People

Richard Colwell
PhD Student, Materials Science & Engineering

NSF Graduate Research Fellow, ARCS Fellow, Herbold Fellow

Research Project: Design Rules for Durable and Degradable Bioplastics from Algal Biomatter

I graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering in June, 2021. After graduation, I developed plant-based meat products using novel fiber-spinning techniques at Tender Food as a materials research associate. Then, I evaluated bio-based, biodegradable plastics for various applications at Amazon within the Worldwide Sustainability organization. In my PhD, I seek to deepen our fundamental knowledge of how bio-based materials’ structures influence their properties, facilitating their use in sustainable applications.

Julia Didier
PhD Student, Materials Science & Engineering

Research Project: Biosynthesis, processing, and biomedical applications of bacterial cellulose materials

With a background in chemical engineering and biotechnology, my research explores how bacterial growth conditions shape cellulose fiber formation and network architecture, and how these parameters can be tuned through processing to design functional materials. I am particularly interested in developing bacterial cellulose-based hydrogels and foams for wound dressing and drug delivery applications, integrating sustainable materials design with biomedical performance.

Meng-Yen Lin
PhD Candidate, Materials Science & Engineering

CEI Graduate Fellow

Research Project: Biomass-laden cement biocomposites as sustainable structural materials

I obtained my Master's degree in civil engineering with a focus on structural materials at the National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan). My previous research focused on the elastoplastic behavior of foam and reuse of industrial byproducts as constructional materials. I am currently investigating the interaction between biomass (e.g., algae cells) with cements and its structure-properties relationships.

Kuotian Liao
PhD Candidate, Materials Science & Engineering

CEI Graduate Fellow

Research Project: Effect of mechanical processing on biocomposites and bioplastics 

My background is in mechanical and structural engineering, with emphasis on energy conversion systems, and later structural analysis & modeling of fiber composites as well as 3D printed materials. My current research emphasizes obtaining fundamental understandings of processing - properties relationships in a wide range of synthetic as well as bio-synthesized material systems, as well as implementing lab-automation to achieve high-throughput fabrication and characterization of bioplastics.

Brandon Lou
PhD Student, Materials Science & Engineering

Research Project: Zeolite-cement composite systems for sustainable structural materials 

I have received both my B.S. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Washington. Having previously conducted research on algal biomass-cement composites, I am now studying zeolite as a partial replacement for cement in concrete composite systems with collaborative guidance and supervision from
Dr. Roumeli and Dr. Arola. Outside of my research in structural materials, I am the co-founder of a medical device startup with the aim of improving gastrointestinal surgeries.

Aban Mandal
PhD Student, Materials Science & Engineering

Herbold Fellow

Research Project: Fundamental Biopolymer Interactions in Multicomponent Systems for Designing Sustainable Bulk Materials 

I completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical and Material Engineering from Jadavpur University, where I conducted research on the synthesis of mixed metal oxide-graphene composites for heavy metal removal—work with potential applications in water purification. Currently, I am focused on understanding the physics of biopolymers, particularly the interactions governing biopolymer and colloidal systems. My work aims to develop understanding for predictive models that can correlate the phenomenological behavior of biopolymer systems with the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, films and foams derived from them. Through this research, I hope to advance eco-friendly, high-performance materials for structural and industrial applications, promoting sustainability at both molecular and manufacturing scales.

Junhao Lin
Master's student (November 2025)

Research Project: Protein–Bacterial Cellulose Interactions: Responsive Gels and Foam Processing

I am a master’s student in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. I am passionate about designing high-performance and sustainable biomaterials and hope these materials can serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials, contributing to the advancement of green technology. In my free time, I enjoy walking, traveling, and playing the piano, finding inspiration and joy through exploring the world and music.

Dylan Parker
Master's student (October 2025)

Research Project: Understanding Cellulose-Solvent interactions Towards Nanocellulose Colloidal Behaviour

I graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Materials Science, where I conducted research on bio-inspired hydrogels designed for artificial muscle applications. As a first-year master’s student, I am excited to dive into the realm of sustainable polymers and support the development of high-performing bio-based films and foams. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, playing the piano, and travelling with friends.

Keaton Smith
Master's student (August 2026)

Research Project: Bacterial Cellulose Foam Directional Freezing for Material Applications

I earned my undergraduate degree in materials science and engineering at the University of Washington, and I'm now completing my master's in the same field. I'm very interested in sustainable materials and climate-friendly solutions, and I have a background in materials processing and manufacturing. Outside of school and work, I enjoy paddleboarding and climbing, and I'm also a film buff.

Maxine Lovelace
Master's student (September 2026)

Research Project: Modeling Biodegradation of Whole Biomatter Bioplastics Across Diverse Environments

I graduated from UW with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, where I conducted research in the Roumeli Lab on algal bioplastics and composite algae-bioplastic films. As a first-year master’s student, my research will focus on characterizing degradation of whole biomatter bioplastics across environments such as compost, soil, and sea water.

Wren Kitchings
Undergraduate student

Research Project: Analyzing the impact of different algal macromolecules on bioplastic performance

I am a sophomore in bioengineering with a focus in nanomolecular engineering. Currently, I am exploring how isolating various macromolecules from algae can improve their bioplastic performance. I enjoy learning about the different types of biomaterials and their numerous uses. In my free time, I enjoy painting, writing, and gardening.

Christian  Schwarz
Undergraduate student (January 2025)

Research Project: Effect of post-conditioning on bioplastics from various biomatter

I am a first year undergraduate student in the college of engineering at UW. I am interested in exploring the use of algae to create more sustainable bioplastics and investigating conditional effects on the physical properties and performance of algal plastics. Outside of school I enjoy skiing, climbing, backpacking, making pottery, and reading.

Hathiq Ashrafi
Undergraduate student (January 2025)

Research Project: Biochar derived from Algal Biomass with Thermal Pyrolysis as a Sustainable Filler in Cement Composites

I am a second year chemical engineering undergraduate student at UW. I am excited to use my skills to learn more about sustainable materials, their properties, and their real world applications. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, playing soccer, and video games!

Phoebe Bowers
Undergraduate student (October 2025)

Research Project: Characterization of Polymer Systems in Foams and Hydrogels

I am a third year undergraduate in Materials Science and Engineering. I'm passionate about biomaterials, materials processing, and how materials break down. I'm excited to learn about polymer systems and characterization techniques. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, creative writing, and journaling.

Alice Rudders
Undergraduate student (October 2025)

Research Project: Deep Eutectic Solvent Treatment for Bacterial Cellulose

I am a second year undergraduate in Materials Science and Engineering at UW. I'm excited to be learning more about polymers and sustainable materials development. In my free time, I like to cook and play viola.

Pengyu Wang
Undergraduate student (November 2025)

Research Project: Optimization of sustainable algae-wood composites as MDF replacement.

I am a second-year undergraduate currently pursuing Material Science and Engineering at UW. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how various testing methods can be utilized to identify better performance solutions among material synthesis processes. Outside of school, I enjoy teaching, automobile racing, painting, and playing soccer. 

Melany Nanayakkara
Undergraduate student (January 2026)

Research Project: Analyzing the effects of UV radiation on algal bioplastics.

I am a senior undergraduate student majoring in material sciences & engineering here at UW. I’m interested in sustainable bioplastics and I am excited to further explore the ways in which environmental factors affect their physical properties. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, spending time with my friends, going to the gym, and playing viola in the university symphony orchestra!

Justin Tung
Undergraduate student (April 2026)

Research Project: TBD.

I'm a junior majoring chemistry at UW. I'm super excited to learn many different skills from MSE research labs. Outside of school, I love playing basketball.

Moa Valentin
Undergraduate student (April 2026)

Research Project: Water absorption behavior in algal bioplastic matrices.

I am a second year undergraduate student studying Chemical Engineering at UW. I am excited to learn more about sustainable science during my time here and to use my education and degree to help build a world with a sustainable future and no waste. Outside of academics, I enjoy water and snow skiing, crocheting, climbing, fishing, and playing the saxophone in the Husky Marching Band.

Connor Leary
Undergraduate student (April 2026)

Research Project: TBD.

I am an undergraduate sophomore studying Material Science and Engineering here at UW! I am excited to be researching structural algal composites and look forward to developing technology that reduces the need for synthetic plastics. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active outdoors through swimming, hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, and pickleball!

Yuto Shingai
Undergraduate student (June 2026)

Research Project: TBD.

I am a 2nd-year undergraduate student studying Industrial & Systems Engineering at the University of Washington. I am interested in a sustainable future and applying my technical skills towards the Roumeli Research Lab. In my free time, I like playing tennis, soccer, and eating out!!

Jash Panchmatiya
Undergraduate student (June 2026)

Research Project: TBD.

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. I am excited to be working on biopolymer hydrogels and their structure, and assisted the lab in other biopolymer projects. Outside the lab, I also enjoy reading and playing soccer.

Kathleen Guan
Undergraduate student (July 2026)

Research Project: Automating DES Treatment of Cellulose

I am an incoming second-year undergraduate student at UW. I am excited to learn more about bacterial cellulose and automating one of the steps to enhancing and modifying it. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy figure skating, video games, and playing mahjong! 

Meghan Smith
Undergraduate student (July 2026)

Research Project: Deep Eutectic Solvent Treatment for Bacterial Cellulose

I am a senior in the chemistry department here at UW. I am excited to learn about processing and modifying bacterial cellulose, as well as sustainable science in general. Outside of academics, I like to paint and watch movies. 

Vrinda Vadlamuri
Undergraduate student (July 2026)

Research Project: TBD

I am a second-year undergraduate studying Biology on a pre-med track at UW. I am interested in exploring how sustainable materials can be developed for use in medicine, particularly as alternatives to conventional synthetic plastics. Through research, I hope to learn more about how the structure and properties of materials can be designed for different biomedical applications. 

Outside of research, talk to me about: drawing, travelling, and playing Genshin Impact!