Eric Appel | Wildfire Prevention | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Dr.  Stanford University, United States

Dr. Eric Andrew Appel is an accomplished chemist and materials scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge, where his research focused on supramolecular hydrogels for drug delivery. Currently an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Stanford University, Dr. Appel leads the Appel Lab, an interdisciplinary team focused on developing bioinspired soft materials for healthcare applications. He has co-founded multiple startups to commercialize his lab’s innovations, including injectable hydrogel technology for sustained drug delivery and wildfire prevention technology. Dr. Appel has received numerous prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to biomaterials science and engineering.

 

Professional Profiles:

Scopus

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🎓 Education and Training

PhD, Chemistry – University of Cambridge (Jan 2013)
📜 Thesis: Cucurbit[8]uril-based Supramolecular Hydrogels: From Fundamentals to Applications in Drug DeliveryBS, Chemistry + MS, Polymers and Coating Science; Minor, Spanish – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (June 2008)
📜 MS Thesis: Discrete Biodegradable Polymer Architectures by Macromolecular Self-Assembly
📜 BS Thesis: Chemical Changes of Hydrocarbons during Natural Attenuation in Large-Scale Mesocosms

🔬 Research Interests

🌱 The Appel Lab is an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers focused on creating bioinspired soft materials to address critical healthcare challenges. By integrating concepts from supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, and biology, we develop biomaterials that harness the dynamic and responsive properties of natural systems. Our mission is to utilize these technological advancements to deepen our understanding of fundamental biological processes and to engineer advanced healthcare solutions, aiming to reduce health disparities globally.

👨‍💼 Professional Experience

Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies – Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University (Mar 2016 – present)Co-Founder and Chief Technical Advisor – Appel Sauce Studios (Nov 2022 – present)
🧪 Appel Sauce Studios was established to commercialize an injectable hydrogel depot technology developed in the Appel lab at Stanford University, focusing on sustained biopharmaceutical delivery for vaccines and long-acting therapeutics across various therapeutic areas.Co-Founder and Chief Technical Advisor – Surf Bio (Jan 2021 – present)
🌊 Surf Bio was created to commercialize a copolymer excipient technology developed in the Appel lab at Stanford University, enhancing biopharmaceutical stability for next-generation protein therapeutics.Co-Founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Technical Advisor – LaderaTECH (Oct 2018 – May 2020)
🔥 LaderaTECH focused on wildfire prevention technology and was awarded the Department of Energy’s NREL Best Venture Prize in 2020. The company was acquired by Perimeter Solutions in May 2020.Postdoctoral Researcher – David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT (Feb 2013 – Feb 2016)
🧠 Advisor: Prof. Robert S. LangerPhD Researcher – Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, University of Cambridge (Oct 2008 – Jan 2013)
🧑‍🔬 Advisor: Prof. Oren A. SchermanResearcher – Advanced Organic Materials Division, IBM Almaden Research Center (Aug 2007 – Sept 2008)
🧪 Advisors: Dr. Robert D. Miller and Dr. James L. Hedrick

🏆 Selected Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

🏅 Fellow, American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering (2024)🏆 Biomaterials Science Lectureship Award (2023)🏅 Society for Biomaterials Young Investigator Award (2023)🎉 Finalist, Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year – Engineering & Technology (2023)🏅 IUPAC Hanwha-TotalEnergies Young Polymer Scientist Award (2022)🏆 ACS PMSE Young Investigator Symposium (Fall 2019)🎓 Delegate to the 53rd International Achievement Summit, Academy of Achievement (2019)🏆 American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award (2019 – 2022)🏅 American Diabetes Association Junior Faculty Development Award (2018 – 2021)🏆 Hellman Faculty Scholarship (2016 – 2017)🏅 PhRMA Research Starter Award (2016 – 2017)🎓 Frederick E. Terman Faculty Fellowship (2016 – 2018)🏆 Wellcome Trust-MIT Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013 – 2017)🎓 Margaret A. Cunningham Immune Mechanisms in Cancer Research Fellowship Award (2015 – 2016)🏅 NIH National Research Service Award from the NIBIB (awarded and declined) (2013 – 2016)🏆 Jon Weaver PhD Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry (Macro Group UK) (2013)🏅 Graduate Student Award, Materials Research Society (USA) (2012)🎓 Schlumberger PhD Studentship (2008 – 2012)🏅 Doctoral Research Grant, Jesus College, Cambridge (2008 – 2012)🏅 Finalist, California State University Research Competition (2008)

Assessment for Best Researcher Award

Strengths:

  1. Interdisciplinary Expertise:
    Dr. Eric Andrew Appel’s research spans across multiple disciplines, including supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, and bioengineering. His work in developing bioinspired soft materials for healthcare applications demonstrates a deep understanding of the intersection between these fields, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
  2. Innovative Contributions:
    Dr. Appel has co-founded several companies, such as Appel Sauce Studios, Surf Bio, and LaderaTECH, which aim to commercialize innovative technologies developed in his lab. His work on injectable hydrogel depot technology and wildfire prevention solutions showcases his ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical, impactful applications.
  3. Recognition and Awards:
    Dr. Appel has received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including the American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering Fellowship, Biomaterials Science Lectureship Award, and the IUPAC Hanwha-TotalEnergies Young Polymer Scientist Award. These accolades highlight his outstanding contributions to the scientific community.
  4. Leadership and Mentorship:
    As an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Stanford University, Dr. Appel has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. His role in guiding and inspiring young researchers adds significant value to his candidacy.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Collaborative Impact:
    While Dr. Appel has a remarkable track record in founding companies and advancing specific technologies, there could be more emphasis on broader collaborative efforts across different scientific domains. Expanding his collaborative network might enhance his influence on a wider range of research areas.
  2. Public Engagement:
    Although Dr. Appel’s work is highly respected within the academic and scientific communities, increasing his involvement in public science communication could amplify the societal impact of his research. Engaging with a broader audience through public lectures, social media, or popular science publications could further elevate his profile.
  3. Global Research Initiatives:
    Dr. Appel’s research has significant implications for global health and environmental challenges. However, there is an opportunity to engage more directly with international research initiatives and collaborations that address these issues on a global scale, potentially increasing the reach and impact of his work.

 

✍️Publications Top Note :

1. Saponin Nanoparticle Adjuvants Incorporating Toll-Like Receptor Agonists Drive Distinct Immune Signatures and Potent Vaccine Responses

Authors: Ou, B.S., Baillet, J., Filsinger Interrante, M.V., King, N.P., Appel, E.A.

Journal: Science Advances, 2024, 10(32), eadn7187

Abstract: This article explores the use of saponin nanoparticle adjuvants in vaccines, which incorporate Toll-like receptor agonists to drive unique immune responses, enhancing vaccine efficacy.

2. Biomimetic Non-ergodic Aging by Dynamic-to-covalent Transitions in Physical Hydrogels

Authors: Sen, S., Dong, C., D’Aquino, A.I., Yu, A.C., Appel, E.A.

Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2024, 16(25), 32599–32610

Abstract: The research discusses the development of biomimetic hydrogels that exhibit non-ergodic aging through transitions from dynamic to covalent bonding, which can be used for various biomedical applications.

3. Label-Free Composition Analysis of Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography Coupled with a Charged Aerosol Detector

Authors: Tang, S., Pederson, Z., Meany, E.L., Pellett, J.D., Appel, E.A.

Journal: Analytical Chemistry, 2024, 96(15), 5860–5868

Abstract: This study introduces a label-free method for analyzing the composition of supramolecular polymer-nanoparticle hydrogels, using advanced chromatography techniques.

4. Nanoparticle-Conjugated Toll-Like Receptor 9 Agonists Improve the Potency, Durability, and Breadth of COVID-19 Vaccines

Authors: Ou, B.S., Baillet, J., Picece, V.C.T.M., Lopez Hernandez, H., Appel, E.A.

Journal: ACS Nano, 2024, 18(4), 3214–3233

Abstract: This article highlights the development of nanoparticle-conjugated TLR9 agonists to enhance the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, focusing on improved immune responses.

5. Sticky Gels Designed for Tissue-Healing Therapies and Diagnostics

Authors: Bailey, S.J., Appel, E.A.

Journal: Nature, 2024, 625(7995), 455–457

Abstract: This research presents sticky hydrogels engineered for use in tissue-healing therapies and diagnostics, offering a new approach to medical treatments and assessments.

Conclusion:

Dr. Eric Andrew Appel is an exemplary researcher whose interdisciplinary expertise, innovative contributions, and leadership make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to translate fundamental research into practical applications that address critical societal challenges is particularly noteworthy. While there are opportunities to enhance his global impact and public engagement, his current achievements and potential for future contributions position him as a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.