Eric Appel

Eric Appel has extensive work experience in academia and industry, primarily focusing on the development of innovative materials and technologies for various applications. Eric is currently an Associate Professor at Stanford University, where they lead the Appel Lab. The lab's research integrates concepts from supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and biology to develop supramolecular biomaterials for solving biological questions and advancing healthcare solutions. Prior to their current position, Appel served as an Assistant Professor at Stanford University, where they started in March 2016.

In addition to their academic roles, Appel has also co-founded and served as the Chief Technical Advisor at Surf Bio, a company that is leveraging technology developed in the Appel Lab to enhance drug delivery. Surf Bio is currently in the pre-clinical stage and aims to conduct a first-in-human trial soon.

Furthermore, Appel co-founded and held executive positions at LaderaTech, a company focused on commercializing wildfire prevention technology developed in the Appel Lab. LaderaTech was recognized with the Department of Energy's NREL Best Venture Prize in 2020 and was later acquired by Perimeter Solutions.

Before their tenure at Stanford, Appel gained valuable research experience at prestigious institutions such as MIT and the University of Cambridge. At MIT, they worked as a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellow alongside Professor Robert S. Langer on the role of mechanical cues in pluripotent stem cell fate decisions. During their time at the University of Cambridge, Appel pursued their Ph.D. under the guidance of Oren A. Scherman, focusing on the development of stimuli-responsive and self-healing injectable hydrogels for sustained drug delivery.

Appel's career began at IBM, where they served as a Research Assistant and contributed to the development of biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric systems for controlled drug delivery applications.

Overall, Eric Appel has accumulated a diverse range of experiences and accomplishments in both academia and industry, demonstrating their expertise in materials science and advanced technology development.

Eric Appel has a strong educational background in the field of Chemistry. Eric completed their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo from 2002 to 2006. During this time, they also pursued a minor in Spanish Language and Literature. Following their undergraduate studies, Eric went on to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Polymer Chemistry from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, which they completed between 2006 and 2008. Afterward, they pursued further academic endeavors and obtained a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge, where they studied from 2008 to 2012.