Chase Webb,
PhD Candidate
Research Interests: Tissue regeneration and naturally inspired therapies, specifically from extracellular matrix
Projects: I am developing and manufacturing an ECM-based therapy derived from regenerative species for cardiac repair and regeneration.
Hobbies: Swimming and playing water polo, cooking, and watching football.
Fun Facts: As an undergraduate I swam varsity for Carnegie Mellon and swam and played water polo at Imperial College London. I also served as a volunteer assistant coach at Carnegie Mellon.
Education
M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
B.S., Chemical Engineering, additional major in Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University. 2018
Contact
Email: chw72@cornell.edu
Alina Abramoff,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Biomaterials, drug delivery, tissue engineering
Projects: Vascular graft development
Hobbies: Tennis, reading, weightlifting
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: aaa294@cornell.edu
Molly Veerkamp,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Tissue regeneration and neurobiology
Projects: Investigating the regenerative ability of goldfish extracellular matrices for spinal injury applications
Hobbies: Fencing, running, knitting
Fun Facts: I have a cat named Schrödinger
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: msv35@cornell.edu
Nabeen Chu,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Drug delivery, regenerative medicine, immunology
Projects: Developing a liposome filled with heparin based coacervate for protein delivery
Hobbies: Taekwondo, watching movies, rock climbing
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: nc454@cornell.edu
Nolan Shan,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Cancer, Tissue Engineering
Projects: Developing Biodegradable Polymers for Vascular Bypasses
Hobbies: Running, Skiing, Eating Sushi
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: ncs85@cornell.edu
Ave Kludze,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Biomaterials, biomedical informatics, and systems biology
Projects: I am working on a project for the setup, automation, and control of a near field electrospinning fabrication platform for functional biomaterials.
Hobbies: Inkscape, chess, and music
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: akk86@cornell.edu
Ying Chen,
Postdoctoral Associate
Research Interests: Biomaterials design and cardiovascular tissue engineering
Projects: I’m developing a new type of biocompatible and biodegradable elastomers based on metal-ligand chelation and applying them in cardiovascular tissue engineering. The metal-ligand chelation offers a unique advantage unseen in conventional elastomer design because one ligand binds multiple metal ions yielding bonds of different properties (mechanical properties, degradation profiles, etc.). Vascular grafts prepared from these elastomers have been implanted into small and larger animal models to evaluate their potentials in cardiovascular regenerative medicine.
Hobbies: Skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, reading, karaoke, drawing
Fun Facts: I will join the Cardiovascular Institute, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences as a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in September 2023.
Education
Ph.D: National Institute for Materials Science, Japan/Tsukuba University, Japan 2015-2018
M.S.: National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, China 2012-2015
B.S: College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, China 2008-2012
Contact
Email: yc2525@cornell.edu
Xiaochu Ding,
Postdoctoral Associate
Research Interests: Polymeric biomaterials, controlled drug delivery and tissue generation
Project: New Materials – Development of functional polyesters to engineer synthetic vascular grafts for small arteries and other functional biomaterials to create scaffolds for drug delivery systems and tissue regeneration
Hobbies: Reading and jogging
Education
Ph.D. Polymer Chemistry, Michigan Tech University, Houghton, MI, USA ’13
M.S. Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China ’04
B.S. Chemistry, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdou, China ’01
Contact
Email: xd85@cornell.edu
Chelsea Stowell,
PhD Candidate
Research Interests: Biomaterials and scaffolds for cardiovascular regenerative medicine
Project: Vascular Graft – Our group has successfully demonstrated that in small animals, a cell-free synthetic arterial graft can regenerate in vivo to form living, artery-like structures. I am optimizing the graft design and fabrication process for safety, efficacy, translation readiness as we conduct large animal validation, and implant synthetic resorbable vascular grafts in large animal models.
Hobbies: Jogging, writing, current events, philosophy, classical music
Fun Facts: I learned statistics in Excel.
Education
B.E. Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University ’13
Contact
Email: ces382@cornell.edu
Daniel Long,
PhD Candidate
Research Interests: Extracellular Matrix, Tissue Regeneration, Protein Delivery
Project: Primitive Extracellular Matrix – Our group has previously developed a coacervate growth factor delivery system capable of improving tissue regeneration in skin wounds, bone defects, and the cardiovascular system. I am currently investigating the effect of our coacervate on non-healing diabetic ulcers. I also develop new extracellular matrix-derived biomaterials to stimulate cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI). These materials are derived from animals capable of large-scale tissue regeneration such as zebrafish.
Education
B.S. Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University ’14
Contact
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dwlong2
Email: dwl73@cornell.edu
Peter (Mintai) Hwang,
PhD Candidate
Research Interests: Controlled Delivery, Biomaterials Design, Immunotherapeutics
Project: Protein Delivery – Our group has previously demonstrated the use of a heparin-based complex coacervate delivery system for applications that include post-MI heart regeneration and wound healing. I am currently investigating its application towards cancer immunotherapy via a melanoma model. I am also designing novel polymers and hydrogels that can be applied as a platform for various controlled delivery applications.
Education
Research Scientist, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) ’11-’15
Graduate Student Researcher, University of Pittsburgh ’08-’11
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University ’07
B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University ’06
Contact
Email: mph228@cornell.edu
Ian (Yen-Lin) Wu,
PhD Candidate (2015 – 2020)
Visiting Scholar (2020 – 2021)
Research Interests: Vascular tissue engineering, 3D printing, Functional biomaterials
Projects: I am developing fabrication processes (i.e. electrospinning and 3D printing) of PGS vascular grafts that can control multiple design parameters with precision in order to study in vivo tissue remodeling outcomes of different graft designs.
Hobbies: Cooking and traveling
Fun Facts: I learned how to fold origami crane when I was in kindergarten.
Education
Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
B.S., Chemical Engineering National Taiwan University
Contact
Email: yw898@cornell.edu
Rigoberto Vazquez Jr,
PhD Student
Research Interests: Drug Delivery, Imaging, Biomaterials, & Tissue regeneration
Projects: Loading Hemoglobin in an Erythrocyte membrane-enclosed coacervate to transport oxygen
Hobbies: Dance, Sing, Yoga & Gym
Education
M.S., Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Science, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, 2021
B.S, California State University, Chico, Mechanical Engineering, California, 2019
Contact
Email: rv258@cornell.edu
Annie (Yu-An) Chien,
PhD Candidate
Research Interests: Biomaterials
Projects: Development of resorbable electrospun vascular grafts
Hobbies: Watch movies, go hiking, and explore new restaurants
Fun Facts: I cannot live without coffee
Education
B.S., Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University
Contact
Email: yc2499@cornell.edu
Katherine Driscoll,
PhD Candidate
Education
B.S., Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, UNC ’17
Contact
Email: kmd285@cornell.edu
Eva Romaní Cubells,
PhD Student, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Research Interests: Biomaterials and silica nanoparticles synthesis applied to cancer treatment
Projects: My PhD is about mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) synthesis and new methods on chemotherapeutic drugs encapsulation with the goal of avoiding side effects and improving effectivity in cancer treatment. I am doing my PhD in Madrid, Spain, but currently I am doing a research stay here with Yadong’s group.
Hobbies: I love hiking, reading, writing, and spending time with my fur baby (my cat)
Fun Facts: I am from Valencia, a coast city in Spain (it’s always sunny), so here I’m always frozen (and I’ve only been here in summer time…)
Education
M.S. in Pharmacology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
B.S. in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, University of Valencia
Contact
Email: eva.romani.cubells@urjc.es
Jeng-Shiung Jan,
Visiting Scholar, July 2018 – Jan 2019
Education
Texas A&M University, Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, 2006
National Taiwan University, M.S., Chemical Engineering, 1996
National Taiwan University, Biomedical Engineering Certificate, 1996
National Taiwan University, B.S., Chemical Engineering, 1994
Contact
Jiayin Fu,
Postdoctoral Associate
Research Interests: Cardiovascular tissue engineering
Project: PGS-based vascular graft optimization
Education
Ph.D., Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 2013-2017
Master, Zhejiang University, China, 2011-2013
Bachelor, Zhejiang University, China, 2006-2011
Contact
Email: jf575@cornell.edu
Jacky (Wen-Chyan) Tsai,
Postdoctoral Associate
Research Interests: Biodegradable polymer synthesis, drug delivery, tissue engineering
Projects: 1. Synthesis of biodegradable polymers using supercritical fluid technology; 2. Microencapsulation of pharmaceuticals and drug delivery at molecular level
Education
Postdoctoral associate, Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, since 2017
Postdoctoral associate, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 2015-2017
PhD, Food Science, Cornell University, 2015
Contact
Email: wt49@cornell.edu
Edith Chen,
M.Eng. Student
Research Interests: Regenerative medicine
Projects: Organoid model
Hobbies: Stargazing, wushu (performative martial arts), ice climbing
Education
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
Contact
Email: yw2488@cornell.edu
Willa Yueying Wei,
M.Eng. Student
Research Interests: I am passionate about biomaterials and tissue engineering, especially their applications in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Projects: Engineering a better organoid model for the human gut project
Hobbies: I love playing the piano and I am into pop and classical music.
Fun Facts: I used to own a big fluffy Samoyed named “Snowball.”
Education
B.ASc. in Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto
Contact
Email: ym464@cornell.edu
Alyssa Holman,
M.Eng. Candidate
Research Interests: Tissue Engineering and Cardiovascular Regeneration
Projects: Working with Daniel Long to develop extracellular matrix-derived biomaterials from regenerative species, including zebrafish, to stimulate cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction.
Education
B.A., Biology & Society, Cornell University ’18
Contact
Email: arh223@cornell.edu
Hannah Saraceno,
M.Eng. Candidate
Research Interests: Tissue regeneration and biomimetic materials
Prior Research: Coral light use efficiency and Surveying rockfish parasites.
Education
B.S., Marine Biology and Human Physiology, University of Oregon ’17
Contact
Email: hms259@cornell.edu
Xiyao Li,
M.Eng Candidate
Maggie (Tianyue) Qin,
Technician
Alice Yan,
Undergraduate Researcher
Angela Cao,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Tissue engineering, chemistry, immunology
Projects: Developing biodegradable metal-chelating polymers for tissue engineering
Hobbies: Drawing, dancing, eating good food
Fun Fact: I’m a tour guide on campus!
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: arc275@cornell.edu
Anthony Dee,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Cellular engineering, biomaterials, regenerative medicine
Projects: Using regenerative goldfish extracellular matrices to treat spinal cord injury
Hobbies: Table tennis, ultimate frisbee, reading
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: alk275@cornell.edu
Ben Dickstein,
Undergraduate Researcher
Brandon Risley,
Undergraduate Researcher
Caroline Waksmunski,
Undergraduate Researcher
Crystal Lee,
Undergraduate Researcher
Corson Chao,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Biodegradable polymer synthesis
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, MSE major with ECE minor, Cornell University
Contact
Email: cac468@cornell.edu
Erin Collins,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Biomaterials, drug delivery
Projects: Fabrication of microneedles that deliver drugs to treat Psoriasis
Hobbies: Rock climbing, skiing, drawing, listening to music
Fun Facts: I have a dog named Charlie
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: ec925@cornell.edu
Evelyn (Seoyoung) Kang,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Immunology and drug delivery
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: sk2475@cornell.edu
Krupa Sekhar,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Tissue engineering and regeneration
Projects: Studying regenerative species for potential extracellular matrix-based treatment applications
Hobbies: Indian classical violin and dance, painting, reading YA novels, creative writing, social justice work
Fun fact: I love interior design!
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: kcs76@cornell.edu
Michelle deSouza,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Tissue regeneration
Projects: Analyzing goldfish cardiac regeneration capabilities and mechanisms
Hobbies: Rock climbing, badminton, piano
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: md722@cornell.edu
Richard Wang,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Characterization of 3D printed vascular grafts
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: rqw2@cornell.edu
Sanjna Das,
Undergraduate Researcher
Soleil Su,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Biomaterials, tissue regeneration
Projects: Fabricating tubular scaffolds with highly interconnected pores
Hobbies: LONG walks, marker drawing, looking at rabbit photos
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: ls764@cornell.edu
Taeyoung Park,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Cancer immunotherapy, Drug delivery
Projects: Developing a coacervate delivery system for the treatment of melanoma with immunotherapeutics
Hobbies: Baking, crafts, traveling
Fun fact: I have an amazing cat named Foxy!
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: tp335@cornell.edu
Thien Vo,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Drug Delivery and Drug Development
Projects: Rapamycin Releasing Polymer
Hobbies: I like to vibe, cook, and talk about life 🙂
Fun fact: My full name translates to “All Encompassing Sky Martial Arts”
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: ttv7@cornell.edu
Tim Wu,
Undergraduate Researcher
Research Interests: Drug Delivery and Coacervate
Projects: Development of tunable release microneedles
Hobbies: Astronomy, Fishing, and F1
Fun Facts: I have a pet bunny and snake
Education
Undergraduate Researcher, Cornell University
Contact
Email: tw486@cornell.edu
James Greeno,
Administrative Coordinator