Dr. Korie Grayson is a biomedical engineer, chemical engineering researcher, and a diversity advocate in STEM. She is a first-generation student and proud alumna of the HBCU Norfolk State University, where she earned her BS in Chemistry (2012). Korie obtained her MS (2017) and PhD (2020) in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University. Korie's postdoctoral research here at UM focuses on the evaluation of novel nano- and microparticles for therapy in neutrophilic, acute inflammatory disease and cancer. Korie has received the honor of making the “2020 List of Influential African American Women to Follow on LinkedIn” and the Cell Mentor “1000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America” list.

Email: korieg@umich.edu

Jonathan is a PhD candidate currently developing an enzyme-responsive hydrogel particle system designed to target areas of inflamed and diseased tissue. He also works on investigating interactions between particles of varying moduli and different types of leukocytes. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys baking, playing video games with his friends, and was previously a member of the Campus Symphony Orchestras. He also serves as a member of the board of Graduates Out in STEM at the University of Michigan and volunteers with the national oSTEM organization.

Email: leejkh@umich.edu 

Emma graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2018 with a B.S. degree in Biochemical Engineering. Currently, Emma is a first year Ph.D student in the Eniola lab working on a project related to neutrophil-particle interactions. Outside of the lab, Emma enjoys cooking, swimming, and hiking. Emma’s favorite desert is anything with peanut butter and chocolate.

Email: erbranno@umich.edu

Rue is a PhD candidate working on metal-templated composite particle systems composed of corticosteroids. His work centers on particle fabrication process characterization, in vitro analysis of corticosteroid micro- and nanoparticles, and in vivo modeling of particles for treatment of post traumatic osteoarthritis. He completed in BS in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma, where he researched surface modification of scaffolds for tissue engineering. He then continued school at the University of Oklahoma where he completed his master’s in biomedical engineering. His master’s thesis focused on nutrient delivery for bone tissue engineered constructs. At the University of Michigan, he runs an outreach program for middle school students in the Detroit metropolitan area, where he organizes and runs STEM experiments. In his free time, he likes to run, bike, and bake.

Email: mlfelder@umich.edu

Valentina is a Ph.D. candidate, working on particulate drug delivery systems to treat inflammatory diseases such as acute lung injury. While completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, Valentina researched the role of the nervous systems on asthma and cystic fibrosis. Outside of the lab, Valentina enjoys spending time with other ChemE friends, hosting dinner parties at her place, and eating at restaurants near Ann Arbor.

Email: guevaram@umich.edu 

Logan’s research seeks to better understand the hemodynamics of vascular systems through life-size 3D printed modelling, disease model red blood cells, and other in vitro methods. Outside of the lab he volunteers with local schools to promote STEM education and does outreach work with other first generation college students. In his free time Logan likes to hike, cook, and play board games with friends.

Email: lpiegols@umich.edu

Saja graduated from Wayne State Univeristy with her Bachelor's of Science in Chemical Engineering in 2020 and is currently a first year PhD student at the University of Michigan in the Eniola Lab. Saja's current work involves exploring the role of blood cells in particle drug delivery. She enjoys baking, painting, and pretending she can sew. Saja is also an avid adventurer; most notably she made it to the summit of Mount Fuji. 

Email: salsalou@umich.edu 

Daniel graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego in June 2020. He joined the Eniola lab in fall 2020 as a first year PhD student. In his free time, Daniel enjoys hiking and playing tennis. 

Email: dkupor@umich.edu

Seun is a first year PhD student whose current research focuses on bile salt particle characterization for improved particle drug delivery. She is also investigating the role of density on hydrogel particle localization/adhesion in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Seun graduated from the University of Lagos, Nigeria with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 2019. She is an e-board member of the National Organization for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) at the University of Michigan. She is also an Officer of the Chemical Engineering Graduate Society (ChEGs), where she organizes and runs STEM experiments for middle school students. Seun enjoys cooking and watching movies in her free time.

Email: oakanbi@umich.edu