Andrea del Valle

About Me

I am a dedicated and experienced scientist specializing in nanotechnology research and pharmaceutical drug development. I develop innovative therapies for cancer and metabolic diseases. My primary focus is on translating cutting-edge research into practical industry applications.

Education and Professional Development

• 2025-Present: Research affiliated with KISCO. 
• 2023-2025: Post-Doctoral Researcher, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden (KIRI grant postdoctoral fellow developing nanotherapeutics for dysfunctional placenta)
• 2021-2023: Post-Doctoral Studies, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden (studies on invasion growth patterns of cancer liver metastases)
• 2020-2021: Researcher, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan (drug development within a national initiative, responsible for wet-lab drug development and data presentation/marketing)
• 2014-2020: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan (Thesis: “Photo-Responsive Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Tumors”)
• 2016-2018: Professional Certificate in Genetics and Genomics, Stanford University, USA
• 2010-2014: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

Extracurricular Activities

• 2022-2023 Secretary, Swedish Network of Postdoc Association (SNPA), Sweden
• 2020-Present: Active Member, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Guatemala
• 2022-2023: Chair, Karolinska Institutet Postdoctorate Association (KIPA), Sweden
• 2015-2018: Coordinator and Educator, Advanced Level Biology, Hsinchu International School, Taiwan
• 2014-2016: Teaching Assistant, Biochemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

Academic Honors and Awards

• 2022: KI Innovations Start project
• 2019: Outstanding Student Oral Presentation Award, IADDS-BCRS meeting
• 2017: Outstanding Oral Presentation Award, isCEBT meeting, Tohoku University, Japan
• 2015: Outstanding Poster Award, International Symposium on Chemical and Polyscale Technologies, Taiwan
• 2014-2018: National Tsing Hua University International Ph.D. Student Scholarship
• 2014: Taiwan’s Government Academic Award
• 2014: Chapin Forte Award for Scientific Discoveries, Donovan Werke Pharmaceuticals, Guatemala
• 2009-2014: Taiwan Scholarship Award

My research sits at the intersection of nanotechnology, oncology, and bioengineering, with a strong translational focus on overcoming therapy resistance and improving cancer treatment in diverse populations. I develop and apply advanced nanotherapeutic platforms and organ-on-a-chip models to dissect tumor-stroma interactions, drug delivery barriers, and mechanisms of resistance in solid tumors, particularly in the context of liver metastasis and desmoplastic cancers.

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I am particularly interested in how interdisciplinary approaches combining nanomaterials, patient-derived organoids, microfluidics, and clinical data can accelerate the development of more effective, personalized cancer therapies and support equitable implementation across different healthcare settings.​

I design and engineer smart nanocarriers and stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms for targeted cancer therapy, with a focus on overcoming multidrug resistance and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. My work includes:​

• NIR‑activatable gold nanostars and platinum‑decorated nanostructures for combined photothermal/ferroptotic therapy and chemo‑photodynamic treatment.​
• ROS‑responsive and cleavable nanocarriers that release drugs selectively in the tumor, enhancing therapeutic index while minimizing off‑target toxicity.​
• Development of nanotherapeutics that modulate the tumor stroma and vascular niche to improve drug penetration and immune cell infiltration.​

These platforms are evaluated in physiologically relevant models, including patient‑derived organoids and organ‑on‑a‑chip systems, to bridge the gap between nanomaterial design and clinical translation.

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My oncology research focuses on understanding and therapeutically targeting the complex interplay between cancer cells, stromal components, and the immune system, especially in aggressive and therapy‑resistant cancers. Key aspects include:

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• Investigating the origin and function of idiosyncratic, zonated stroma in desmoplastic liver metastases and its role in promoting tumor progression and treatment resistance.​
• Studying mechanisms of drug resistance (e.g., multidrug resistance, ferroptosis evasion) and developing nanotherapeutic strategies to overcome them.​
• Integrating molecular profiling, imaging, and functional assays to identify vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment that can be exploited therapeutically.​

This work aims to translate mechanistic insights into novel combination therapies that are more effective and less toxic for patients.

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I use patient‑derived organoids and microfluidic organ‑on‑a‑chip technologies to create human‑relevant, dynamic models of cancer and its microenvironment. My contributions in this area include:​

• Developing and applying tumor organoid‑on‑a‑chip platforms that recapitulate key features of the tumor microenvironment, including perfusion, mechanical cues, and stromal interactions.​
• Using these models for high‑throughput drug screening, immunotherapy testing, and personalized therapy prediction, with a focus on improving clinical predictability.​
• Integrating nanotherapeutics with organ‑on‑a‑chip systems to study real‑time drug delivery, biodistribution, and response in a controlled, human‑relevant setting.​

This approach enables a more physiologically accurate assessment of novel therapies and supports the development of precision oncology strategies.

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I am actively involved in initiatives that connect and empower scientific diaspora communities, particularly from Latin America and other underrepresented regions, to strengthen global scientific capacity and equity. My work in this area includes:​

• Co‑organizing and contributing to diaspora networks that foster collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange between researchers abroad and institutions in their home countries.​
• Promoting inclusive scientific networking and shared learning as tools to address regional disparities in research infrastructure, funding, and training.​
• Advocating for policies and programs that facilitate sustainable engagement of the scientific diaspora in science diplomacy, capacity building, and translational research for global health.​

These efforts complement my technical research by ensuring that innovations in nanomedicine and cancer models are developed and evaluated with a global health perspective.​

Spring 2026:

Medical Wearable Devices, UVG, Guatemala (Course Director)

Fall 2025:
Stem Cells and Organoids Models with Focus on Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska
Institutet, Sweden
Organs on a Chip and Bioreactors, UVG, Guatemala (Course Director)

Spring 2025:

Medical Wearable Devices, UVG, Guatemala (Course Director)

Fall 2024:
Stem Cells and Organoids Models with Focus on Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska
Institutet, Sweden
Organs on a Chip and Bioreactors, UVG, Guatemala (Course Director)

Spring 2024:
Medical Wearable Devices, UVG, Guatemala (Course Director)

Fall 2023:
Glucose Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Ergometry and Lactate Analysis, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Stem Cells and Organoids Models, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Organs on a Chip and Bioreactors, UVG, Guatemala (Course Director)

2015-2018:
AP Biology and Science Educator, HIS, Taiwan (Course Director)

2014-2016:
Teaching Assistant, Biochemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan