Zhaowei Jiang, who will receive her doctoral degree in biomedical engineering this May, has been awarded the prestigious Joukowsky Dissertation Prize for her groundbreaking work, Development of Biopolymer-Based Nanoparticle Therapeutics to Combat Staphylococcal Infections.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Anita Shukla at Brown, she spearheaded innovative research developing stimuli-responsive, biopolymer-based nanoparticles that target and disrupt persistent biofilms. Shukla, the Elaine I. Savage professor of engineering, praised Jiang as an exceptional student, highlighting her “intellectual rigor, creativity, and relentless drive.” She added that Jiang’s research “holds immense promise for the creation of next-generation, highly effective antimicrobial treatments.” Her contributions have led to a U.S. patent application and multiple publications.
Jiang’s research focuses on the design of intelligent biopolymer-based nanoparticle systems capable of precise drug delivery and enhanced penetration into mature biofilms, which are one of the most resistant forms of bacterial infection. These nanoparticles are engineered to respond to enzymatic or environmental triggers, releasing therapeutic payloads directly at the site of infection. This targeted approach not only increases treatment efficacy but also minimizes toxicity. In recognition of the importance of this research, Jiang plans to publish four chapters of her thesis as four first-author publications.
Jiang’s dissertation committee, composed of faculty from engineering, pathology, and medicine-unanimously supported her nomination. Among them, Sorensen Family Dean of Engineering, Tejal Desai noted that Jiang’s work “sets the stage for a new generation of responsive, personalized therapeutics” and described her as “among the most talented and driven researchers I have encountered.”
Beyond her research, Jiang has made significant impact as a mentor and leader in the scientific community. She has mentored over a dozen undergraduate and graduate students and served as a teaching assistant in key biomedical engineering courses such as Nanoengineering and Nanomedicine and Stem Cell Engineering. She also led student advocacy initiatives as chair of the international student advocacy committee for the Brown biomedical engineering graduate student group. Her dedication to inclusive mentorship has made her a role model for peers and mentees alike.
In recognition of her achievements, Jiang has received numerous honors, including the Society for Biomaterials Student Star Award and the Joukowsky Summer Research Award. She was also selected as a Young Scientist Participant for the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Chemistry, held in Lindau, Germany.
Prior to coming to Brown, Jiang earned her bachelors of science in biochemistry and her master’s of science in chemical engineering from Syracuse University.
In January 2025, Jiang launched her professional career at pharmaceutical giant Pfizer as a DNA-Encoded Library and Pharmacology Scientist. In this role, she continues to advance the frontier of therapeutic development, applying her expertise in nanoparticle engineering to address critical challenges in drug delivery and efficacy.
Reflecting on the honor, Jiang noted, “Being selected for the Joukowsky Award is an incredible and a deeply meaningful milestone in my academic journey. It reflects not only the dedication I’ve poured into my research but also the support and mentorship I’ve received from my advisors, colleagues, and community. This recognition affirms the impact of my work, and it motivates me to continue pursuing research that bridges fundamental science with real-world applications.”
Doctoral candidates and graduates, Ella Grunberger-Kirsh, Zhaowei Jiang, John Antolik, and Isabella Bellezza Smull were selected for the Graduate School's Joukowsky Family Foundation Outstanding Dissertation Award. Prizes are awarded at the Doctoral Ceremony on May 25, 2025.