2014 

Lidya Abune is a rising junior at Bucknell University studying biomedical engineering. She is originally from Ethiopia. She now resides in Washington DC with her family. In her free time, she enjoys studying the Bible, community organizing, and spending time with her family.

Project: Analyzing deformation of anisotropic dielectric elastomer actuators
Mentors: David Clarke, Sam Shian
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

LinkedIn

Abuubakar Ally is a sophomore at Harvard University concentrating in electrical engineering with a minor in economics. Originally from Tanzania, he is dedicated to the empowerment of African youth, and has served as  an instructor in several youth leadership programs, including Global Kids and the Council on Foreign Relations, the Kondoa Centre for Science and Technology, and the Global Leadership Forum.

Project: Insect inspired pneumatic robots project
Mentors: George Whitesides, Yanina Shevchenko, Alex Nemiroski
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Nicolás Andrade is a rising junior at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is double majoring in electrical engineering and physics with a triple minor in mathematics, Spanish, and economics. He plans on pursuing his Ph.D. in electrical engineering and hopes to conduct research and teach at the university/graduate level. He also enjoys the outdoors, including hiking, playing tennis, and swimming. In his free time, he also plays the piano, guitar, and ukulele.

Project: Device integration of lithium niobate microring resonators patterned with a silicon hard mask
Mentors: Marko Lončar, Cheng Wang
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) |  NSF ECCS-0335765

LinkedIn

Connor Bain is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina Honors College studying computer science, math, and music. After graduation, he hopes to attend graduate school and eventually become a professor. Connor enjoys listening to music, playing frisbee, and being outdoors.

Project: Testing and optimizing the performance of differential privacy
Mentors: Salil Vadhan, Nissim Kobbi
Funding: NSF Trustworthy Computing Systems (TWC): Frontier: Privacy Tools for Sharing Research Data | NSF CNS-1237235

LinkedIn

Victor Balcer is a rising senior at the University of California San Diego studying mathematics and computer science. He is interested in cryptography and complexity theory. Outside of academics, he enjoys good food and playing squash.

Project: Theory and practice of differential privacy
Mentors: Salil Vadhan, Or Sheffett
Funding: NSF Trustworthy Computing Systems (TWC): Frontier: Privacy Tools for Sharing Research Data | NSF CNS-1237235

LinkedIn

Andreas Biekert is a rising junior at Pomona College in Claremont, CA. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer and making movies. He is a physics major and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physics.

Project: Building a surface plasmon resonance device on the tip of an optical fiber for protein detection
Mentors: Qimin Quan, Feng Liang
Funding: Rowland Institute at Harvard

LinkedIn

Carlos Brambila is a senior at San Diego State University majoring in biology - emphasis in bioengineering. He hopes to continue his education and receive a graduate degree in bioengineering. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, running, playing and listening to music, surfing, and spending time with family and friends.

Project: High-throughput drug screening in vivo using droplet microfluidics
Mentors: David Weitz, Anindita (Oni) Basu, Linas Mazutis
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) |  NSF ECCS-0335765

LinkedIn

Kerem Ege Calay is a rising senior at Lehigh University majoring in materials engineering. He hopes to eventually run his own marine architecture/engineering firm or his own research team. He was born in Istanbul, Turkey. He speaks French, Spanish, and Turkish, and his hobbies are sailing and soccer.

Project: Polymer-based anti-abrasive materials/coatings
Mentors: Donald Ingber, Katia Bertoldi, Kitty Kumar, Pai Wang
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Elizabeth Campbell has lived all over the world, most recently in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she attended Dalhousie University. She was recently awarded a bachelors degree with a double major in biology and music.

Project: Encapsulation of enzymes for osmotic pressure triggered release
Mentors: David Weitz, Dong Chen, Alireza Abbaspourrad
Funding: BASF North American Center for Research on Advanced Materials

LinkedIn

Conor Camplisson is studying biochemistry at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. He plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry.

Project: The link between cell morphology and gene expression
Mentors: George Church, Je Hyuk Lee
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Devin Carroll grew up in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. He is a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in engineering management. After graduation, he intends to obtain his Ph.D. In his free time, he enjoys biking, rock climbing, and playing soccer.

Project: Hardware systems for multi-robot construction
Mentors: Justin Werfel, Paul Kassabian
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Steven Ceron is a rising sophomore, majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Florida. He would like to go on to graduate school and apply many different areas of research to the unraveling of artificial intelligence. Steven loves to read, do puzzles, and work on programming projects. He also enjoys running, bike-riding, swimming, kayaking, traveling and going on adventures.

Project: Bad bugs: How bacteria colonize surfaces
Mentors: Shmuel Rubinstein, Haslam Gareth
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) |  NSF ECCS-0335765

LinkedIn

Richard Cheng is a rising senior at Princeton University studying mechanical and aerospace engineering and minoring in robotics and computer science. He is interested in learning about robotics, energy systems, and more generally the interface between electrical and mechanical systems. He enjoys traveling, playing pool, and watching movies.

Project: Wind disturbance generator for gust rejection
Mentors: Rob Wood, Pakpong Chirarattananon, Farrell Helbling
Funding: NSF Collaborative Research: RoboBees: A Convergence of Body, Brain and Colony | NSF IIS-0926148

LinkedIn

Elena Chong Loo was born in Panama City, Panama, and is a rising junior at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, double majoring in electrical engineering and mathematics with a minor in robotics. She enjoys filmmaking, reading about mathematics, and learning new things. She is interested in wearable technology and 3D printing and aspires to become an entrepreneur and innovator who can inspire future generations.

Project: 3D printing technology
Mentors: Jennifer Lewis, Michael Bell
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Gabrielle Compton is from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is studying biomedical engineering at the University of Arkansas. After graduation, she intends to obtain her Ph.D. and pursue a career in research. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, traveling, music, and meeting new people!

Project: Straw-bots: Insect inspired lightweight robots
Mentors: George Whitesides, Yanina Shevchenko, Alex Nemiroski
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Amanda Cortinas is a rising junior at Rice University in Houston, Texas. She is majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering with a minor in biochemistry. Her research interests include anything having to do with biotechnology.

Project: Rare Earth element biosorption to different bacterial strains
Mentors: David Clarke, William Bonificio
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Naomi Day is a rising sophomore at Wellesley College. She plans to major in computer science with a focus on the study of international relations, political science, Middle Eastern studies, and anything else she can fit into four years at college. Outside of studying, her interests include creative writing, exploring new cities, and getting to know new friends.

Project: Safe sharing of research data
Mentors: Mercè Crosas, Michael Bar-Sinai
Funding: NSF Trustworthy Computing Systems (TWC): Frontier: Privacy Tools for Sharing Research Data | NSF CNS-1237235

LinkedIn

Sahm Deravi is a 19-year-old sophomore currently enrolled at Auburn University. Basketball has always been a passion of his, whether by playing or watching it. His family and friends are the most important things in his life, and they are what keep him striving toward success, inching closer and closer to fulfilling his dreams.

Project: Building high-performance textiles using pull spinning system
Mentors: Kit Parker, Leila Deravi
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Carlneil Domkam is a highly motivated mechanical engineering student at Bunker Hill Community College whose passion for science and the arts knows no bound. He sees success as something that can only be achieved when one knows how to cohesively work well with others. As a result, he strives to impact the people around him with his positive and can-do attitude.

Project: Soft pressure regulation
Mentors: Rob Wood, Michael Wehner
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

LinkedIn

Phil Eaton is a rising sophomore at Haverford College majoring in computer science with a minor in East Asian studies. In his free time, he can be found watching Chinese sitcoms or playing guitar.

Project: Accelerating neural networks in hardware
Mentors: David Brooks, Brandon Reagan
Funding: NSF Collaborative Research: RoboBees: A Convergence of Body, Brain and Colony | NSF IIS-0926148

LinkedIn

Ja’Far Emir is veteran of the United States Air Force and recent transfer from Bunker Hill Community College. He is now a junior at University of Massachusetts - Lowell studying chemical engineering. He plans on pursuing a graduate degree in chemical engineering with a focus on nuclear energy and waste disposal in the future. A hard worker, he has achieved everything from Dean's list, Honors student, and now a member of the Honors College at UMass Lowell. He feels education is the key and is his one true passion.

Project: Engineered nanofiber membranes for mimicking microvascular function in vitro
Mentors: Kit Parker, Josué Goss
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

John Ferrier is a junior at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR where he currently studies physics and mathematics. Prior to his college career, he served in the United States Air Force as an Electronic Warfare technician who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. But, these days, he dedicates his time to leading his SPS group as their new president and studying. He enjoys programming, music, and anything science-related.

Project: Real-time image processing for muscular thin film systems
Mentors: Kit Parker, Sung Jin Park
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Brandon Foley is a rising fifth-year at the University of Wisconsin - Madison pursuing a degree in chemical engineering. His research interests include biology, catalysis, and polymers, and he plans on pursuing a Ph.D. after graduating.

Project: Particle sorting on microfluidic chips using optical forces
Mentors: Federico Capasso, Lulu Liu, Alex Woolf
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) |  NSF ECCS-0335765

LinkedIn

David Fricke is a sophomore at Bunker Hill, majoring in engineering. After acquiring an associates degree, he wants to pursue a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. In his spare time, he enjoys socializing, gaming, and traveling.

Project: Stainless steel membranes
Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Alexander Tesler, Xu Hou
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

Elizabeth Gallardo was born in Cuba and raised in Canada. She moved to Florida to complete high school and is currently attending Florida International University. She is majoring in biomedical engineering. In her extra time, she enjoys playing sports and the piano.

Project: Cell surface mechanosensing
Mentors: David Weitz, Adrian Pegoraro
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Ambika Goel is majoring in engineering with a concentration in materials science at Olin College. She plans on attending graduate school to continue studying materials science, but her ultimate goal is to be an entrepreneur to put her discoveries into use.

Project: Glass samples for atom probe tomography
Mentors: David Bell, Andrew Magyar
Funding: NSF Science & Technology Center - Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) | NSF DMR-1231319

LinkedIn

Aria Hamann is an engineering-physics and studio art double major from southern Oregon. She is a rising junior at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, and she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, painting, traveling, and snowboarding. She is considering environmental engineering, architecture, or graduate studies in physics.

Project: Fracking dynamics: How hydraulic fractures react to interfaces
Mentors: Shmuel Rubinstein, David Weitz, Will Steinhardt
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

LinkedIn

Robert Hawthorne is a rising senior at Harvard College concentrating in chemical and material bioengineering. He is very interested in biomaterials, especially in their applications to tissue engineering and hopes to pursue an MD/Ph.D. after graduation. Apart from his studies, he commits most of his time to row for Harvard's varsity lightweight rowing team, but he also enjoys distance running, sudoku and playing music in the time left over.

Project: 3D printing artificial neurons
Mentors: Jennifer Lewis, Kimberly Homan, Scott Slimmer
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

LinkedIn

Neil He is a Boston-area native and a rising sophomore at Case Western Reserve University. He is studying materials science and engineering and running track and field. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing and watching soccer, and meeting new people!

Project: Investigating droplet growth dynamics
Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Kyoo Chul (Ken) Park
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Robert David Hernandez is a United States Marine Corps veteran. He is from Chicago, Illinois and recently completed a year's worth of study at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona where he was stationed. He plans to attend Loyola University Chicago in the fall of 2014 and major in biological science with a minor in Spanish and an eventual goal of attending medical school. His interests include weightlifting, distance running, reading science fiction, and learning about the world around us.

Project: Rapid nanofabrication of complex metasurfaces
Mentors: George Whitesides, Alex Nemiroski, Mathieu Gonidec
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Jeff Holzgrafe is a rising senior majoring in engineering physics at Olin College. He is interested in the practical implementation of nanoscale devices and novel nanomanufacturing techniques such as an electrophoretic deposition.

Project: Getting more light from a diamond quantum bit
Mentors: Marko Loncar, Srujan Meesala
Funding: NSF Science & Technology Center - Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) | NSF DMR-1231319

LinkedIn

Danielle Ithier is originally from Hooksett, NH and is currently a junior studying mechanical engineering at Harvard University. He is very interested in biologically inspired robotics and will be working in Professor Robert Wood's lab. Outside of engineering, Carter also enjoys biking, soccer, and laser tag.

Project: Compliant leg design in a quadrupedal ambulatory microrobot
Mentors: Rob Wood, Onur Ozcan
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Waad Kahouli is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke College majoring in physics. In her spare time, she enjoys jogging, cooking, reading and socializing.

Project: Evaluation of wing aerodynamics for Harvard Robobee
Mentors: Rob Wood, Kevin Chen, Nick Gravish
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Ola is majoring in mechanical and biomedical engineering at MIT. She is involved in Ste@m (Sports Technology and Education @ MIT), the Gordon-MIT Leadership Program (GEL), the MIT European Club, Varsity Sailing, Women's Volleyball, MIT Ski Team, and Sigma Kappa

Project: Wearable soft exosuit for the hip
Mentors: Conor Walsh, Kai Schmidt
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering 

LinkedIn

Max Kanwal is a rising sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley studying electrical engineering and computer science. Although originally from the greater Washington D.C. area, he lived on the East Coast until college. He plans to go to graduate school to apply his skills in mathematical modeling and signal to process towards understanding and augmenting the human brain. When he isn't reading up on Neuroengineering, Max loves playing basketball, watching sports, and eating Thai food.

Project: Algorithms for collective construction of functionally-specified structures
Mentors: Justin Werfel, Paul Kassabian
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering 

LinkedIn

Jordan Kennedy just graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, where she majored in mechanical engineering.

Project: Rheological properties of biofilms
Mentors: David Weitz, Stephan Koehler
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

LinkedIn

Fatemeh Khashai is a junior at University of California - Irvine studying biological science. Her goal is to become a dentist. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, dancing and skating in her spare time. Her project is on the development of new soft robotic actuators.

Project: Buckling as a mechanism for actuation in soft machines
Mentors: George Whitesides, Bobak Mosadegh
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

Min Kim is a rising sophomore studying physics and chemistry at Williams College. She enjoys playing the violin in the Berkshire Symphony.

Project: Mechanically improved, electrically conductive carbon nanotube (CNT)-hybrid nanofibers by iRJS
Mentors: Kit Parker, Grant Gonzalez
Funding: Harvard University

LinkedIn

Ngulunite Nzapa Grace Anne Kossia is a rising junior, from the sweet state of Texas, pursuing a bachelors of science in mechanical engineering at Harvard University. She is interested in exploring ways in which she can combine teaching and engineering to better conditions in her home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as other developing countries. On-campus, she is heavily involved in Harvard College Faith and Action and seeks to become more involved with the Harvard Society of Black Scientists and Engineers, the Harvard African Student Society, the Harvard Black Student Association, and the Phillips Brook House Association.

Project: Wind tunnel flow visualization automation
Mentors: Rob Wood, Michelle Rosen, Michael Smith
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Paul Lisker is studying for his bachelor of arts in computer science at Harvard University.

Project: Privacy tools
Mentors: Latanya Sweeney
Funding: NSF Trustworthy Computing Systems (TWC): Frontier: Privacy Tools for Sharing Research Data | NSF CNS-1237235

LinkedIn

Lucas Lopez is a motivated individual interested in the areas of biology and chemistry. He was born and grew up in the Boston area. He is studying nursing and hopes to one day be skilled enough to save lives. In his free time, he loves to sketch, jog, play sports, and read.

Project: Evaluating selective barrier function of synthetic and natural membranes
Mentors: Kit Parker, Josué Goss
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

Induja Maheswaran is a rising junior at the University of Maryland, College Park studying bioengineering and actuarial mathematics. She is interested in the design of inexpensive healthcare technologies for the developing world.

Project: Paper-based cell culture platform to study cancer
Mentors: George Whitesides, Gulden Camci-Unal
Funding: Vertex

LinkedIn

Alejandra Marin was born in Colombia. She is graduating from Bunker Hill Community College in May 2014 and will be transferring to the University of Massachusetts Lowell to continue studying electrical engineering. She is a Commonwealth Honors scholar and the vice-president of a school organization that aims to help minority students who are pursuing careers in the STEM fields.

Project: Simulating the capacitance of nano materials
Mentors: Robert M. Westervelt, John Free, Sagar Bhandari
Funding: NSF Science & Technology Center - Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) | NSF DMR-1231319

LinkedIn

Alexi Martin is originally from Jamaica. He moved to the Boston area several years ago, and he is super excited to be a part of this research experience.

Project: Programmable logic controller (PLC) retro-fit to a thermal evaporator
Mentors: Jiangdong (JD) Deng, Ed Macomber
Funding: NSF Science & Technology Center - Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) | NSF DMR-1231319

LinkedIn

Fergal McGovern is a mechanical engineering student at University College Dublin. He enjoys sports especially tag rugby and squash.

Project: Mechanical/biological cardiac therapy
Mentors: Conor Walsh, Ellen Roche
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Lucas McNeilly is a ten-year Marine Corps Veteran who is now enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College. He hopes to transfer in the fall of 2014 to a 4-year institution to pursue a bachelors in mechanical engineering.

Project: Calculating force and torque using fiber-optic displacement sensors
Mentors: Rob Wood, Zhi Ern Teoh, Kevin Ma
Funding: NSF Collaborative Research: RoboBees: A Convergence of Body, Brain and Colony | NSF IIS-0926148

LinkedIn

Jack Michaud is a student at Columbia University studying neuroscience. He participates in Varsity Heavyweight Rowing.

Project: Drosophila melanogaster individuality development
Mentors: Elizabeth Kane
Funding: Rowland Institute at Harvard

LinkedIn

Lauren Milling is a rising senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign studying bioengineering with a minor in molecular and cell biology. She intends to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering after graduation. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys running, cooking for friends, and traveling internationally through Engineers Without Borders.

Project: Inserting foreign DNA into cancer cells
Mentors: Eric Mazur, Nabiha Saklayen, Marinus Huber, Daryl Vulis
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Jovany Mira was born in Colombia in 1989 and migrated to the United States in 1999. He is currently enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College in the engineering transfer program. He was deployed to Afghanistan with the 181st Engineering Company 2012 to 2013.

Project: Passive origami transmission system
Mentors: Rob Wood, Sam Felton, Michael Tolley
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Daniel Miron is rising junior at Columbia University majoring in physics and mathematics. Outside of these fields, he is interested in machine learning and programming language theory. In his free time, he plays for Uptown Local, Columbia's Ultimate Frisbee team and he enjoys watching old movies.

Project: Massively parallel algorithms for neuronal segmentation
Mentors: Hanspeter Pfister, Ray Thouis Jones
Funding: CDI Type II: Bridging the Computational Semantic Gap: A Demand-Driven Framework for Portal-Based Chemistry, Astronomy and Neurobiology | NSF OIA-1125087

LinkedIn

Kylee Morris just completed her sophomore year at Missouri State University and will be transferring to the University of Missouri – Columbia for her junior year. She is double majoring in finance and economics and plans to pursue an MBA after she graduates from Mizzou. She has a passion for innovation, science, technology, business, and entrepreneurship.

Project: Flaskbox market research
Mentors: Alán Aspuru-Guzik, Kai Trepte
Funding: CDI Type II: Bridging the Computational Semantic Gap: A Demand-Driven Framework for Portal-Based Chemistry, Astronomy and Neurobiology | NSF OIA-1125087

LinkedIn

David Morse is a rising senior at the University of Tennessee studying physics and biophysics. He enjoys playing sports, playing music, and going to the zoo. He is interested in nanomaterial research, specifically as it relates to cancer therapy.

Project: The preferential membrane binding of Alzheimer’s peptides
Mentors: David Weitz, Roy Ziblat
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) |  NSF ECCS-0335765

LinkedIn

Lara Murray is from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and is studying biomedical engineering at Bucknell University. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, singing, and playing guitar.

Project: A multiplexed electrochemical reader for early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Mentors: George Whitesides, Alex Nemiroski, Jon Hennek
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Alimatou Ndiaye has a bachelor in electrical engineering from Suffolk University, biotechnology transfer from Bunker Hill Community College. She plans to apply for graduate programs in biotechnology for fall 2015. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, volunteering, and movies.

Project: Controlling biofilm growth and structure using microfluidics and millifluidics
Mentors: David Weitz, Tom Kodger
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Rochelle Nevarez is a rising junior studying biochemistry at Mount St. Mary's University LA (Chalon Campus).

Project: How to plant and grow nanoparticles within pores of inverse opals
Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Tanya Shirmin

Publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.201704559

Jean-Eider Pierre-Louis is a student at Bunker Hill Community College. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Project: Pneumatic fold-up furniture
Mentors: Rob Wood, Sam Felton, Dan Aukes
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Christopher Plunkett is a rising junior at the University of Rochester majoring in biomedical engineering. After graduation, he intends to earn a masters degree and pursue research related to targeted drug delivery systems. His interests include skiing, music, basketball, and metalworking.

Project: Small droplet mixing via ferrofluid infused surfaces
Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Wendong Wang
Funding: NSF Collaborative Research: CDI-Type I: Developing Computational Models to Guide the Design of Chemomechanically Responsive, Reconfigurable Surfaces | NSF  CMMI-1124669

LinkedIn

Charles Roco is a rising senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in biological systems engineering and triple minoring in green engineering, interdisciplinary engineering and science, and biomedical engineering. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in bioengineering or a related discipline. He enjoys playing soccer, tennis, guitar, and traveling in his spare time.

Project: Improved magnetically responsive gels for triggered drug delivery
Mentors: David Mooney, Stephen Kennedy
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Ryan Rood is a rising senior studying biomedical engineering at the University of Connecticut. He enjoys shooting hoops, hiking, or playing soccer in his spare time.

Project: Using electrochemistry to measure oxygen gradients in stackable 3D cell cultures
Mentors: George Whitesides, Bobak Mosadegh
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Sanaea Rose is a rising sophomore and astrophysics major at Wellesley College. She is also interested in mathematics and anthropology. She enjoys dancing, choreographing, writing, and exploring cities, museums, and cuisines.

Project: Europium and electrostatic deposition techniques
Mentors: Evelyn Hu, Andy Greenspon, Shanying Cui
Funding: NSF Science & Technology Center - Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) | NSF DMR-1231319

Luis Rubio is a rising senior at Elmhurst College in Illinois. He is studying physics and chemistry and planning to obtain a PhD. in biomedical engineering. He is an avid runner, athlete, and musician.

Project: Templated microlens nano-lithography
Mentors: George Whitesides, Max Hamedi, Mathieu Gonidec
Funding: Office of Naval Research - Large Area 3D Optical Metamaterials with Tunability and Low Loss

LinkedIn

Daniel Sanchez-Rosales is originally from El Salvador. He currently attends Bunker Hill Community College. He plans to major in chemical engineering and physics and hopes to have a future career in applied and particle physics. He enjoys spending time with friends and playing soccer.

Project: Development of a printable pump for the actuation of printed robots
Mentors: Rob Wood, Michael Tolley, Sam Felton
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Kevin Schilling is a senior at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo majoring in chemistry with a minor in statistics.

Project: Understanding protein-ligand binding
Mentors: George Church
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

LinkedIn

Cece Shen is a rising sophomore at Wellesley College planning on majoring in physics with a minor in computer science. She enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy books and playing frisbee in her free time.

Project: Database on atomic manipulation
Mentors: Jenny Hoffman, Zhihuai (Jason) Zhu
Funding: NSF Science & Technology Center - Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) | NSF DMR-1231319

LinkedIn

Annie Stephenson is a rising senior at the University of Notre Dame majoring in physics with concentrations in advanced and applied physics. Outside of the lab, she enjoys writing, traveling, and studying French.

Project: Inertial focusing of non-spherical particles with asymmetric voids
Mentors: Soojung Claire Hur
Funding: Rowland Institute at Harvard

LinkedIn

Carmine Taglienti is a junior mechanical engineer in the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He is the president of the UMass Amherst triathlon club team. In his free time, he trains rigorously for Ironman triathlons. He hopes to combine his understanding of physiology and engineering to work on prosthetics in the future.

Project: Weaving and production of Kevlar nano fabrics
Mentors: Kit Parker, Grant Gonzalez
Funding: Harvard University

LinkedIn

Trevor Tanner is a rising senior majoring in applied science and bioengineering at the University of Utah

Project: Learning from errors in quantum chemistry
Mentors: Alán Aspuru-Guzik, Dmitrij Rappoport
Funding: CDI Type II: Bridging the Computational Semantic Gap: A Demand-Driven Framework for Portal-Based Chemistry, Astronomy and Neurobiology | NSF OIA-1125087

LinkedIn

Sonia Targ is a rising sophomore at Stanford University majoring in biomechanical engineering. In her spare time, she likes to play the violin, bake, eat, and spend time outdoors.

Project: Multiplex detection of diseases using microfluidic paper analytical devices (μPADs)
Mentors: George Whitesides, Dionysios Christodouleas, Jonathan Milette
Funding: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Zero Cost Diagnostics

LinkedIn

Senait Tesfamariam is a rising senior at Howard University who is majoring in chemical engineering. She is interested in nanoscience. In her spare time, she likes swimming, dancing and outdoors.

Project: Fabrication of high quality of graphene sample
Mentors: Robert M. Westervelt, Sagar Bhandari
Funding: NSF Science & Technology Center - Center for Integrated Quantum Materials (CIQM) | NSF DMR-1231319

Sanne van Loenen is a Dutch physics student at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She is born and raised in Amsterdam. She is interested in the soft matter area and has a passion for research as well as horse riding. After graduation, she would love to do a Ph.D.

Project: Measurement of the surface stiffness in a colloidal crystal-liquid interface
Mentors: Frans Spaepen, Emily Redston, Zsolt Terdik, Tom Kodger
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-0820484

LinkedIn

Natalia von Windheim studies materials science and engineering at North Carolina State University and will be starting her junior year in the fall. She is also involved in NC State's Entrepreneurship Initiative and enjoys horseback riding in her free time.

Project: Optically clear, omniphobic elastomer coatings
Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Philseok Kim
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

LinkedIn

Hank Wikle recently finished his freshman year at Bunker Hill Community College and will begin his sophomore year at Drexel University in the Fall. He will be majoring in computer science. His interests include artificial intelligence and complex systems.

Project: Selective inhibition of bacteria
Mentors: Alvaro Sanchez, Vishal Kottadiel
Funding: Rowland Institute at Harvard

LinkedIn

Nastasia Winey is rising sophomore, majoring in mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where her interests lie in biomechanics and biology-inspired robotics. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding and fencing.

Project: Downsizing the Robobee through actuators and hinges
Mentors: Rob Wood, Noah Jafferis
Funding: NSF Collaborative Research: RoboBees: A Convergence of Body, Brain and Colony | NSF IIS-0926148

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Luke Wooster is a rising senior at Eastern Nazarene College pursuing a dual degree in mathematics and physics. He is hoping to continue his education by pursuing a Ph.D. in applied physics. When not in the lab, he enjoys playing soccer and tennis and eating great food.

Project: Design and fabrication of an inline microfluidic electrochemical cell for mass spectrometry
Mentors: Alessandra Ferzoco
Funding: Rowland Institute at Harvard

Jasmine Young is a rising senior studying chemical engineering with a concentration in biomolecular engineering at Mississippi State University. She is passionate about glorifying God in all that she does. She enjoys family-oriented activities along with participating in community service projects involving youth mentorship.

Project: Quantify the uptake of methylene blue in hydrogel based in vitro models for drug efficacy applications
Mentors: Kit Parker, Renita Horton
Funding: NSF REU Site - Biomaterials Research Initiative Dedicated to Gateway Experiences | NSF DMR-1262895

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