Research interests: biophysical chemistry and nanotechnology; self-assembly for drug delivery applications and gene therapy
Biography
Professor Shawn Wettig obtained his Ph.D. studying the physical chemistry of novel mixed surfactant/polymer systems with Professor Ron Verrall in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan. His research interests lie in the general areas of biophysical chemistry and nanotechnology; in particular at the interface of these two broadly defined areas. This research involves aspects of physical chemistry, solution thermodynamics, biochemistry and cell biology applied to the study of self-assembling systems. While self-assembly is a readily recognized tool in the design of systems for drug delivery applications, the use of self-assembly in the so-called “bottom-up” construction of nano-particulate systems for drug delivery applications is an emerging field. A key aspect of this research is the design of novel surface-active compounds (surfactants) that, in addition to providing the desired characteristics of self-assembly and control of particle dimensions on the nanometer size scale, can also provide enhanced pharmaceutical applications such as targeted delivery and/or enhanced bio-distribution of an active compound.
Education
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Post-Doctoral Fellow, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 2004-2007
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Post-Doctoral Fellow, Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan, 2001 - 2004
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PhD, Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, 2000
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BSc, University of Lethbridge, 1994
