On April 26, Dr. Jessica Larsen was presented with the 2021 Outstanding Woman Faculty Award by Clemson University’s Commission on Women. She is adding this award to a growing list as Dr. Larsen recently received the 2021 National Science Foundation CAREER award and last year’s Bradley Mentoring Award.
Dr. Larsen leads a research program that centers on biomimetic and polymeric materials for drug delivery applications in neurodegenerative disease and other brain disorders. She is a passionate role model both at the university and in the broader community as an Assistant Coach for the Seneca High School Cross Country team.
As a faculty member of our department, Dr. Larsen aims to be an advocate for undergraduate woman as she continuously demonstrates a passion towards the advancement of female scientists. Since beginning as an Assistant Professor in 2017, Dr. Larsen has mentor a total of 44 undergraduate researchers with a high majority (32) of those students being female scientists throughout multiple departments at the university. Dr. Larsen aims to provide her students with research independence so that they are able to gain confidence to present at national and international conferences and publish journal articles.
Dr. Larsen recently asked her students what they want their laboratory to be known for; Among the answers was not only producing high quality scientific products, but also being respectful, considerate members of society who value diversity and inclusion. This is evidence of the inclusive community that Dr. Larsen is trying to build in our department.
Congratulations, Dr. Larsen!