Erika Moore, Ph.D., Rhines Rising Star Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2021.

Dr. Moore’s achievements, chosen by Forbes’ editors and industry judges from thousands of nominations, placed her among the world’s most impactful young entrepreneurs and game-changers.

The complete list recognizes 600 business and industry figures in North America, with 30 winners across 20 different industries.

“We congratulate Dr. Moore on this outstanding and momentous achievement,” said Michele Manuel, Ph.D., MSE department chair.

Dr. Moore is an honoree in the Healthcare category, and her current research focuses on why certain diseases affect women and minorities at disproportionate rates. “Her work is transformative and at the leading edge of the healthcare sciences. It is wonderful that she has been recognized and elevated by Forbes for her positive impact, distinguished efforts and preeminence in her profession,” affirmed Dr. Manuel.

“Ninety percent of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are women,” said Dr. Moore. “And African American women are three times more likely to develop SLE than Caucasian women. As an African American woman, I am particularly aware of the divergence in these statistics, and personally felt motivated to focus research efforts towards identifying the reasons behind them.”

To better understand the SLE disparity across gender and race, Dr. Moore first analyzes the immune cell differences between healthy individuals and SLE patients. Her research team then tracks immune cell interactions in a 3D biomaterial tissue model of blood vessels to reveal how those cells might contribute to blood vessel inflammation.

“I’m grateful and honored to be awarded the Forbes 30 Under 30 designation,” said Dr. Moore. “I could not have done it without the communities that have advocated and encouraged me along the way. They have lifted me to this place, and I’m so grateful for all of the support!”

Dr. Moore received her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.