Eva Chi

Google Scholar

Research

Supra-biomolecular assemblies form the structural basis of life. They range from nanometer in length scale, for example, the thickness of lipid membranes, to micrometers, the lengths of microtubules that forms the cytoskeleton. They are chemically diverse, those building blocks include lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, and formidably complex. Our multidisciplinary research program is focused on understanding the underlying interactions that drive the structure, dynamics, and function of biomolecular assemblies. We are particularly interested in protein assemblies and their related biological consequences. For example, the misfolding and assembly of intrinsically disordered amyloid proteins into ordered fibrillar aggregates underlie the pathogenesis of a myriad of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. As the abnormal protein assembly process is believed to occur decades before the onset of symptoms, they are ideal biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We are working on developing novel molecular probes for sensing amyloid protein aggregates that can lead to early disease detection and intervention.

Professional Experience 

• Professor, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering* and Department of Chemistry • University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.
• 2015 - Present: Associate Chair and Director of Undergraduate Program, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering • University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
• 2014 - Present: Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering • University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
• 2008 - 2014: Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical & Nuclear Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering • University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
• 2004 - 2008: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Chemistry and Institiure for Biophysical Dynamics • The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Selected Awards and Honors

UNM Women in STEM Award (2017)
Regents' Lecturer (2017)
School of Engineering Regents’ Lecturer (2016 – 2019)
School of Engineering Junior Faculty Research Award (2014)
NSF CAREER Award (2012)
AVS Biomaterials Interface Division Young Investigator Award (2010)
Alzheimer’s Association New Investigator Research Grant Award (2009)
Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Ralph Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2009)
NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2004 – 2007)
American Institute of Chemists Graduate Award (2004)
NIH Leadership Training in Pharmaceutical Technology Fellowship (2003)
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2001 – 2004)
Professor Serge N. Timasheff Award – Excellence in Graduate Studies in the Field of Protein Stability Research (2003)

Patents:

• Antiviral methods and compositions, DG Whitten, KS Schanze, LK Ista, PL Donabedian, EYH Chi, FA Monge, US Patent App. 17/452,296, 2022

Selected Publications:

• Amyloid-Membrane Interactions in Protein Misfolding Disorders: From Basic Mechanisms to Therapy. N Vassallo, C Galvagnion, EY Chi, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 10, 870791-870791, 2022.

• Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of amyloid-beta aggregates, F Maghsoodi, EY Chi, Biophysical Journal 121 (3), 426a, 2022.

• Rapid and Effective Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 with a Cationic Conjugated Oligomer with Visible Light: Studies of Antiviral Activity in Solutions and on Supports, K Kaya, M Khalil, B Fetrow, H Fritz, P Jagadesan, V Bondu, L Ista, EY Chi, ACS applied materials & interfaces 14 (4), 4892-4898   , 2022.

• Understanding the Photochemical Properties of Polythiophene Polyelectrolyte Soft Aggregates with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate for Antimicrobial Activity, MY Livshits, J Yang, F Maghsoodi, A Scheberl, SM Greer, MI Khalil, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 13 (47), 55953-55965, 2021.

• Leveraging Students’ Funds of Knowledge in Chemical Engineering Design Challenges Supports Persistence Intentions, Y Chen, SP Kang, JO James, E Chi, JR Gomez, SM Han, AK Datye, Journal of Chemical Education 99 (1), 83-91, 2021.

• Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Care in Chemical Engineering, K Ferris, P Kang, M Wilson-Fetrow, V Svihla, J Gomez, Y Chen, SC Davis, 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, 2021

• The educative design problem framework: Relevance, sociotechnical complexity, accessibility, and nondeterministic high ceilings, V Svihla, M Wilson-Fetrow, Y Chen, AK Datye, SM Han, E Chi, J Gomez, 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, 2021.

• Pandemic pivots show sustained faculty change, SC Davis, Y Chen, V Svihla, M Wilson-Fetrow, P Kang, AK Datye, SM Han, 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, 2021