Welcome!

I’m Lisa – I’m a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Hubbell Lab at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, where I work on vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and chronic inflammatory diseases. I’m currently on the faculty market! I’m applying for jobs to become a tenure-track assistant professor and aim to be a role model for the next generation of aspiring female engineers.

The American Heart Association is funding my postdoctoral research on atherosclerosis, and I committed to #RunWithHeart for the Chicago Marathon. I’m so proud to have completed both of my goals of raising >$1750 for the AHA and running the marathon in less than 4 hours!

I received my Ph.D. in the Anderson and Langer Labs in the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT. Check out my story on MIT News. Prior to starting my Ph.D., I completed an M.Phil. in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh.

Outside of the lab, I’m passionate about enhancing outreach efforts by introducing young women to engineering, promoting equity for underrepresented minorities in STEM, and encouraging scientists to make their work more accessible to the broader public.

I also identify as an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, and an adrenaline junkie. Working out is my self-care – I love running along the lakefront trail in Chicago, swimming in Lake Michigan, weightlifting, rollerblading, rowing, hiking, and snowboarding.

I’m happy to chat about my experiences and career choices. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Contact: volpatti@uchicago.edu