Assistant Professor
5 Innovation Way Suite 200, Room 148
Newark, DE 19711
P: 302-831-8481
E: emilyday@udel.edu
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. in Bioengineering, 2011, Rice University
- B.S. in Physics, Minor in Mathematics, 2006, University of Oklahoma
RESEARCH AREAS
- Nanomedicine
- Optical molecular imaging
- Translational cancer research
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Dr. Day uses a multidisciplinary approach to engineer nanomaterials with unique physical and chemical properties so that they can be used to transform the study, detection, and treatment of cancer. Since molecular alterations promote tumor progression, logic dictates this disease should be combated at the nanoscale. Through careful design of nanoparticles’ architecture and surface chemistry, Dr. Day seeks to understand the structure/function relationship between these nanomaterials and complex biological systems, and then apply this knowledge to develop and implement advanced nanomaterials that solve key challenges in oncology. Specifically, she aims to create innovative nanoparticle-based platforms that can: penetrate biological barriers to enter diseased tissues and cells; provide minimally invasive imaging to ensure complete removal of cancer cells from diseased sites; enable synergistic gene regulation and photothermal therapy in order to treat primary tumors and metastases, and; release payloads intratumorally based upon intracellular cues or external activation. Ultimately, Dr. Day aims to transition the technologies developed in her lab from concept to clinical application and expand their use to diseases beyond cancer. Students and postdocs interested in working with Dr. Day can anticipate performing basic and translational research at the interface of medicine, biology, chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. For information about joining the lab, please email Dr. Day outlining your specific interests and attach a copy of your CV.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Jensen SA*, Day ES*, Ko CH*, Hurley LA, et al. Spherical Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle Conjugates as an RNAi-Based Therapy for Glioblastoma. Science Translational Medicine (2013); 5(209): 209ra152. *Equal contribution. Featured cover article.
Day ES, Zhang L, Thompson PA, et al. Vascular-Targeted Photothermal Therapy of an Orthotopic Murine Glioma Model. Nanomedicine (2012); 7(8): 1133-1148. Day ES, Thompson PA, Zhang L, et al. Nanoshell-Mediated Photothermal Therapy Improves Survival in a Murine Glioma Model. Journal of Neuro-Oncology (2011); 104(1): 55-63.
Day ES, Bickford LR, Slater JH, et al. Antibody-Conjugated Gold-Gold Sulfide Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Agents for Imaging and Therapy of Breast Cancer. International Journal of Nanomedicine. (2010); 5: 445-454.