Grants

This year, we are proud to highlight two exceptional grant finalists—research teams from the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Engineering—whose projects reflect the spirit of Women & Philanthropy.

Thanks to an exceptional year of fundraising—and in honor of this milestone moment—Women & Philanthropy is poised to do something truly extraordinary. Pending member certification, we plan to fully fund both grant projects, delivering more than $100,000 in research support.

Ants as biosensors

Assistant Professor Dr. Rachelle Adams and her team are researching how ants' ability to detect chemical signals could improve early cancer diagnosis, especially for underserved communities. The project combines scientific research with art exhibitions, student presentations, and outreach to inspire broader support and engagement. Funding from Women & Philanthropy will enhance lab capacity and offer undergraduates hands-on research, blending science, art, and mentorship to advance accessible, evidence-based cancer detection.

Breathe Easy: A new era of gene therapy for rare lung disease

Assistant Professor Dr. Tatiana Cuellar-Gaviria and her biomedical engineering team are working to develop safer, non-viral therapies for rare lung diseases like lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), which mainly affects women and is underfunded. Using engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny cell-derived particles—they aim to deliver healthy genes directly to damaged lung tissue with improved precision and safety. The project’s goals are more effective and safer treatments, increased hope for patients, and the empowerment of women scientists through mentorship and leadership in advancing women's health research.