Yoonjee Park

Dr. Yoonjee Park is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, with secondary appointments in Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, and Materials Science and Engineering. She earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University (2010), following a Master's degree from the same institution (2009), and a Bachelor's degree in Chemical & Biological Engineering from Seoul National University, Korea (2006).

Her research focuses on advanced drug delivery systems, particularly light-activated drug release mechanisms for treating ocular diseases. Dr. Park has pioneered biodegradable implants that provide controlled, on-demand drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye, addressing critical challenges in treating age-related macular degeneration. Her work bridges chemical engineering principles with biomedical applications, creating solutions that reduce the need for frequent intravitreal injections.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on liposome-based drug carriers, nanoporous capsules, and light-triggered release mechanisms. Her most recent work has expanded into applications for vocal fold scar treatment and antimicrobial therapies, demonstrating the versatility of her drug delivery platform.

• 2022 CEAS Distinguished Research Award
• 2021 NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards (R15)
• 2020 Lois Hagelberger Huebner Young Investigator Award
• 2018 NIH KL2 Scholar Program Award
• Multiple Ohio Lion Eye Research Foundation AMD Awards (2017-2022)

Dr. Park has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator from NIH (R03, R21, R15 mechanisms), the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation, and internal university programs. She teaches CHE 2064 Materials & Energy Balances, CHE 4061 Separation Processes, and CHE 5099/60 Nanocolloids and Their Applications, while actively mentoring undergraduate researchers who have won awards like the 1st prize in Protege Undergraduate Research Presentation.

Her laboratory maintains strong clinical collaborations with ophthalmologists at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, ensuring their technological developments address real clinical needs. Current projects include light-activated drug delivery systems for vocal fold scar treatment, long-acting antibody implants for AMD, and 3D-printed co-delivery drug implants.