First Year in the University of Delaware's Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program focused on developing novel immunotherapies.Immunotherapies take advantage of existing biological mechanisms within our bodies' immune systems and trigger these pathways to target and treat various diseases. My research focuses on engineering nanoparticles that can manipulate the phenotypical balance of macrophages to induce a more favorable response from the immune system, centering around treating various types of maladies found in the lungs through direct delivery of aerosolized nanoparticles.My diverse academic and research background grants me the perspective to holistically tackle this topic, pulling from my previous research in determining novel gene targets for targeted therapies for breast cancer, my B.S. in chemical and biomolecular engineering, and my current education. This background allows me to select new nanoparticle chemistry for more precise control of macrophage response and to develop a mechanistic description of the pathways we exploit. I remain grateful and excited for the mentorship of my academic advisor, Dr. Catherine Fromen, whose insights in nanoparticle design and immunotherapies provide extraordinary guidance.