Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Awards
Languages
Selected Publications And Presentations
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
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KATHERINE MIRANDA-MUNOZ

Fayetteville,AR

Summary

Innovative, results-driven Ph.D. Researcher in Biomedical Engineering with extensive experience in polymeric biomaterials, drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and commercialization strategies. Highly adaptable to diverse research topics, and committed to exploring new scientific areas while managing multiple projects simultaneously. Background in developing biodegradable microneedle patches for veterinary applications, fabricating nerve tissue phantoms for biomedical imaging, and contributing to regenerative medicine initiatives. Adept at translating research into industry solutions, securing funding, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Passionate about leveraging scientific expertise for pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology applications, while fostering meaningful collaborations across disciplines.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Assistant, Polymeric Biomaterials Lab

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
07.2021 - 05.2025
  • Led the development and optimization of biodegradable microneedle patches for veterinary applications, demonstrating controlled meloxicam delivery through in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.
  • Managed multidisciplinary collaborations with veterinarians, pharmaceutical scientists, and engineers, contributing to research advancements, and securing competitive funding through fellowships and grants.
  • Published and presented research findings in high-impact journals (e.g., ACS Nano) and at international conferences, effectively communicating results through reports, presentations, and articles.
  • Conducted and analyzed experiments, setting up, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory equipment, while reviewing data, interpreting results, and identifying potential errors or areas for improvement.
  • Oversaw research operations, managing multiple projects, maintaining accurate records, supervising inventory, and ensuring efficient lab workflows.
  • Engaged in professional development and knowledge expansion, participating in training, conducting literature reviews, and contributing insights to explore new research directions.

Research & Development Intern

YAYA Scientific
Franklin, TN
05.2024 - 08.2024
  • Developed and tested nerve tissue phantoms for medical imaging applications, designing and conducting experiments to optimize material properties and functionality.
  • Implemented Python-based data analysis and statistical techniques to evaluate experimental outcomes, enhance product performance, and improve scalability.
  • Provided technical reports and recommendations, summarizing test results, optimizing processes, and contributing to product development and improvement strategies.
  • Collaborated on engineering and research initiatives, calibrating equipment, assisting in new product development, and participating in team meetings and brainstorming sessions to drive innovation.

Commercialization Fellow

Science Venture Studio
Fayetteville, AR
08.2023 - 12.2023
  • Assisted biotech startups in securing non-dilutive federal funding, including SBIR/STTR grants
  • Conducted market analysis and go-to-market strategies for emerging biomedical technologies
  • Supported technology transfer efforts by aligning academic research with industry commercialization goals

Undergraduate Mentor

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
05.2018 - 08.2019
  • Mentored undergraduate students, providing academic and professional guidance, including course selection, internships, career development, and graduate school preparation.
  • Advised international and underrepresented students, helping them navigate university resources, research opportunities, and career pathways.
  • Conducted peer advising and counseling sessions, addressing personal and academic challenges, while offering support in resume writing, interview skills, and job searches.
  • Led student engagement initiatives, planned service activities, monitored academic progress, and implemented programs to enhance student success and community interaction.

Education

Ph.D. - Biomedical Engineering

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
05.2025

Graduate Certificate - Entrepreneurship

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
12-2024

M.S. - Biomedical Engineering

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
12-2022

B.S. - Biomedical Engineering

University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
05-2021

Skills

  • Microscopy Imaging and Analysis (Fluorescent, Confocal, SEM)
  • Cryosectioning and histological/tissue preparation
  • Biomaterials Processing and Characterization
  • Microneedle Fabrication and Characterization
  • Drug Release and Pharmacokinetic Studies
  • Analytical Techniques (FTIR, HPLC)
  • Python & MATLAB Programming
  • Regulatory and Quality Compliance
  • Market and Data Analysis
  • Project management
  • Technical and Scientific Writing
  • Teamwork and Collaboration

Affiliations

  • Sigma Xi the Scientific Research Honor Society
  • Tau Beta Pi (Arkansas, Alpha) the Engineering Honor Society
  • The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
  • The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
  • The Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
  • The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
  • Volunteer Action Center
  • Gamma Eta Sorority, Inc. (GH)
  • Panamanian Student Organization (PSO).

Awards

  • Finalist, The Arkansas Governor's Cup – Graduate Division, AnimalHealth Innovator
  • Kaneaster and Ruth Lindley Hodges Entrepreneurial Fellowship – Exceptional Ph.D. Student, Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship
  • Reginald R. 'Barney' & Jameson A. Baxter Graduate Fellowship
  • Healthcare Innovation Sprint Honor Project Winner
  • Seed Funding Pitch Competition, AnimalHealth Innovator
  • Winrock International Science Venture Studio Commercialization Fellowship
  • BMEG Community Engagement Fellowship, College of Engineering Fellowship
  • First Place, Engineering Division, Undergraduate Research Week Poster Competition

Languages

  • English, Fluent
  • Spanish, Native

Selected Publications And Presentations

  • A Multicomponent Microneedle Patch for the Delivery of Meloxicam for Veterinary Applications, ACS Nano, 2024
  • Conference Presenter, SACNAS NDiSTEM, LatinXChem, BMES, SFB, AIChE, and other national and regional scientific meetings

Accomplishments

· Kaneaster and Ruth Lindley Hodges Entrepreneurial Fellowship – Exceptional Ph.D. Student, Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship

· Reginald R. 'Barney' & Jameson A. Baxter Graduate Fellowship

· Healthcare Innovation Sprint Honor Project Winner

· Seed Funding Pitch Competition, AnimalHealth Innovator

· Winrock International Science Venture Studio Commercialization Fellowship

· BMEG Community Engagement Fellowship, College of Engineering Fellowship

· First Place, Engineering Division, Undergraduate Research Week Poster Competition

Languages

English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

Research & Development Intern

YAYA Scientific
05.2024 - 08.2024

Commercialization Fellow

Science Venture Studio
08.2023 - 12.2023

Research Assistant, Polymeric Biomaterials Lab

University of Arkansas
07.2021 - 05.2025

Undergraduate Mentor

University of Arkansas
05.2018 - 08.2019

Ph.D. - Biomedical Engineering

University of Arkansas

Graduate Certificate - Entrepreneurship

University of Arkansas

M.S. - Biomedical Engineering

University of Arkansas

B.S. - Biomedical Engineering

University of Arkansas
KATHERINE MIRANDA-MUNOZ