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Erin Lavik
Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development at University of Maryland Baltimore County
Erin Lavik is a distinguished professor and administrator at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She serves as a Professor of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering and holds the position of Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT).12
Dr. Lavik's academic background is impressive, having earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).13 Her research focuses on engineering polymers to protect and repair the nervous system and treat trauma more broadly.1 Some of her notable projects include:
- Developing intravenously administered nanoparticles to stop internal bleeding
- Creating drug delivery systems for eye diseases
- Printing tissue models for high-throughput screening applications1
Throughout her career, Dr. Lavik has received numerous accolades, including:
- The TR100 award in 2003
- The NIH Director's New Innovator Award in 2010
- Fellowship of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers in 2014
- Fellowship of the Biomedical Engineering Society in 201913
Dr. Lavik is known for her innovative approach to education, developing classes that incorporate interdisciplinary elements. For instance, she created a materials science class that teaches the subject in the context of scientists' stories and social justice concepts.3 She also collaborates with the theater department to train UMBC students in dramatizing science modules for middle schoolers.1
In August 2023, Dr. Lavik took on a new role as the second Deputy Director and first Chief Technology Officer of the Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) at the National Cancer Institute.3 In this position, she focuses on applying emerging technologies to cancer prevention and control.


