Faculty Directory

Zierden, Hannah

Zierden, Hannah

Assistant Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices
Fischell Department of Bioengineering
5112 Clark Hall, 8278 Paint Branch Dr, College Park, MD 20742

Zierden Lab

Dr. Zierden is an Assistant Professor in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at UMD. Dr. Zierden graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. While at OSU, she performed research under the guidance of Dr. David Wood, investigating efficient methods of protein purification. She then joined the ChBE program at Johns Hopkins University, where she earned her Ph.D. under the supervision of Drs. Laura Ensign and Justin Hanes in the Center for Nanomedicine. Her thesis focused on improving vaginal drug delivery during pregnancy, and the resulting work highlighted the need for effective drug delivery in order to understand drug action in the context of disease. In order to better understand biological mechanisms, and master the tools necessary to probe these questions, Dr. Zierden joined the laboratory of Dr. Tracy Bale as a postdoctoral researcher. In the Bale Lab, Dr. Zierden studied how extracellular vesicles from the placenta aid in maternal-fetal communication, and how these biological nanoparticles may play a role in pregnancy outcomes. The Zierden Lab combines these experiences by asking how extracellular vesicles from the maternal vaginal microbiome communicate with the host to dictate both maternal and fetal health outcomes, and how these particles may be used as therapeutics in a wide range of human disease.

The Zierden Lab focuses on rationally engineering next generation therapies aimed at preventing preterm birth, fostering healthy fetal programming, and improving maternal outcomes, with the ultimate goal of promoting human health throughout the lifespan.

 


We are currently looking to hire undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs. Please email Dr. Zierden if you'd like to learn more about our ongoing research projects.

CHBE 250: Computer Methods in Chemical Engineering

Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices invests $200K in the future of biomedical devices, cultivating up-and-coming investigators and immersing them in successful multidisciplinary teams

Designed to bolster young, postdoctoral researchers by pairing them with existing, proven research teams, the fellowship aims to propel the careers of awardees, enabling them to apply for additional grants or faculty positions in the future.

FDA Awards $350K To Researchers Advancing Female Reproductive Care

Two chemical engineers to study safety and biocompatibility of sprayable polymers to reduce intrauterine adhesions.

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Programs Rise to No. 18 Among Public Schools

The department also climbed four spots in the overall category of the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024–25 rankings.

Maryland Academy of Sciences Names Hannah Zierden Outstanding Young Engineer

The assistant professor was recognized for her advances in nanotechnologies for women’s health at a ceremony held Wednesday in Baltimore.

Women’s History Month Spotlight

Dr. Hannah Zierden shares her reflections on Women’s History Month 2023 about the unique skillsets women have to make the world a better place.

Hannah Zierden to Join ChemE Faculty at Maryland This Fall

Zierden’s research will focus on drug therapy for maternal and fetal health.