2024-25 Laboratory Rotation Guide

Rotation Schedule

Rotation 1: August 19 - September 27 (Agreement due Aug 12)

Rotation 2: September 30 - November 9 (Agreement due Sept 23)

Rotation 3: November 11 - December 21 (Agreement due Nov 4)

You can download the agreement form here. Please send it to bioe-grad@umd.edu before the due date.

Fischell Department of Bioengineering labs are listed first, followed by affiliated labs, both on- and off-campus, in alphabetical order by the PI's last name.  

Fischell Department of Bioengineering Faculty Labs

PI Name: Dr. William Bentley

PI E-mail: bentley@umd.edu

Lab Name: Bentley Lab

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 5th floor, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

We explore cell-cell communication among microbes. We recently proposed "electrogenetics" as a way to electronically programming genetic circuits. We are exploring the creation of devices that enable electrogenetics.

Project Description 

We will electroassemble genetically engineered cells onto electrodes and then activate them by providing a reducing potential to generate H2O2. This signaling is used to activate circuits using the OxyR regulon.

Project skills/experience to be gained

Electroassembly, bacterial cell culture, quorum sensing signal assays.

Project expectations/requirements

We would like to have a powerpoint presentation at the end of the rotation.

PI Name: Dr. Alisa Clyne

PI E-mail: aclyne@umd.edu

Lab Name: Vascular Kinetics Laboratory

Lab Website: https://vascularkinetics.com/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 4113, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

Our laboratory uses engineering methods to understand vascular diseases ranging from atherosclerosis to cancer to Alzheimer's disease. We study how cells respond to mechanical forces (e.g., blood flow) and metabolic changes (e.g., high glucose) by integrating in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and in silico methods. We believe bioengineering benefits from diverse voices and an inclusive environment. Each individual adds to our lab in unique ways, and we work together to build equity in bioengineering.

Project #1 Description 

We know that high fat and high sugar foods are bad for our bodies, but we don’t know how nutrient excess impacts our blood cells and blood vessels in all their complexity. Our laboratory is using computational metabolomics, 3D in vitro models (artery-on-a-chip), animal models (high fat diet fed rats), and human samples (blood from people with diabetes) to quantitatively study how the nutrients in your blood impact the interactions between blood cells (red blood cells, leukocytes) and blood vessels. 

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Skills and experiences include: human endothelial cell culture, human red blood cell and monocyte isolation, extracellular vesicle isolation, metabolomics, proteomics, computational models. 

Project #2 Description 

We are engineering a contractile artery-on-a-chip to study how environmental factors and blood cells impact vascular health. We plan to create models to study peripheral arteries and brain arteries for diseases as diverse as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. We will also use the artery-on-a-chip to explore vascular differences in men and women and in people with diabetes. 

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Skills and experiences include: 3D endothelial and smooth muscle cell culture, biomaterials synthesis, microfluidics, 3D printing, confocal microscopy, mouse models, pressure myography, human studies, flow-mediated vasodilation

Project expectations/requirements

The student is expected to be an active participant in all lab activities, including weekly lab meetings, individual meetings, and journal clubs. Each week, the student will submit a progress report and at the end of the rotation, the student will present his/her results to the rest of the lab.

PI Name: Dr. Gregg Duncan

PI E-mail: gaduncan@umd.edu

Lab Name: Respiratory NanoBioengineering Lab

Lab Website: http://duncan.umd.edu

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 4113, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

Our research group aims to understand how the lung microenvironment influences the onset and progression of pulmonary diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We integrate nanobiotechnology and bioengineering approaches to study the fundamental processes critical to lung health such as mucus clearance and viral infections to inform the design of novel therapeutic platforms.

Project Description 

Mucociliary clearance (MCC) provides our first line of defense against potentially harmful inhaled materials. Disruption of this apparatus has immense consequences in those afflicted with chronic, potentially life-threatening lung diseases. Our knowledge of this important biological process is incomplete and requires the development of new models to define what makes effective mucus in health and what leads to dysfunction in disease. Building on prior work [Song et al, Science Advances (2022)], we seek to develop CRISPR/Cas9 engineered tissue culture models to allow for direct control of mucus composition and hypersecretion that better mimic the pathophysiology of asthma. Developing the models will provide new tools in understanding important aspects of the lung airway microenvironment. 

Project skills/experience to be gained

3D cell culture techniques, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, particle tracking microrheology, confocal microscopy

Project expectations/requirements

Students will meet weekly with Dr. Duncan to discuss research progress and plan experiments. At the end of the rotation, students will give a final presentation to discuss their results.

PI Name: Dr. John Fisher

PI E-mail: jpfisher@umd.edu

Lab Name: Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials Lab

Lab Website: https://tebl.umd.edu

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 3121, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

The Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory (TEBL) investigates biomaterials, stem cells, bioprinting, and bioreactors for the regeneration of lost tissues, particularly bone, cartilage, and dermal tissues, as well as the fabrication of tissue models.  The laboratory has published over 225 articles, book chapters, editorials, and proceedings (17,400+ citations / 74 h-index).  Dr. Fisher has advised over 25 doctoral students - these students have received numerous awards, including a Fulbright Fellowship, NIH Pre/Postdoctoral Fellowship, NSF Graduate Fellowship, and TERMIS Outstanding Graduate Student Researcher.  TEBL has funded projects from NIH, MSCRF, the Royal Society of New Zealand, and the Osteo Science Foundation.

Project Description 

Rotation students will gain a broad set of skills emphasized in TEBL.  Working with existing TEBL graduate students, rotation students will experience efforts in polymer synthesis and biomaterials fabrication, cell culture, stem cell biology, bioink preparation, computer-aided design of engineered tissues, 3D printing, and bioprinting.  In addition, TEBL has a growing effort in AI/ML directed tissue engineering with an emphasis on precision printing.  These efforts will be executed in the context of orthopedic tissues, dermal tissues, and tissue models.  At the end of the rotation, students interested in working in TEBL will discuss with Dr. Fisher the specific projects available for their doctoral thesis work.

Project skills/experience to be gained

biomaterials, cell culture, molecular biology, 3D printing, bioprinting, bioreactors

Project expectations/requirements

Rotation students are expected to experience (1) TEBL emphasized skills, (2) TEBL’s approach to solving critical research problems, and (3) TEBL’s day-to-day work environment.

PI Name: Dr. Xiaoming He

PI E-mail: shawnhe@umd.edu

Lab Name: Multiscale Biomaterials Engineering (MBE) Laboratory

Lab Website: https://shawnhelab.umd.edu/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 3124, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Project #1 Description 

Cancer tissue engineering

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

microfluidics, hydrogel microencapsulation, cancer stem cell culture and characterization

Project #2 Description 

Cancer immunotherapy

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Nanotechnology, drug delivery, cancer stem cell culture and characterization

Project expectations/requirements

Weekly progress report with data from experiments and data analysis

PI Name: Dr. Steve Jay

PI E-mail: smjay@umd.edu

Lab Name: Jay lab

Lab Website: https://jaylab.weebly.com/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 3113, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

Our research aims to uncover new biological insights towards the design, production, and delivery of biotherapeutics. We are particularly interested in cell-derived products from both humans and bacteria, especially extracellular vesicles (EVs, including exosomes) and bacterial extracellular vesicles. Overarching goals of the lab include developing therapeutics towards clinical translation and endowing trainees with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Project Description 

We will work together to define and address big questions/challenges related to bacterial extracellular vesicle (BEV) therapeutic development. Topics of current interest include investigating the role of BEVs in host-pathogen interactions, exploring the potential of BEVs as neurotherapeutics, and developing novel technology to control BEV cargo and biodistribution. 

Project skills/experience to be gained

Molecular biology techniques, cloning, DNA/RNA purification, BEV separation (chromatography) and characterization (immunoblots, particle analysis, microscopy). 

Project expectations/requirements

1. Learn hands-on skills in the lab; contribute to ongoing project working with current lab personnel. 

2. Work with me to develop a potential thesis project plan (1-2 page write-up)

PI Name: Dr. Erika Moore

PI E-mail:  emt@umd.edu

Lab Name: Moore Lab

Lab Website: https://www.themoorelab.com/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 3113, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

The Moore Lab mission is to engineer biomaterial models that leverage the regenerative potential of the immune system across health inequities. We have 4 major projects which include: 1) investigating how the extracellular matrix directs macrophage function, 2) investigating the role of age in macrophage-microvessel development, 3) developing a model of lupus-induced vasculitis, and 4) investigating how ancestry dictates macrophage function. We execute on our projects by developing compassionate innovators equipped to transform biomedical research. 

Project #1 Description 

Macrophage immune cells determine tissue homeostasis, wound healing, and tissue regeneration through signals from their microenvironment. While we understand how some cues direct macrophage function, as a field we do not understand how the extracellular matrix (ECM) directs macrophage function. The goal of this project is to understand how the ECM, specifically, ECM ligands, direct macrophage function through design of biomaterial tools. The ability to direct macrophage function and therefore, determine whether an acute wound will become a non-healing chronic wound, or fully heal and regain proper tissue homeostasis is determined in part by integrin ligand receptor interactions. There is a critical knowledge gap as we do not understand how ECM integrin ligands direct macrophage function. The central hypothesis is that ECM-derived ligands from collagen, laminin, and fibronectin direct macrophage activation towards an inflammatory state (via 61 and 41) or towards a tissue healing state (via 21 and 11). Our preliminary work targeting 21integrin signaling via collagen-1 derived peptide, DGEA, inhibits inflammatory macrophage activation. The proposed work will combine a peptide-polymer strategy to achieve three research objectives: 1) Quantify integrin ligands influence on macrophage function via 3D peptide screening, 2) Design combinatorial ECM ligand biomaterials to quantify ECM niche impact on macrophage function; and 3) Quantify the influence of age on human-donor macrophage function via combinatorial ECM ligand biomaterials.

NOTE: This is a NSF CAREER Funded project!

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Skills/experiences associated with this project include: (1) learning about integrin receptor-ligand interactions, (2) synthesis of polymer composites, (3) analysis of macrophage phenotype for immunocytochemistry, genetic expression, and protein expression, and (4) primary macrophage isolation/culture from multiple donors.

Project #1 expectations/requirements

Skills/experiences associated with this project include: (1) learning about integrin receptor-ligand interactions, (2) synthesis of polymer composites, (3) analysis of macrophage phenotype for immunocytochemistry, genetic expression, and protein expression, and (4) primary macrophage isolation/culture from multiple donors.

Project #2 Description 

Aging is a multifaceted process influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In our project, we aim to understand how aging impacts macrophage cell function and communication, particularly in the context of tissue regeneration and wound healing. While it is well-documented that aging affects clinical wound healing, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our hypothesis is that aging leads to distinct changes in macrophage cellular responses during wound healing. The overall goal of our research program is to utilize biomaterial models to explore how aging influences the wound healing process.

Our proposed research will address two main questions: (1) How does aging influence macrophage cellular physiology? (2) How does aging affect cellular phenotype?

Project skills/experience to be gained

Project expectations/requirements

PI Name: Dr. Jenna Mueller

PI E-mail:  mueller7@umd.edu

Lab Name: Global Biomedical Devices Laboratory

Lab Website: https://mueller.umd.edu/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 4107, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

Over 70% of cancer-related deaths occur in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), primarily due to a lack of access to cancer diagnosis and treatment services. The Mueller lab develops affordable, accessible diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to improve the management of cancers in LMICs. We use engineering design methods, rapid prototyping and fabrication, various types of bioimaging, chemical ablation, bench testing, and tissue and animal models to develop biomedical technologies for improving cancer management.

Project #1 Description 

Laparoscopic surgery is the standard of care in high-income countries for many procedures, including cancer excisional surgeries, in the chest and abdomen. It avoids large incisions by using a tiny camera and fine instruments manipulated through keyhole incisions, but it is generally unavailable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the high cost of installment (>$200,000), lack of qualified maintenance personnel, unreliable electricity, and shortage of consumable items.  Patients in LMICs would benefit from laparoscopic surgery, as advantages include decreased pain, improved recovery time, fewer wound infections, and shorter hospital stays. We are developing a low-cost, durable, and reusable laparoscope called the KeyScope laparoscope for use in LMICs. Rather than having an expensive light source and camera coupled to a fragile fiber optics, the KeyScope laparoscope prototype contains a color complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) detector and ring of LEDs that has been moved to the front of the device. This enables a significant decrease in cost and complexity (cost of goods ~$1000) while also maintaining the image quality of a standard-of-care laparoscope. We are currently: 1) optimizing the design of the KeyScope laparoscope and 2) developing a portable testing chamber to evaluate the performance of each unit. 

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Skills/experiences associated with this project include: (1) learning about surgery in LMICs and laparoscopic equipment, (2) rapid prototyping and fabrication, (3) optics and optomechanics, and (4) engineering design to improve on an aspect of either the KeyScope or portable testing chamber.

Project #1 expectations/requirements

Expectations/requirements associated with this project include: (1) reading literature on surgery in LMICs and laparoscopic equipment and presenting a synthesis/summary of the literature, (2) building a prototype of the KeyScope laparoscope and testing/analyzing its performance, (3) brainstorming/demonstrating how to improve an aspect of the KeyScope or portable testing chamber, and (4) the final deliverable will be a powerpoint presentation of the prototype, testing methods, and results.

Project #2 Description 

In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), up to 80% of women diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesions in the cervix do not return for follow-up care, primarily due to treatment being inaccessible. High mortality rates are a consequence. We have developed an accessible treatment, which involves injecting ethanol into a lesion to cause necrosis, to treat women at the time of diagnosis. Addition of a water-insoluble but ethanol-soluble polymer, ethyl cellulose, to the ethanol results in a phase change within tissue, which acts to localize ethanol within the target zone. The ethanol-rich gel provides prolonged contact between ethanol and tissue, leading to effective localized treatment within lesions. We are currently investigating interacting effects of multiple injection parameters vs. the resulting distribution volume in tissue. These experiments are guiding design of an injection device to ablate the zone needed to treat cervical pre-cancers.

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Skills/experiences associated with this project include: (1) learning about cervical cancer in LMICs and different types of ablative therapies, (2) learning about different types of bio-imaging (CT, ultrasound, fluorescence microscopy) and how they can be used to image distribution volume of ethanol in tissue, (3) learning how to work with cervical tissue, and (4) conducting studies in cervical tissue to investigate how injection parameters impact distribution volume. 

Project #2 expectations/requirements

Expectations/requirements associated with this project include: (1) read literature on cervical cancer in LMICs and ablative therapies and present a synthesis/summary of the literature, (2) design a study to fully investigated one delivery parameter and its impact on distribution volume in cervical tissue, (3) successfully use a bioimaging device to evaluate distribution volume, (4) conduct the proposed study in cervical tissue, correctly analyze the resulting images, and present your data. The final deliverable will be a powerpoint presentation of the study design, methods, and results. 

PI Name: Dr. Giuliano Scarcelli

PI E-mail:  scarc@umd.edu

Lab Name: translational photomedicine

Lab Website: http://www.umdoptics.com

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 1st Floor, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

Our lab studies the interaction of light and matter to devise novel technology for biological research and clinical medicine. We cover all stages of the translational spectrum as we develop advanced optical technology; we build instruments; and, we use our instruments for biological research and in clinical trials. We have developed modalities to map properties (e.g. mass, stiffness) that are impossible to measure with traditional techniques but with important applications. 

Project #1 Description 

In the past few years, we have been developing an all-optical approach, named Brillouin microscopy, which uses the longitudinal elastic modulus as a label-free imaging contrast at high resolution, non-perturbatively, and without contact. We have also previously established Brillouin microscopy sensitivity for mechanical analysis of relevant biology applications. However, current Brillouin microscopy instruments rely on point-scanning and are limited in speed making it difficult to perform rapid and/or volumetric analysis of many phenomena in the metastatic cascade. To overcome these challenges, we are developing a multiplexed Brillouin microscopy (MBM) configuration with dramatically increased instrument speed/accuracy and validate our microscopy platform for biology studies.

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Project #1 expectations/requirements

Commitment to learn optics and instrument development

Project #2 Description 

Keratoconus and surgical correction of myopia are separate but interrelated issues of major significance for which a clear unmet need is the measurement of local corneal biomechanical properties. Indeed, the lack of effective biomechanical measurements forces clinicians to rely on morphologic surrogates, e.g. curvature and thickness, which are insufficient. We have developed a highly sensitive clinical instrument based on Motion-Tracking (MT) Brillouin microscopy and demonstrated the superior performance of biomechanical vs morphologic imaging in identifying early-stage and subclinical keratoconus; and, characterized biomechanical alterations after refractive surgery. Here, we will work with a next generation instrument to  realize the clinical potential of MT-Brillouin microscopy to predict keratoconus progression risk. This project for the student side can go in many directions from measurement and cornea biomechanics application, to hardware/software for rapid acquisition and image processing, to Finite Element Modeling  to use mechanical maps in clinical outcome predictions.

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Project #2 expectations/requirements

Commitment to learn and deepen one of the aspects of this research program.

PI Name: Dr. Ian White

PI E-mail:  ianwhite@umd.edu

Lab Name: Amplified molecular sensors lab

Lab Website: https://terpconnect.umd.edu/~ianwhite/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 3107, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

Molecular diagnostics, especially infectious disease, and frequently point-of-care diagnostics.

Project Description 

Point-of-care diagnostics of viral disease.

Project skills/experience to be gained

qRT-PCR, RT-LAMP, assay preparation.

Project expectations/requirements

Independently perform point-of-care assays, present weekly research updates.

PI Name: Dr. Alex Xu

PI E-mail:  alexmxu@umd.edu

Lab Name: Xu Spatial Biology Lab

Lab Website: https://blog.umd.edu/xuspatialbio/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 3120, A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

I'm joining the department this fall, and I'm interested in how cells and proteins organize in tissue to drive cancer behavior and immunotherapy. We'll use highly multiplexed spatial protein and RNA analysis and bioinformatic strategies to study cancer (lymphoma, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer), with the goal of predicting patient outcomes, predicting therapy targets, and eventually developing novel immunotherapy.

Project #1 Description 

Spatial architecture of lymphoma: We collected tissue from hundreds of patients with different types of lymphoma and analyzed them with spatial methods. We want to discover how immune cells and tumor interact spatially and if there are spatial features that predict outcomes

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Bioinformatics, spatial omics, cancer biology, biomarkers, clinical collaborations

Project #1 expectations/requirements

Project #2 Description 

Machine learning predictors of cell therapies: We developed a strategy to use machine learning to predict how spatial features of tissues are controlled. We want to apply the method to new types of cancers and develop it further to predict how cell-specific or extracellular signals contribute

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Bioinformatics, spatial omics, cancer biology, machine learning

Project #2 expectations/requirements

Please note that Dr. Xu is a new faculty member joining the department in August 2024.

PI Name: Dr. Nan Xu

PI E-mail:  im.nan.xu@gmail.com

Lab Name: INSPIRE (Imaging and Neurocomputations for Precision Informatics Research) Lab

Lab Address (room, building, campus): A. James Clark Hall, College Park

Lab Overview:

Our research lies in the interphase of data science and brain science. We aim to uncover brain function and cognitive mechanisms by modeling and analyzing the spatiotemporal brain dynamics. Employing multimodal functional neuroimaging data (e.g., fMRI-BOLD, LFP, optical imaging, MEG, etc.) from animals, humans, and patients, we decode complex processes shaping brain function and disease. This approach yields innovative insights for both fundamental and translational brain science.

Project #1 Description 

This project investigates brain activity dynamics across species using functional neuroimaging data to analyze the consistency and differences in spatiotemporal patterns between rodents and humans. It employs analytical methods such as correlation-based detection and complex principal component analysis to identify these patterns. Initial findings indicate similarities in spatiotemporal patterns across both species, highlighting three distinct patterns observed in rodents and humans. Comparative analysis will validate these findings and assess the efficacy of various analytical approaches. During the rotational session, the tasks are as follows:

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Project #1 expectations/requirements

Project #2 Description 

Obesity is a rising concern in US children, affecting nearly 40% of the population. There's growing evidence of its neurological implications. Through fMRI, we can explore these neural interactions and patterns related to obesity. In collaboration with collaborative with Dr. Ellen Schur’s team at the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, this project focuses on crafting new fMRI biomarkers to depict brain dynamics in obese children. With the identification of hypothalamus inflammation as a key factor in obesity influencing significant network connectivity, we'll explore new fMRI biomarkers based on large-scale spatiotemporal patterns, spotlighting wakefulness cycles potentially controlled by the hypothalamus. During the rotational session, the tasks are as follows:

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Project #2 expectations/requirements

Please note that Dr. Xu is a new faculty member joining the department in January 2025. She will be supervising lab rotations virtually. Please contact her for more details.

Affiliate Faculty Labs (On Campus)

PI Name: Dr. Reza Ghodssi

PI E-mail:  ghodssi@umd.edu

Lab Name: MEMS Sensors and Actuators Lab (MSAL)

Lab Website: https://umdmsal.com

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 2201, JM Patterson Building, College Park

Lab Overview:

Our lab focuses on application-driven technology development using micro-nano-bio engineering approaches and “systems integration” to provide holistic solutions for real-world use. The focus of our work is aimed at in situ biomedical and clinical applications, specifically toward gastrointestinal diagnostics and platforms for investigating gut-brain interactions. Our devices incorporate system-oriented design elements relying on MEMS materials and fabrication technology, novel biosensing and biofabrication processes, microelectronics integration, and 3D printed hierarchical structure and packaging techniques.

Project #1 Description 

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pancreatitis, and GI cancer are critical health conditions that require burdensome procedures for diagnosis. Additionally, drug delivery systems to treat these diseases and others have significant limitations due to their non-localized administration. The current methods for the diagnosis of GI disease often suffer drawbacks of low specificity/sensitivity or are successful at too late a stage to begin effective treatment. Traditional endoscopic screenings usually involve sedation that requires advanced facilities and can have trouble accessing specific regions of the GI tract (small intestine). To address these shortcomings, we are working toward developing an integrated ingestible capsule device for real-time, in situ location of GI pathology and subsequent localized drug delivery. Currently, we are developing a prototype ingestible capsule to allow for the in vivo measurement of aqueous biomarkers associated with inflammation within the GI tract, while simultaneously measuring the epithelial barrier integrity with an embedded impedance sensor to monitor inflammation-induced changes in the GI lumen. Additionally, we are working toward therapeutic intervention and biopsy methods in the GI tract including drug delivery and tissue sampling via microneedle integrated actuators. The rotation project will involve aiding in the design, fabrication, or validation of key components of the ingestible capsule or drug delivery system. Potential project tasks include: (1) fabrication of microneedle drug delivery system components using microscale 3D-printing and molding techniques; (2) design and fabrication of capsule prototypes demonstrating the capability to withstanding the simulated GI environment while retaining sensor function and integrity; (3) design or in vitro characterization of capsule sensors; (4) design fabrication and evaluation of actuators for tissue sampling.

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Project #1 expectations/requirements

Project #2 Description 

Many physiological functions and conditions are modulated via signaling molecules known as neurotransmitters. While best known for their role in neuronal signal propagation, neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) play a critical role in other organ systems as well. Real-time monitoring of neurotransmitter dynamics is critical in understanding their role in the modulation of behavior, pathology, and organ function. To this end, our lab aims to develop biosensors and platforms to interrogate communication via these signaling molecules by quantifying their dynamics both in vitro and in vivo. Currently, we are developing carbon fiber and microneedle electrochemical sensors that aim to detect 5-HT in complex environments. The rotation project will involve aiding in the design, fabrication, and validation of key components of the electrochemical sensors. Potential project tasks include: (1) design and fabrication of carbon fiber microelectrode sensors, (2) functionalized and characterization of sensors, and (3) fabrication of microneedle components using microscale 3D-printing and molding techniques.

Project skills/experience to be gained

Project expectations/requirements

PI Name: Dr. Srinivasa Raghavan

PI E-mail:  sraghava@umd.edu

Lab Name: Complex Fluids and Nanomaterials Group

Lab Website: https://complexfluids.umd.edu

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 1138, Chemical & Nuclear Engineering Building, College Park

Lab Overview:

We invent new materials to improve our health and thus ‘change the world’! Examples:

We are the ONE lab at UMD that has translated a product that you can buy at pharmacies (Rapid-Seal Wound Gel, to stop bleeding). 

We love to have students interested in launching companies! Article on our lab: https://www.snexplores.org/article/electricity-glue-hard-metals-soft-materials

Project #1 Description 

 Gluing Hydrogels to Tissues: A Simple Way to Do Surgery

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Students will create gels, study their properties under electric fields, and will work with surgeons (at Children’s National Hospital) on using these gels for surgeries. 

Students will get to be a part of a project that could be the most exciting work we have ever done in our lab. You will be part of a team that includes BioE professors such as Dr. Ian White and surgeons at Children’s such as Dr. Tony Sandler.

Project #1 expectations/requirements

We are looking for students who want their PhD to have an impact on the world. The most important requirement that the student should have is a deep curiosity about the world. 

A background in the areas related to this research is NOT required. 

But if a student has experience in any of the following, please let Dr. Raghavan know:  

Note: Read a blog post about our discovery: https://bioengineeringcommunity.nature.com/posts/a-new-discovery-that-could-revolutionize-surgery-gels-can-be-adhered-to-animal-tissues-by-applying-an-electric-field. Read this news article about our 'Invention of the Year' winner: https://research.umd.edu/articles/inventions-year-umd-researchers-create-develop-adhesive-alternative-surgical-sutures.

Project #2 Description 

Stopping Bleeding via Sandcastles: Biopolymer Granules form a Sandcastle-Like Gel Around a Wound by Capillary Adhesion

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Students will learn about polymer chemistry, colloidal interactions, wetting, and the science behind hemostasis (stopping bleeding) 

Come and be part of a team that is looking to make an impact in bleeding control.

Project #2 expectations/requirements

We are looking for students who want their PhD to have an impact on the world. The most important requirement that the student should have is a sense of curiosity. 

A background in the areas related to this research is NOT required. 

But if the student has experience in any of the following, please let Dr. Raghavan know:  

Note: Read a news article about Medcura and our product to stop bleeding: https://fischellinstitute.umd.edu/news/story/umdborn-bleeding-management-tech-available-nationwide.

Affiliate Faculty Labs (Off Campus)

PI Name: Dr. Seth Ament

PI E-mail:  sament@som.umaryland.edu

Lab Name: Ament Lab / Inst for Genome Sciences

Lab Website: http://amentlab.org

Lab Address (room, building, campus): HSF3-3182, 670 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD

Lab Overview:

The Ament lab conducts basic and translational studies of brain disorders, using genome sequencing, single-cell and spatial genomics of human and rodent brains, human pluripotent stem cells, and clinical samples. 

Project Description 

Most rotation projects for BIOE students will involve the development and application of machine learning tools to analyze large genomic and clinical datasets. Representative problems include:

Students will also have the opportunity to develop new high-throughput datasets using genomic techniques, stem cells, microscopy, etc.

Project skills/experience to be gained

Applications of machine learning / AI in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, and clinical settings.

Project expectations/requirements

Students should have a solid foundation in statistics and data science. 

To learn more about the project, watch the video here.

PI Name: Dr. Rong Chen

PI E-mail:  rchen@som.umaryland.edu

Lab Name: Biomedical data mining lab

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 100 N Greene, Baltimore

Lab Overview:

Dr. Chen’s research focuses on leveraging machine learning, theory, and computational methods to understand the relationship between brain and behavior across scales, leading to next-generation AI and a deeper understanding of mechanisms of cognition, emotion, and decision making. His lab analyzed multimodal neuroimaging and genetic data to understand the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Autism, and sickle cell disease.

Project Description 

Neural decoding focuses on harnessing machine learning techniques to predict behavioral or clinical variables based on neural signals. Neural decoding can generate predictive models for diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized medicine. It is a critical component of precise neuromodulation and brain-computer interfaces. In machine learning, neural decoding is formulated as a supervised learning problem. However, recorded neural datasets from multiple subjects demonstrate significant heterogeneity. A naïve approach that pools these datasets together often leads to a model with poor generalizability. This project centers on developing a machine learning method to address this problem. The study focuses on single-neuron spike activities in the human medial frontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala.

Project skills/experience to be gained

Neural decoding and Machine learning

Project expectations/requirements


The candidate is also expected to develop algorithms for neural decoding. 

Note: Students can work remotely.

PI Name: Dr. Vivek Garg

PI E-mail:  vgarg@som.umaryland.edu

Lab Name: Garg Lab

Lab Website: http://www.vgarglab.com

Lab Address (room, building, campus): 655 West Baltimore St. BRB 5-039, Baltimore

Lab Overview:

Biophysics of mitochondrial membranes. Our lab works on the molecular physiology of mitochondrial ion channels and transporters, structure-function relationships and their role in mammalian physiology.

Project Description 

Molecular physiology of mitochondrial calcium uniporter and the role of mitochondrial calcium signaling in mammalian physiology.

Project skills/experience to be gained

Mammalian cell culture, SDS-PAGE. Western blot and/or microplate-reader based assays.

Project expectations/requirements


Basic understanding of the cell/cell biology. Depending on prior experience, their are opportunities to learn more.

PI Name: Dr. Xiaofeng Jia

PI E-mail:  xjia@som.umaryland.edu

Lab Name: Translational Neuroengineering & Neuroscience Lab

Lab Website: https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/xjia/

Lab Address (room, building, campus): UMB campus, MSTF 8-16 C, 8-21, 8-22, 8-23, 8-34A, Baltimore

Lab Overview:

The PI is the director of Neurosurgical Stem Cell Research at UMB. He is a professor with tenure in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, Anatomy Neurobiology, and an adjunct professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has been a Faculty since 2007 and was the Associate Research Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

Project #1 Description 

Brain Recovery after Cardiac Arrest 

This project will develop and optimize a novel glycan-based intervention via metabolic glycoengineering to promote neural stem cell interaction in vitro and to improve neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. It will track the fate of transplanted neural stem cells and explore related mechanisms with enhanced cell survival. We also focus on developing novel translational tools for uncovering mechanisms of brain injury after cardiac arrest, monitoring and tracking neurological injuries, and guiding treatments like therapeutic hypothermia. Our lab will also investigate the effect of stem cell-derived extracellular vehicle therapy in cardiac arrest induced brain injury animal models.

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

In vitro study, quantitative analysis, animal behavior studies after brain injury

Project #2 Description 

Peripheral Nerve Injury and regeneration

This project will enhance adipose stem cell adhesion and differentiation in vitro via stem cell surface modification, and improve nerve regeneration after critical-sized nerve repair with sugar-analog-treated adipose stem cells. Our lab will also investigate the effect of stem cell-derived exosome therapy in peripheral nerve crush injury and nerve defect repair animal models.

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

In vitro study, quantitative analysis, animal behavior studies after peripheral nerve injury

Project expectations/requirements

cell study, behavioral assessment, histology with quantitative analysis 

PI Name: Dr. Yajie Liang

PI E-mail:  yajie.liang@som.umaryland.edu

Lab Name: In vivo Cellular Dynamics

Lab Website: https://sites.google.com/yajieliangneurolab.com/liangresearchlab/home

Lab Address (room, building, campus): HSF3, 1150, Baltimore

Lab Overview:

We are using advance 2-photon imaging to study cellular dynamics and function in the brain of living animals, trying to gain insights on disease mechanisms and finding new therapies.

Project Description 

Cellular dynamics in stroke or brain cancers

Project skills/experience to be gained

stem cell/brain cancer cell culture, vector design, cell transduction, cell tracking and 2P imaging

Project expectations/requirements


Basic skills in molecular cloning and cell culture, experience in handling mice or brain surgeries.


PI Name: Dr. Jung Soo Suk

PI E-mail:  jsuk@som.umaryland.edu

Lab Name: Nanomedicine and therapeutic development

Lab Address (room, building, campus): HSF III 9110, UMB Medical Campus, Baltimore

Project #1 Description 

Development and preclinical evaluation of human protein nanocage capable of reverting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to enhance therapeutic efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Project #1 skills/experience to be gained

Project #2 Description 

Development and preclinical evaluation of novel immune stimulating antibody conjugate that promotes innate and adaptive immune responses against hematologic and solid malignancies 

Project #2 skills/experience to be gained

Project expectations/requirements

PI Name: Dr. Yifan Yuan

PI E-mail:  yyuan@som.umaryland.edu

Lab Name: Yuan Lab

Lab Website: https://sites.google.com/view/yuanlab/home

Lab Address (room, building, campus): S109, Health Science Research Facility II, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore

Lab Overview:

Our lab is focused on integrating molecular biology, bioengineering, and computational biology to delineate biological mechanisms in the vascular microenvironment and to develop a native-mimicking modeling system during homeostatic and diseased states. 

Project Description 

Diseases of the lung vasculature are difficult to study due to the lack of functional ex vivo models. Conventional culture systems are typically limited in their ability to represent human pathophysiology for the study of disease and drug mechanisms. The overall objective of this project is to develop an experimental platform that mimics the pulmonary microvasculature during normal homeostasis and during disease states. The lung microvascular niche characteristics, such as paracrine factors, hemodynamics, and extracellular matrix composition are all of pivotal importance for regulating endothelial maturation and maintaining vascular homeostasis. Leveraging single-cell RNA-seq (scRNAseq), we developed computational tools to identify the paracrine signals in human distal lungs. We also made a prototype vascular platform using acellular whole lung scaffolds that recapitulate the native ECM microenvironment in the lung vascular tree. In this study, we will leverage these tools to identify novel, important locally acting soluble factors in a functional lung microvascular niche to improve pulmonary microvascular maturation in acellular lung scaffolds. During the last year, we determined a group of important and novel soluble factors that could improve endothelial maturation in 2D culture. During the rotation, the students will be testing the impact of these soluble factors in in vitro flow device and 3D endothelial repopulated lung platform. The students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the biological, computational, and engineering tools in the lab, such as the bioengineered whole organ culture system and multi-omics. 

Project skills/experience to be gained

The student will have the chance to gain skills in dynamic cell culture, whole organ culture using decellularization/recellularization strategy, single-cell RNA-seq analysis

Project expectations/requirements


The candidates are expected to have great interest in bioengineering, molecular biology, and translational research. Candidates with additional experience in the following skills and areas will be preferred but not required: human primary cell culture, computational biology, qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, and familiar with 3D cell culture systems such as organoids and/or organ on chips.