Jennifer West is the Cameron Professor of Bioengineering and the Director of the Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering at Rice University.  Professor West was one of the founding members of the Department of Bioengineering, building it to a top ten program over the past ten years. 

Professor West’s research focuses on the development of novel biofunctional materials.  Part of her program has developed nanoparticle-based approaches to biophotonics therapeutics and diagnostics.  An example of this work is the application of near-infrared absorbing nanoparticles for photothermal tumor ablation.  In animal studies, this therapeutic strategy has demonstrated very high efficacy with minimal side effects or damage to surrounding normal tissues.

In 2000, Professor West founded Nanospectra Biosciences, Inc. to commercialize the nanoparticle-assisted photothermal ablation technology, now called AuroLase.  Nanospectra Biosciences, Inc., located in Houston, TX, is the recipient of a NIST ATP Award.  Professor West is a director of the company.

Professor West has received numerous accolades for her work.  She was listed by MIT Technology Review as one of the 100 most innovative young scientists and engineers world wide.  Other recognitions include the Christopher Columbus Foundation Frank Annunzio Award for scientific innovation, Nanotechnology Now’s Best Discovery of 2003, Small Times Magazine’s Researchers of the Year in 2004, and the Society for Biomaterials Outstanding Young Investigator Award.

Professor West has authored more than 80 research articles.  She also holds 14 patents that have been licensed to seven different companies.  She has lectured at numerous institutions, including Harvard, Harvard Medical School, MIT, FDA, and NCI. 

Professor West is a member of the Bioengineering, Technology, and Surgical Sciences study section at NIH, and has served on numerous other review boards for NIH and NSF.  She has also been a member of the Defense Sciences Study Group.  Her laboratory receives funding from NIH, NSF, and DOD.