Paula T. Hammond

Paula Hammond in 2023

Paula T. Hammond is an American chemical engineer and the David H. Koch Professor in Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She is a leading researcher in the field of biomaterials and nanotechnology, with a focus on the development of new materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Early Life and Education

Paula T. Hammond was born in Detroit, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from MIT in 1984. She then went on to receive her Master of Science degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1988. Hammond returned to MIT to complete her Ph.D. in chemical engineering in 1993 under the supervision of Michael F. Rubner.

Career

After completing her Ph.D., Hammond joined the faculty at MIT in 1995. She has since become a prominent figure in the field of chemical engineering, particularly known for her work on layer-by-layer assembly techniques for creating nanostructured materials. Her research has significant implications for drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and cancer treatment.

Hammond's work has led to the development of novel polymeric nanoparticles that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to tumors, minimizing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. She has also contributed to the design of scaffolds for tissue engineering that can promote the growth of new tissues and organs.

Awards and Honors

Paula T. Hammond has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to science and engineering. Some of these include:

• Election to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)
• Election to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)
• The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Charles M. A. Stine Award
• The American Chemical Society (ACS) Award in Applied Polymer Science

Personal Life

Hammond is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. She has been actively involved in mentoring young scientists and engineers, particularly women and underrepresented minorities.

See Also

• Chemical engineering
• Biomaterials
• Nanotechnology
• Drug delivery
• Tissue engineering
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology