Alexandra Adams is a PhD student in Chemical Engineering at Stanford University. She received her B.S. from Miami University (OH) in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Spanish Linguistics in 2021. At Miami, Alexandra worked in the lab of Dr. Andrew Jones and developed the first prokaryotic host capable of recombinant production of psilocybin. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked to make STEM and research accessible by hosting Engineering Exploration Days for middle school students and mentoring the newer members of the lab.
At Stanford, Alexandra studies novel molecular reagents for biosensing in H. Tom Soh’s group in Electrical Engineering and Radiology. She investigates the properties of DNA aptamers and antibodies for rapid, point-of-care detection of clinically valuable proteins and small molecules. She is interested in creating new reagents to help clinicians better provide accurate and fast diagnoses to patients.
Outside of research, Alexandra is passionate about encouraging students to succeed. She partakes in the mentoring of undergraduates in STEM at Miami and first-year graduate students in engineering at Stanford. She spends her free time in California’s sunny weather, exploring new hiking trails and participating in local wine tastings.