Hi there,

I was born and raised in Peru, a place with a culture I’m very proud of. Growing up, I saw how uneven access to healthcare could be, and it shaped the kind of work I want to do. I’m now studying Chemical Engineering with a Biomedical Engineering minor in the University of Kansas Honors Program, focusing on building science that can make a real difference.

I’ve been involved in research since my freshman year, working in the Berkland Lab and later expanding into other projects in drug delivery and formulation science. You can learn more about my research here.

I also enjoy competing in events that highlight communication, teamwork, and leadership. These experiences keep me grounded in my goal of improving healthcare access in Peru. You can learn more about my honors and awards here.

I'm Maryann

Experience

Research

P2D2 Lab

Undergraduate Research Assistant I May 2025 - Present

Douglas and A. Yvonne Mendenhall Pharm Chem Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Summer 2025

PI: Dr. Michael Hageman, Valentino J. Stella Distinguished Professor

• Investigate how varying phospholipid-to-bile salt ratios in mixed micelles influence the stability and permeability of cyclic peptide drugs, addressing the variability of natural micellar compositions across individuals.

• Designed and executed UPLC-PDA and side-by-side diffusion experiments to quantify peptide flux, half-life, and micelle size under different formulations.

• Applied Empower and Excel to analyze diffusion kinetics and distinguish effects of micelle binding, degradation, and transport.

• Developed clear graphical workflows and quantitative summaries that revealed how higher phospholipid fractions reduced peptide diffusion but enhanced stability, helping refine formulation strategies for oral peptides.

• Presented findings as a poster at the KU Summer Research Symposium, gaining experience communicating technical results to a multidisciplinary audience.

Zhao Lab

Undergraduate Research Assistant I October 2024 - Present

PI: Dr. Ming Zhao

• Independently developed a predictive machine-learning–guided nanoparticle design framework for the oral delivery of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), creating a formulation template adaptable to other protein-based therapies.

• Led all stages of research including literature review, formulation development, data generation, and model training; optimized encapsulation efficiency and controlled release of model proteins.

• Conducted in vitro release studies and physicochemical characterization to evaluate nanoparticle efficacy for gastrointestinal delivery.

• Selected as 1 of 6 undergraduates to give an oral presentation at the AIChE National Student Conference (2025); received 1st place at AIChE Mid-America Regional Conference, 2nd at KU C&PE Research Symposium, and 3rd at AIChE National Poster Competition (Food, Pharma & Biotech II Division).

Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Optimization Center

Assistant Researcher I May 2024 - May 2025

• Independently designed and executed experiments to enhance solubility and thermal stability of NIH-sponsored small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to optimize formulations for preclinical development.

• Conducted analytical testing using UPLC, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA); led troubleshooting efforts to refine protocols and improve reproducibility.

• Delivered technical presentations to NIH collaborators, summarizing formulation outcomes and analytical data in support of go/no-go project decisions.

• Assisted in rodent handling and dosing procedures during pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies; trained in basic animal research protocols.

Berkland Lab

Undergraduate Research Assistant I January 2023 - May 2024

PI: Dr. Cory Berkland

• Conducted independent research on the release kinetics of engineered cationic proinsulin variants from hyaluronic acid–collagen–fibronectin hydrogels for controlled protein delivery applications.

• Research for Credit: Honors Undergraduate Research. Grade: A

• Purified fusion peptides using HiPrep™ 26/10 Desalting Column on the AKTA FPLC system, achieving successful buffer exchange and solubility optimization for downstream functionalization.

• Performed click chemistry conjugation with aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid and insulin control peptides using 4x and 9x equivalents in 25\% DMSO conditions, optimizing labeling efficiency.

• Gained experience with polymer–protein conjugation techniques, biomaterial formulation, and early-stage delivery characterization.

& Recognitions,

Honors

• 2025 Douglas and A. Yvonne Mendenhall Pharm Chem Undergraduate Research Fellowship

• 2025 James C. and Julia Markham Piper Fund

• 2025 Tradition of Excellence Award, Finalist

• 2024 Jennifer Alderdice Homecoming Award, Finalist

• 2024 J. Michael Young Opportunity Award

• F.A.M.E Student Recognition Award for Outstanding Woman Student in Leadership

• The University of Kansas International Excellence Award recipient

• International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) – Graduate with 39 points (Top 5% globally)

Published opinion articles in Excelencia Literaria:

If you enjoy Spanish reading, here is some prose I've written:

Teaching Experience

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Get in touch,

Khuyayki mamay (Lovely mother) by Maryann Melendrez

Watercolor

"Apply science and empower people" - Maryann M.