Sandy joined the Wyss Institute in 2023 as a staff scientist in the Immuno-Materials platform. Before joining the Wyss, Sandy played a pivotal role in the design, synthesis, and structural characterization of reticular biomaterials using multi-step synthesis techniques. Her doctoral research focused on developing copper-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and encapsulating them with bioactive phenolic compounds for targeted delivery in gastrointestinal cancers. To optimize drug loading, Sandy employed acid etching techniques to engineer the framework, creating a hierarchical porous structure capable of accommodating larger drug molecules while maintaining the overall integrity of the framework. Additionally, she improved the stability of the MOF crystal by growing copper-based nanoflowers onto the surface, resulting in a hierarchical core-shell nanocomposite. Sandy’s current research interests lie in exploring the inherent immunomodulatory properties of nanomaterials and their potential to regulate the immune response. She holds a B.S. in Clinical Research from Campbell University in North Carolina, an M.S. in Chemistry from the Purdue School of Science, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from UAE University. During her academic journey, Sandy worked closely with Omar Yaghi’s group at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on MOF and COF synthesis.