Sunlab @ OSU - Group Members

To perspective members:

For the interdisciplinary nature of our research programs, people from various academic backgrounds are welcome. And once on board, you are expected to develop expertise in many areas, such as statistical mechanics, optics, image analysis, computer simulations, biochemistry, cell biology, etc., as long as it helps your research to move forward. Taking courses in all of them is unnecessary and distracting. Your success lies in self-motivation as well as self-learning. If you want to take the challenge, write to me.

Principle Investigator

Bo Sun

Professor (2024)

Associate Professor (2019)

Assistant Professor (2013)

Department of Physics,

Oregon State University

B.S. Tsinghua University (2003)

Ph.D New York University (2010)

sunb@oregonstate.edu

Postdocs

Austin Naylor (naylora@oregonstate.edu)

I graduated from Morningside College (Sioux City, Iowa) in 2016 with a B.S. in Physics, Math, and a minor in Religious Studies. I then came to the graduate program at OSU in the Fall of 2016 to get my Ph.D. in Physics. I joined Dr. Bo Sun's lab to study biophysics, hopefully to contribute to a cure for cancer. My current research studies extra-cellular matrices (ECM), specifically collagen, and how we can manipulate the ECM, in different ways and by using various methods, to affect the cells/tissue in the surrounding area.

Graduate Students

Christian Cunningham (cunnichr@oregonstate.edu)

I got my B.S. in both Physics and Mathematics in Barrett the Honors College in Arizona State University in 2022. I then was accepted to Oregon State’s Physics Ph.D. program in the Fall of 2022. I joined Dr. Bo Sun’s lab at the beginning of 2023 and am interested in computational modeling, biological nanotechnology, and cell communication.

Rabina Thapa Magar (thapamar@oregonstate.edu)

My name is Rabina Thapa Magar, and I am originally from Nepal. I have completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Tribhuvan University. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Physics at Oregon State University, focusing on Biophysics. My research involves studying the collective behavior of neuron cells. I enjoy hands-on experiments and exploring the physics behind biological phenomena. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends and explore new places.

Trever Reid (reidtr@oregonstate.edu)

I graduated from Oregon State University in Spring 2021 with B.S. in Physics and Mathematics. I then returned to OSU in Fall 2021 to pursue a Master’s degree in Physics. In Summer 2022, I joined Dr. Sun’s lab where I am studying how cancer cells migrate and interact with their local environment. My hobbies include bicycling, hiking, wood carving, rock hunting, and reading, and I have a particular interest in the philosophy and history of science.

Undergraduate Students

Matthew Hines <hinematt@oregonstate.edu>

My name is Matthew Hines, and I am an undergraduate majoring in in BioHealth Science and BioResource Research pre-med track with a Spanish minor. I am from Portland, Oregon. During my free time I like to be outside, play soccer, listen to music, and cook a good meal.

Madison Kucera <kuceram@oregonstate.edu>

My name is Madison Kucera, and I am a third-year undergrad at OSU majoring in Biochemistry and Biophysics. I am originally from Colorado but came to Oregon to pursue and expand my career goals in research. I am currently studying the mechanics of cancer cells and how they can influence their environment. I enjoy hiking, playing tennis, and spending time with my friends and family in my free time.

Omalja Welagedara <welagedo@oregonstate.edu>

My name is Omalja Welagedara, and I am a undergraduate majoring in biology with a chemistry minor in pre medicine option. I'm from Sri Lanka originally. In my spare time, I enjoy performing Indian classical dance, or bharatha natyam. Just a funfact, I'm also the integrative biology club president!

Colton Ramsey <ramseyco@oregonstate.edu>

My name is Colton Ramsey, and I am an undergraduate studying biochemistry and molecular biology. I’m from Olympia, Washington and moved here because I enjoy the rainy and snowy weather! I’ve previously worked with Listeria and wastewater and am interested in learning how to apply physics to biological research. In my free time, I like to lift weights, row, run track and field, and play video games.

Max Libmann <libmannm@oregonstate.edu>

My name is Max Libmann, and I am an undergraduate student at Oregon State University majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. I am primarily interested in studying the processes and motivations of metastasizing cancer cells. I also personally really enjoy the process of research itself, especially learning new techniques and strategies to approach important questions. In my spare time, I like to try new things, play tennis, and spend time with friends.

Undergraduate Alumni

Nathan Hastings <hastinat@oregonstate.edu>

My name is Nathan Hastings. I am an undergraduate studying Physics here at OSU. I have found a passion in hands on research and will be pursuing a PHD after my graduation in 2025. In my free time I like to run, play various sports, bake, and spend time with friends.

Hailey Richter <richterh@oregonstate.edu>

My name is Hailey Richter, and I am a senior at OSU studying physics with minors in computer science and Chinese language and culture. Previously, I worked in astrophysics and switched for a more hands on approach to research.

Izabel Sophia Raab <raabi@oregonstate.edu>, in the group from 2022-2024, now at preMed program at OSU

Izabel Raab (she/her/hers) is an undergraduate student majoring in biohealth sciences with an option in pre-med. She is originally from Portland, Oregon and decided to go to school down in Corvallis to get a taste of what Oregon State has to offer for her scientific interests. Izabel is passionate about the snow, skiing, traveling, running, reading, and her dog and cat. Her mother is an Immigrant from Moscow, Russia and she is bilingual.

Ryan Wong <wongryan@oregonstate.edu>, in the group from 2018-2121 Now pursuing PhD at University of Chicago

My name is Ryan Wong, a sophomore at OSU studying physics. I came to university with an interest in medicine, but soon discovered the achievements and contributions that physics has made to society. I love science and research, and hope to make the best out of my undergraduate physics career at OSU. In my spare time I love to read and play table tennis, and you can usually find me on the weekends hanging out with friends and family, or spending the day holed up in the library.

Eleanora Irene Kemp <kempel@oregonstate.edu>, in the group in 2019.

My name is Eleanora Kemp, and I am a second year Mechanical Engineering student here at OSU. I came into college as a Bioengineering major, and while that has changed since then, I still have a strong interest in the medical and biological fields relating to engineering. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, and spending time with my close friends. I’m very excited to be engaging in research here at the University, as it brings a whole new set of challenges, and learning opportunities outside of my class work.

Kailie McKinnon Franco (francok@oregonstate.edu), in the group 2019-2020

My name is Kailie Franco, and I am a sophomore studying Biochemistry and Biophysics with a dual minor in chemistry and French. After joining the lab in my freshman year, I found a passion for research, and as such I hope to continue research on chemosensing throughout my tenure at OSU. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my cat, play the French Horn, and watch true crime documentaries.

Victoria Bennette (bennettv@oregonstate.edu), in the group in 2019.

Victoria is a third year undergraduate pursuing a bachelors in bioengineering. She has a passion for animals and one day hopes to create prosthetics for animals using her bioengineering background. She is bilingual, with Spanish as her second language and she is working on learning Italian.

Chase, Katelyn Joy <chasek@oregonstate.edu>, in the group from 2015-2018, currently pursuing PhD at Princeton University.

I'm currently a sophomore at Oregon State University majoring in physics and minoring in math and chemistry. In the lab, I'll be working on creating microfluidic devices from pictures of chicken embryo and then using and testing these devices to measure cellular response to shear stress.

Hassan Ali M Alnatah <alnatahh@oregonstate.edu>, in the group from 2015-2018

My name is Hassan Alnatah. I am currently a junior, majoring in Biochemistry and Biophysics. I am interested in applying my understanding of physics and chemistry to better understand how cancer cells migrate and what factors affect their migration pathways. I am hoping that my work will move us a step closer to curing cancer.

Dwight Monohon (monohond@onid.orst.edu), in the group from April 2013 to September 2013, currently: Portland State University

(Previous Bio: I am a Junior Physics undergraduate student at Oregon State University. Currently I am doing research on mechanosening and chemosensing.)

Teresa Lawson, in the group from Sep. 2013 and graduated with B. S. in March 2014.

Update: In May 2014, Teresa Joined Monica Hinds' Group (OHSU) as a technician, a year later she joined University of Michigan graduate program.

(Previous bio: My name is Teresa Lawson. I'm a senior at Oregon State University majoring in biology. After taking the physics 20X series I became drawn to the connection between physics and biology and physics' ability to describe the world around us. Currently I am working on a project using epoxy resin to create durable molds for microfluidic devices. I also assist Chris jones with his work in the lab.)

Kyle Thomas, in the group from June 2013 to May 2014

Kyle Thomas (wetlife@gmail.com)

http://people.oregonstate.edu/~thomasky.

Cameron Thayer-Freeman, in the group from June 2014 to June 2015.

update: 2021 admitted to Duke medical school medical physics program

(Previous Bio: My name is Cameron Thayer-Freeman. I am an undergraduate at OSU currently majoring in physics and minoring in biology and mathematics. I am interested in how physics can be applied to further advance medicine and plan to study medical physics in the future. I am currently interested in studying cancer cell movement and migration through heterogeneous media and how changes in media density affect their movement patterns.)

Laura Jackson (jackslau@onid.oregonstate.edu), in the group from July 2014 to March 2015

(Previous Bio: My name is Laura Jackson, I am a senior at Oregon State majoring in Exercise and Sport’s science with an emphasis on pre-medicine. My passion is for the field of osteopathic medicine where I am pursuing to become a physician. I currently volunteer in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Room at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center where I have the privilege of experiencing different aspects of medicine as well as serving as an aide for the medical staff. I was a volunteer in OSU’s Impact4Life program and MS clinic where I worked with disabled individuals by helping them engage in physical activity to promote longevity and maintain physical functioning. I currently am assisting in the biophysics lab where I developed an interest in research because I find it’s a great way to gain hands on experience, learn different research methods and build upon my education in the field of research. Upon graduation I plan to use the skills I’ve acquired from education, volunteering and research and incorporate them into the field of medicine.)

Daniel Lin (lintzu@onid.orst.edu), in the group from Sep 2013 to June 2015. After graduate, joined the graduate program at OSU computer science.

(Previous Bio: My name is Daniel Lin. I am a 3rd year undergraduate student at Oregon State University studying Computer Science and Physics. I am very interested in Big Data analysis, Image Processing Technologies, Parallel, and Scientific Computing. I am originally from Hsinchu City, Taiwan. My research is Line-Identification Algorithms in pictures and Edge detection techniques using Matlab and other Programming languages when appropriate. I also assist other members in the lab in data analysis and other computational intensive tasks. )

Emma Krnacik, in the group from May Dec 2013 to June 2015

(Previous Bio: I am a junior in the Honors College at Oregon State University and I am majoring in Biochemistry and Biophysics. I am interested in the interaction and movement of cells along aligned collagen fibers and hope to write my Senior Thesis on this topic. )

Mitchell Senger, in the group from 2014 to 2015. After graduate, joined OSU Physics graduate program.

(Previous Bio: My name is Mitchell Senger. I am a senior undergraduate student at Oregon State University studying physics and chemistry. I am currently using Matlab and other software to simulate intracellular calcium ion dynamics, and hope to expand these simulations to multicellular systems in the future.)

Jack Feng (fengjo@onid.oregonstate.edu), in the group from 2014 to 2015

(Previous Bio: I’m a sophomore at Oregon State University majoring in Bioengineering and International Studies. My first year classes sparked an interest in studying microorganisms, so I was naturally drawn to Dr. Sun’s lab. I now assist Garrett Potter in his research on fibroblast and cancer cells. We use microfluidics techniques to observe how these cells communicate and interact with each other.)

Alex Stupin, in the group from 2013 to 2015. Studies bioengineering. Interests include cell biology, tissue engineering, and biomaterials.

Swechya Banskota (banskots@onid.oregonstate.edu), in the group from 2015 to 2016.

I am Swechya Banskota. I am originally from Nepal. I moved to the US when I was 11. I am currently a sophomore, majoring in Biology; I am also in the Honors College at OSU. My focus in the lab right now is to study the 3D actin dynamic/response of a breast cancer cell in a heterogeneous matrix. I am hoping that my work will help me/lead me to my Honors Thesis. My dream is to get into a good medical school and then become a great doctor (although, I haven't chosen a specialty yet).

Groves, Nicholas Scott <grovesn@onid.oregonstate.edu>, in the group from 2014 to 2016. Now pursuing physics Ph. D at University of Denver.

My name is Nick Groves, I am an undergraduate at Oregon State studying Physics and Philosophy. I am currently following in the footsteps of Boxiao Chen; exploring the mechanical forces between fibroblast cells and type I collagen gel using 3D fiber traction microscopy.

Bergeron, Casey Marie <bergeroc@oregonstate.edu>, in the group from 2015-2016. Now at Gilead Sciences.

My name is Casey Hurley and I am an honors undergraduate student studying Bioengineering. I am senior and I will be graduating in June 2016. My focus in the lab is optimizing the formation of breast cancer spheroids (microtumors) and determining the effect of extracellular concentration and temperature on the migration of the spheroids.

Alexander Jacoby(jacobya@oregonstate.edu), graduated with B. S. in 2017 and joined the University of Oregon Industrial Master program.

My name is Alexander Jacoby. I'm a Junior studying physics at OSU. I'm building a fluorescent microscope using LEGO's and 3D printed materials that will be used to explore the forces exerted by large organisms on rough and smooth surfaces.

Theresa Dinh <dinhth@oregonstate.edu>, in the group from 2016-2017.

My name is Theresa Dinh. I am a junior at Oregon State University majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Spanish. In the lab, I am working to learn more about how cancer cells migrate. I am assisting with analyzing the traction forces of cells within 3D collagen matrices.

Ting Hsiao (hsiaoy@onid.oregonstate.edu), in the group from 2015-2018

My name is Ting Hsiao, and I am a freshman at Oregon State University majoring in Biochemistry and Biophysics. I will be assisting with immunofluorescent staining and developing algorithms to recognize cells from microscopy images.

Masters Alumni

Brenden Greenwood (vischerb@oregonstate.edu), in the group from 2017 and graduate with M.S. in April 2021

Boxiao Chen (boxiao314@gmail.com), in the group from March 2013 and graduated with M. S. in December 2013.

(Previous bio: I obtained my B.S.in Physics from Portland State University in 2011. I am exploring the long range mechanochemical interactions between cells by studying motions of fiber structures and dyed microspheres. By using Confocal Microscopy and imaging analysis,I hope to find such interactions and beyond. )

Andrew Bartlein, in the group from June 2013 and graduate with M.S. in Sep 2014. Last update: Customer Success Engineer at Outreach.

Heather Hill (hillhea@oregonstate.edu), in the group from March 2015 and graduated with a M.S. in Septemeber 2017.

Update: In September 2017, Heather began working at Linn-Benton Community College as a physics faculty member.

(Previous bio: I graduated from Ithaca College, New York in 2013 with a B.A. in physics and a B.M. in music performance. In 2014, I joined the OSU physics department as a graduate student. In the lab, I am working on developing methods for consistent spheriod growth and topological defects within the spheroid structure. I am interested to understand the cell orientation and lattice-like location within a spheroid, in addition to cell shape. Through this work, I hope to contribute to the research group’s understanding of the internal workings of a micro tumor.)

Ph. D. Alumni

Guanyu Li (ligua@oregonstate.edu)

I got my B.S in Physics from Central China Normal University (Wuhan, China) in 2018, and then began my physics PhD program at Oregon State University in the fall term that year. In year 2019, I join Dr.Sun's lab and I am interested in investigating the chemosensing of cell colonies (or multicellular organism). Trying to figure out which factor leads to the highly regulated responses to external stimulations

Pedram Esfahani (esfahanp@oregonstate.edu)

Last update: (2023) Research Data Scientist and System Delivery Manager at University of Chicago

I got my B.S. in Engineering Physics from Science and Research University of Tehran, Iran in 2012. In 2014, I moved to Ohio, USA to pursue my M.S. in physics from The University of Akron working on computational modeling of negative refractive-index materials. In Sep 2016, I moved to Oregon, USA to pursue my PhD and learn more advanced experimental and computational skills. I spent some time in experimental materials and optics labs working on projects about piezoelectric filters (EE dept.) and NSOM-AFM (Phys. dept.). I also briefly worked on DNA bioinformatics and computational biology using AI (BB dept.), which eventually led me to Dr. Bo Sun’s research group. My current research is focused on chemotaxis of breast cancer cells, specifically the connection between cell migration direction and extracellular matrix gaps. Contributing to finding a solution for one the major reasons of human death today is the most fascinating area of research that I have come across.

Eddy, Christopher Zavier <eddych@oregonstate.edu>

Last update: (2022) Postdoc Fellow at OHSU.

I graduated from Pacific University in 2013 with a B.S. in Physics and a minor in Biology, and I blushingly admit I was a pre-med student back then. After a couple years where I worked for Health Physics Northwest and then taught at a middle school, I came to the graduate program at OSU to work in Dr. Bo Sun’s lab. My research interests and projects here focus on cell mechanosensing and cell shape dynamics during 3D migration, as well as collective cell migration dynamics and cell communication. My work includes microfluidic device fabrication and using machine learning and other computational techniques to meet those ends.

Jihan Kim (kimji@onid.oregonstate.edu)

Last update: (2021) Emerald Cloud Lab

I graduated from University of Hawaii at Manoa with B.S. in physics and minor in mathematics in 2013.

Previously, I worked with ANITA (Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna) project as an undergraduate research assistant.

In 2013 Fall, I began my physics Ph.D. program at OSU. I joined the cell biophysics group to apply physics to help better understanding of cell's behavior and interactions with its environment. Ultimately, I'd like to contribute to the benefit of curing cancer.

Garrett Potter (gdpotter1@gmail.com), graduated with PH.D in 2017 and went on to Mayo Clinic.

Last update (2019) LasX Industries, Inc.

I graduated from Willamette University and worked in Radiant Zemax LLC before joining OSU physics graduate program in 2012. I am using microfluidics techniques to alter the spatio-temporal dynamics of the input signal and measure the resulting response from the target cells. I hope to expand this work to better understand cancer cell communication methods.

Chris Jones (jonesc5@onid.orst.edu), graduated with Ph. D. in 2017 and went on to Micro Systems Engineering Inc.

I graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Physics in 2012. I am now pursuing a Ph.D. and my research focuses on mechanosensing and chemosensing at the single and multicellular levels. I am currently working on two projects, the first of which studies the mechanotransductive channels of cells. High precision particle tracking and live cell fluorescent imaging are used to study the dynamic behavior of cells over a large spatiotemporal range. In addition, optical trapping of microscopic particles is used to apply mechanical perturbations to cells over a range of frequencies. In the future, these methods will be used to explore the mechanosensing and mechanoresponse of cancer cells. My second project focuses on intracellular information processing, using microfluidic techniques to study the dynamics of physical and chemical signals within single cells. This work will then be expanded to explore how the signals change when crossing cell boundaries and propagating through multicellular colonies.

Amani Alobaidi (alobaiam@onid.oregonstate.edu ), graduated with Ph.D in 2018 and went on to King Saud University.

I am employed in king Saud University physics and astronomy department. I graduated from King Saud University 2008 Riyadh, KSA. My master thesis title was " Laser Photodynamic damage and native autofluorescence of some cancer cell lines". In 2012, I joined the OSU physics department as a graduate student. I am interested in understanding cancer cell motility and migration which I trust will give new insight into cancer and advance in its treatment.