On this episode of STEM Essential, Jeff Weld speaks with Balaji Narasimhan, PhD about the production of vaccines and nanovaccines.

2:49 Dr. Narasimhan discusses his education background. Born in India to a geologist and economist, Dr. Narasimhan's family practically had STEM in their DNA. He earned an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. He then earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University. He has been with Iowa State for 20 years, researching nanovaccines.  

8:23 Dr. Narasimhan discusses the triad of nanoscience, material science, and medicine that makes up his work. His research looks at how medicines and vaccines can be more effective.

12:24 Dr. Narasimhan discusses the work of the Nanovaccine Institute at Iowa State University. 

18:12 Dr. Narasimhan discusses current technology for delivering vaccines to cells, including those for the current COVID-19 vaccines, and the differences for nanovaccines in development.

23:26 Dr. Narasimhan discusses the cost and effectiveness of nanovaccines compared to currently available vaccines. 

26:49 Dr. Narasimhan discusses the possible effectiveness of nanovaccines against COVID-19 variants.

28:31 Dr. Narasimhan discusses the potential release date of the nanovaccine.

31:07 Dr. Narasimhan discusses the importance of funding in research.

33:25 Dr. Narasimhan gives advice for Iowa students interested in STEM careers.