermatology, ophthalmology, and immunology.

Education:

• PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences (Dalhousie University)
• DPharmSci (Semmelweis Medical University)
• BSc Pharmacy (Semmelweis Medical University)

Research Interests: Dr. Foldvari’s work spans molecular therapeutics, nanomaterials, and pharmacokinetics. She develops innovative delivery systems for gene therapy, vaccines, and proteins, with a focus on ocular, transdermal, and pulmonary routes. Her research integrates collaborations with institutions like MIT, Stanford, and the Canadian Light Source to advance targeted drug delivery.

Awards:

• WIN Research Leaders Award
• Honorary Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievements in Nanoscience
• AAPS Fellow
• YWCA Women of Distinction Award

Teaching & Service: Teaches PHARM 124 (Pharmaceutics 1) and PHARM 604 (Gene Therapy). Serves as an editorial board member for Journal of Controlled Release and Precision Nanomedicine, and reviews grants for CIHR, NSERC, NIH, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She also advises the Canadian government on science and technology policy.

Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Foldvari Research Group, focusing on 3D cell models for drug screening and veterinary vaccine nanotechnology. Collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in non-invasive therapies and gene delivery for ocular diseases.