Professor Jessica Larsen began her academic career at the University of Virginia, obtaining her BS in Chemical Engineering in 2012. She obtained her PhD in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University where she was able to perform research under Drs. Mark Byrne in Chemical Engineering and Doug Martin in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Professor Larsen is the research mentor for multiple PhD students, and as many as 20 undergraduate students a semester. In her undergraduate mentoring efforts, she has received the Phil and Mary Bradley Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry. She was also selected as the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Woman at Clemson University. Professor Jessica Larsen works at the interface of neurodegenerative disease biology and biomaterials science, using a disease-based approach to polymer delivery system design. Her group tailors polymer-based systems, including nanoparticles and hydrogels, to respond to pathophysiologic changes in the brain. Major efforts include amelioration of brain disease, in situ diagnostic tool development, identification of novel biomarkers, and improved imaging agents. She received the NSF CAREER Award in the Spring of 2021. Personally, Professor Larsen is engaged in the local community as a Cross-Country coach at Seneca High School. This past fall, her team won the state championship in Cross Country for the third year in a row.
