Biography
He's research is centered on engineering sustained-release drug delivery systems for HIV prevention, with a particular focus on polymer-based vaginal film platforms. She investigates how formulation composition and processing parameters influence microstructure, mechanical integrity, mucoadhesion, and long-term drug release performance. By integrating materials science, mechanistic characterization, and preclinical evaluation, her work aims to advance long-acting prevention technologies toward clinical translation.
Honors / Awards
- First Place, University of Pittsburgh Three-Minute Thesis Competition (2025) Audience’s Choice Award, CRS 2025 Annual Meeting & Exposition YSC Workshop Young Scientist Travel Award, CRS 2025 Annual Meeting Graduate Program Council Travel Award, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy (2025) Selected Podium Oral Presenter, School of Pharmacy Research Retreat (2023, 2025) First Prize Scholarship & Outstanding Graduate, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University (2022)
Presentations
- Identification of Influential Process Parameters in Polymeric Film Manufacturing. AAPS Pharmaceutical Science Research Symposium 2026— Selected Podium Presentation. Machine Learning–Driven Characterization of Topical Films Designed by D-Optimal Approach. 2025 School of Pharmacy Research Retreat — Selected Podium Presentation. A Novel Vaginal Film for HIV Prevention Achieves One-Month Drug Release in Pigtail Macaques. Controlled Release Society (CRS) 2025 Annual Meeting — Selected Young Scientist Travel Award Podium Presentation. Development of a Simple and Discriminatory In Vitro Method for Evaluating Mucoadhesion of Vaginal Drug Products. AAPS Pharmaceutical Science Research Symposium 2025 — Selected Podium Presentation. Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Mucin Hydrogel as an Alternative In Vitro Method for Evaluating Mucoadhesion of Vaginal Thin Films. Research Day in Reproductive Sciences & Women’s Health 2025 — Poster Presentation.
Research Interests
I specialize in pharmaceutical formulation and drug product development, with experience spanning preformulation, process optimization, and scale-up–relevant studies for both small molecules and biologics. I apply Quality-by-Design (QbD) frameworks and multivariate Design of Experiments (DoE) to define critical quality attributes, establish design space, and support regulatory-aligned development. My expertise includes biophysical and physicochemical characterization, manufacturability assessment, and cross-functional collaboration in translational CMC environments.In the News
Students present at annual PSRS at West Virginia University
Pitt Pharmacy graduate students from Dr. Kerry Empey’s lab (photo on right) presented their research posters on Saturday at the...
Helena Zhang receives People’s Choice Award at Controlled Release Society Meeting
Congratulations to PhD candidate Helena Zhang who received the People’s Choice Award for her podium presentation “A novel vaginal film...
Helena Zhang wins University of Pittsburgh Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition
Congratulations to PhD candidate Helena Zhang, who placed FIRST in the University of Pittsburgh Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, held...
