Young Innovators: Mackenzie Andrews and Allisa Song, Nanodropper

What is Nanodropper?
Put simply, we make eyedrops smaller. This reduces medication waste, makes medications more affordable, and increases access to vision saving medications. Our FDA listed, universal adaptor can screw onto any standard eyedrop bottle and makes the drops about 1/4 the size.

What inspired you to work on this device?
During my senior year of college, a lab mate of mine named Allisa Song came to me asking if I would like to work with her to design a device to reduce eyedrop volume. She explained that she had read an article about how eyedrops are oversized and how that creates financial barriers to healthcare access for many patients.

Have you been able to help people reduce their medical costs?
Long story short, as we worked more on the Nanodropper project, we began getting emails and stories from patients and caregivers about their difficulties affording their medications. Coming from an economically disadvantaged background myself, this project has added meaning for me.

Do you have any words of encouragement for young people interested in a career in STEM, but face economic obstacles?

Yes. For people from disadvantaged backgrounds, let me tell you that everything you’ve gone through can be used to make a real difference. My father struggled from drug abuse while I was growing up and was incarcerated many times, which is what led me to join my research lab where I made an impact on the future of addiction research. That’s also where I met Allisa and what led me to become passionate about Nanodropper so that I could help people who don’t have much money afford their medical care. Pursuing an education and career in STEM allows you to take the skills you already have and develop them to solve problems that will help millions of people.