The Bajpayee Lab @ Northeastern

Ambika Bajpayee is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University, where she directs the Molecular Bioelectrostatics and Drug Delivery Laboratory. Her research focuses on the design of targeted therapeutics by integrating bioelectrostatics, molecular engineering, and biophysical transport principles to enable drug and gene delivery in dense, negatively charged tissues. Dr. Bajpayee earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has a multidisciplinary background spanning biomechanics, transport modeling, and biomaterials. Her lab develops next-generation peptide-based carriers and extracellular vesicle platforms for applications in cartilage repair, pain modulation, and gene delivery in osteoarthritis and related diseases. Prior to academia, she worked in the biotech industry on the development and FDA approval of orthopedic and dental implants. Her honors include the U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), NSF CAREER Award, NIH Trailblazer Award, Department of Defense Discovery Award, Biomaterials Science Investigator Award, and the MIT Meredith Kamm Award. Her research is supported by the NIH, NSF, Department of Defense, and pharmaceutical industry partnerships, with a strong emphasis on translation from fundamental science to clinical application.

Dr. Bajpayee was also recognized by the World Bank for her contributions to women’s and children’s health. She supports scientific and social service initiatives towards education and medical needs of children and young people through the Aarav Amar Bajpayee Foundation for Children. Outside of the lab, Ambika loves to spend time with her family, oil paint, play chess, cook and travel to faraway lands.

• 2013 Meredith Kamm Memorial Award in Mechanical Engineering
• 2013 MIT Graduate Women of Excellence Award
• 2011 Legatum Foundation Fellow
• 2011 World Bank Margaret McNamara Memorial Fellowship for service in women and children’s health
• 2000 National Talent Search Examination Scholarship, Govt. of India
• 2000 All India Chess Federation Open FIDE Delhi, Semifinalist -Youth