During Leanne’s time at Stony Brook, they are studying cellular and molecular engineering. Leanne serves as the President of Stony Brook’s Biomedical Engineering Honor Society (Alpha Eta Mu Beta). Additionally, Leanne serves as Mentoring Chair for SSS Program Government. In their free time, they like to journal, read books, play video games, go to the gym, and hang out with their friends. Before becoming a Simons STEM Scholar, Leanne participated in the Science Technology Entry Program at Union College and volunteered in the Emergency Department of Samaritan Hospital.

Leanne has participated in a variety of research projects throughout their time with the Simons STEM Scholars Program, involving microfluidic cancer models, bioengineering DNA, gait analysis, and studying cellular senescence.

Nina is a senior in Biomedical Engineering on the Biomechanics and Biomaterials track. She works in Dr. Zhu’s Engineering Driven Medicine lab on campus, studying therapeutic organoid and assembloid applications towards the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, Nina is a WISE honors student and a second-year freshman mentor. 

Nadia is a senior in BME, on the cellular and molecular engineering track. She works in the Balazsi lab working on genetic engineering projects and cancer therapies, and also does bio-printing with the VIP Tissue Engineering Kidneys team. Nadia is also a member of the campus emergency response team and a patient care assistant. 

Yohani is a sophomore WISE honors student in Biomedical Engineering, with a concentration in biomechanics and biomaterials. She currently works with VIP Biomakers in creating a humanoid robot with speech and expressive movements to later be translated into wearable health technology.

Matthew is a junior Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics student specializing in biomechanics and biomaterials. He works in the Brouzes lab working on microfluidics dPCR projects and low-intensity vibration with the VIP BEAR team.