Melissa Ann Moss

Melissa Ann Moss holds the dual roles of Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. She also serves as an affiliate faculty member in Biomedical Engineering and has led initiatives as Interim Department Chair and Program Director for Biomedical Engineering.

Her education includes a Ph.D. and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky. Moss has over 20 years of academic experience, progressing from Assistant Professor (2004–2010) to Associate Professor (2010–2016), and Professor (2017–present).

Moss’s research focuses on protein aggregation mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease, particularly amyloid β-protein (Aβ) dynamics and their impact on neurons and cerebrovascular systems. Her work employs advanced biophysical techniques like fluorescence spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Key areas include identifying inhibitors to Aβ aggregation and understanding cellular responses to Aβ oligomers.

Her publications (over 40 articles) span interdisciplinary topics such as nanoparticle therapeutics, peptoid-based inhibitors, and the role of polyphenols in modulating Aβ aggregation. Recent studies emphasize translational applications, including biosensing technologies and drug design.

Moss has received numerous awards, including the Samuel Litman Distinguished Professor Award (2019), and has mentored over 50 students, many of whom pursue careers in academia and industry. She actively participates in professional societies (e.g., AIChE, Biophysical Society) and serves on grant review panels (NIH, NSF).