Daniela Cruz

Daniela Cruz is a research biomedical engineer at RTI, specializing in the development of innovative biodegradable subcutaneous implants for controlled drug delivery. Dr. Cruz serves as a technical lead on projects aimed at delivering antiretrovirals for HIV prevention and treatment, as well as hormone therapies. Dr. Cruz's current research also explores the delivery of macromolecules through these implant systems to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Before joining RTI, Dr. Cruz was a graduate research fellow at Duke University in a nanophotonics lab, where she developed a plasmonically enhanced point-of-care immunoassay, reducing the need for costly fluorescence detectors. During her time at Duke, Dr. Cruz gained extensive experience in nanofabrication, surface-initiated polymerization, surface characterization, use of optical laboratory equipment, and cleanroom techniques.