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The UNT College of Science is proud to celebrate chemistry postdoc Dr. Xueying Ge, who is the 2024 recipient of the Toulouse Dissertation Award! For her dissertation research, Dr. Ge worked with Dr. Shengqian Ma, focusing on materials chemistry, particularly in designing novel drug delivery carriers for use in medicine. 

“My research primarily involved investigating how factors such as pore size, internal environments, and external triggers like temperature, pH, and magnetic fields influence the loading and release behaviors of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs,” she said. “My fascination with nanoparticles began as an undergraduate, where I was intrigued by their unique properties and uniform morphology." 

This curiosity led her to pursue a deeper understanding of the underlying phenomena and mechanics through the study of physics and chemistry. Building on her findings over the years, Dr. Ge has been able to develop three novel drug delivery systems. 
 
“My first drug carrier design has already shown potential in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in atherosclerosis,” she explained. “Additionally, my porous liquid drug carrier has demonstrated its ability to extend circulation times and evade immune responses, laying a strong foundation for future targeted drug delivery and treatment. These advancements not only enhance therapeutic effectiveness but also open new possibilities for more precise and efficient medical applications.” 
 
Dr. Ge came to UNT when she transferred with her mentor Dr. Ma, who moved his research lab here and became the Welch Chair of the chemistry department in 2020. 

“Dr. Ma’s mentorship has profoundly shaped my academic and research journey, and both of us have been impressed by the wealth of research resources available at UNT, which have significantly accelerated my progress,” said Dr. Ge. “The university's supportive environment, cutting-edge facilities, and wide range of opportunities—such as scholarships and other academic support—have greatly contributed to my success.” 
 
Dr. Ge has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards while at UNT, including the 2023 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad, which highlighted the significant impact and high quality of her dissertation work within the field. The Toulouse Dissertation award she received this year was another testament to the impact of her hard work. 

“I was thrilled to receive the Toulouse Dissertation Award, as it not only validated my dedication during my PhD, but also gave me a great boost of confidence in my future research and career,” she said. “This recognition is a significant milestone, reinforcing my passion for scientific discovery and motivating me to continue pursuing impactful work.” 
 
In the coming year, Dr. Ge hopes to secure funding for her research and submit two more papers. Her long-term goal is to advance her career as an independent researcher and make more meaningful contributions to her field.