University of Kentucky
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Cellular Bioengineering Laboratory
Samantha Meenach
Graduate Student
Chemical and Materials Engineering
Office: ASTeCC 241
Ph No. 859-218-6507
E-mail: samantha.meenach@gmail.com
Samantha Meenach is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in May 2005 and her Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in August 2007. Prior to beginning her graduate work at UK, she spent a year as a graduate student at Arizona State University in Dr. Joseph Wang's laboratory at the Biodesign Institute. As an undergraduate, Samantha participated in two Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs at the University of South Carolina and the University of Kentucky. She also presented her undergraduate research under the guidance of Dr. Kimberly Anderson at multiple American Institute of Chemical Engineers conventions.
Samantha's current project in the laboratory is in collaboration with Dr. J. Zach Hilt, a professor of Chemical Engineering at UK. This project involves evaluating the cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility and heating properties of various novel nanomaterials including magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites. These nanocomposites are comprised of various types of monomers and crosslinkers with embedded iron oxide nanoparticles. The iron oxide nanoparticles provide the hydrogels the ability to be heated with an alternating magnetic field. This allows for the materials to be used in applications such as drug delivery and hyperthermia treatment for cancer.