Huaxiao "Adam" Yang, PhD
I have been an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of North Texas since the fall of 2020. I was trained as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Joseph C. Wu’s lab at Stanford University Cardiovascular Institute. I received my Ph.D. in Dr. Bruce Z. Gao’s lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Clemson University. My long-term research goal focuses on building the next-generation bioengineering system for modeling cardiovascular development and diseases through synergizing emerging biomedical technologies, such as human pluripotent stem cells, 2D and 3D cell culture (e.g., cardiac microfiber, engineered heart tissue, and cardiac organoid), organ-on-chip, multi-omics, and artificial intelligence. Since 2020, we have applied human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and hPSC-derived cardiovascular cells in 3D cell cultures for modeling cardiovascular development and disease and exploring potential treatment and regenerative medicine (Science, Nature, Cardiovascular Research). We also studied cardiac sarcomerogenesis, extracellular matrix formation, cell-microenvironment interactions, cardiac pathophysiology, and intercellular crosstalk using advanced and customized bioengineering systems (Advanced Functional Materials, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, Advanced Healthcare Materials). Recently, we won the NIH Complement Animal Research In Experimentation (Complement-ARIE) Challenge by proposing to integrate AI into hPSC-derived multiscale engineered heart constructs in biomedical research for future basic and translational biomedicine with relevant findings (Tissue Engineering Part C, Bioengineering & Translational Medicine, Advanced Intelligent Discovery, AAAI). I have been dedicated to student mentorship since I joined UNT in 9.2020. I have graduated four Master's students with a thesis, four students passed the Ph.D. qualification exam, and Ph.D. students supported by an NIH T32 fellowship (2022-2025), an NIH F31 award (2026 to 2029), and the Texas Higher Education Board Texas Leadership Research Scholar Doctoral Award (2026 to 2029). I serve on the NIH, NSF, AHA, UKRI, and other private foundation scientific review panels.
Angello Huerta Gomez, BS, MS, NIH T32 trainee from 2022-2025
Email: angellohuertagomez@my.unt.edu
I am pursuing my PhD in biomedical engineering at the University of North Texas (UNT). I previously obtained my Master of Science ('22) and Bachelor of Science ('20) in biomedical engineering, both from UNT.
Interests: My research is the modulation of Notch1 signaling on hPSC-derived cardiac organoids for better understanding the signaling mechanisms involved in cardiovascular development and modeling congenital cardiovascular disease, in hopes of reducing the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease.
Hobbies: Outside of academia, I like to hang out with my friends, and watch films
Marcel El-Mokahal, B.S. NIH F31 trainee from 2026-2029
Email: MarcelEl-Mokahal@my.unt.edu
I am a Ph.D. student since Fall 2024. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in the Fall of 2021 at UNT.
Interests: I am intrigued by any research revolving around cardiovascular diseases and ways to cure/prevent them. However, my primary interest is in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Hobbies: I have a passion for hunting, I enjoy swimming and working on cars and also I like working out.
Joel Kofi Aboagye, BS
Email: JoelAboagye@my.unt.edu
I am pursuing my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas (Spring 2024),
following my bachelor’s in the same field at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology in Ghana.
Interests: My current research involves the application of conductive polymers and electrical
stimulation for targeted drug delivery in organoids, aiming to revolutionize therapeutic approaches
by eliminating the need for direct injections into the heart or in vitro cells.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing the piano and listening to music outside of my academic work.
Debosmita Shome, BS, MS
Email: DebosmitaShome@my.unt.edu
I am a Ph.D. student in UNT's Biomedical Engineering Department. Previously I completed my master's at the University of Houston Clear Lake, majoring in Biotechnology with a minor in Molecular Biology. My professional background includes valuable experience at Baylor College of Medicine, where I worked on RNA sequencing, library preparation, handling automation units, and ensuring the quality control of DNA and RNA samples.
Currently, I am part of the Adam Yang Lab, focusing on cardiac differentiation for disease modeling, this aligns with my deep interest in the cardiovascular system. This research allows me to delve into my passion for understanding cardiovascular diseases and exploring modeling approaches.
Outside academia, I find joy in sketching, experimenting with new recipes, and staying engaged in stock markets. Long drives, hiking, and exploring new places help me unwind and connect with different cultures—a perfect balance to my academic pursuits. Looking forward to the exciting journey ahead!
Marcella Edwards, BS, THECB Texas Leadership Research Scholar from 2026-2029
Email: MarcellaEdwards@my.unt.edu
I am a Ph.D. student in UNT's Biomedical Engineering Department. I am beginning my junior year as a biomedical engineering major with a focus on material science and engineering along with a minor in mathematics. I chose the material science route as I have an interest in tissue engineering as well as the development of hydrogels and their application to human tissue.
Interests: I look forward to further understanding how hydrogels and other medical device applications interact with tissue. As well as how different applications of regenerative medicine can be combined with the human body. In the future, I look forward to studying how aesthetic medicine such as fillers and Botox interact or affect tissue.
Hobbies: spending time with family and friends, crocheting, cooking, learning new languages and playing with my dogs at the dog park.
Ife Okororie
Email: Okororie@my.unt.edu
I am a sophomore pursuing my BS in Public Health at the University of North Texas with minors in Biology and Chemistry.
Interests: After a year of working as an EKG technician, I would like to explore the use and hydrogels in promoting the repair of damaged heart tissue. In the future, I aim to get into medical school, with cardiology being a field of interest.
Hobbies: I love to play in orchestras as a double bassist, watch movies, read, explore new places to eat, and garden.
Lillie Dale
Email: lilliedale@my.unt.edu
I am a sophomore at UNT in the Biomedical Engineering program pursuing the Biotechnology track. I plan to graduate in 2027 with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics and Biology.
Interests: I am interested in studying cell engineering to revolutionize regenerative medicine, specifically its applications for treating heart disease and developing artificial organs. Through research, I hope to explore how stem cells can be used to engineer functional tissues of heart and offer new insights into treatment strategies for heart diseases.
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, crocheting, playing video games, listening to music.
Sriprajnav Koduri
Email: SriprajnavKoduri@my.unt.edu
I am a high school senior attending the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS), pursuing the Computer Science track.
Interests: I am interested in computational biology at the interface of stem cell models and machine learning, specifically how well lab-grown heart tissues actually reproduce human cardiac biology. Through research, I hope to build tools that let scientists measure the fidelity of iPSC-derived cardiac organoids, so that these models can be trusted to predict human heart development and drug responses.
Hobbies: I love to read, listen to music, play crosswords, watch movies, and travel!
Adeline Huang
Email: adelinehuang@my.unt.edu
I am a high school senior at the Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS) on the General Math and Science track.
Interests: I am interested in studying stem cell engineering and developmental biology in relation to treating cardiovascular diseases through cardiac modeling with organoids. In the Adam Yang Lab, I hope to expand my knowledge and use it to positively impact others.
Hobbies: I enjoy baking, reading, watching movies, biking, and going to the park.
Yuva Gade
Email: YuvaGade@my.unt.edu
I am a high school junior currently enrolled in the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) Class of 2028, pursuing the General Mathematics and Science Track.
Interests: In the Dr. Yang Lab, I work on machine learning approaches for analyzing hPSC-derived cardiac organoids, including an image segmentation and classification pipeline used to study drug-induced cardiotoxicity. What draws me to this work is the opportunity to make image analysis more efficient and consistent, so that findings from organoid models are easier to trust and build upon, and ultimately to help make treatments more accessible. I am very grateful to be part of the lab and to learn from the people here, and I hope to keep contributing as my skills grow. Longer term, I am interested in how artificial intelligence can be applied thoughtfully in medicine.
Hobbies: Outside of academics, I enjoy playing the piano, training in calisthenics, fishing, and camping.
Since 2020.9
Ishika Irkullawar, MS. in BME from 2024-2026, now at Abbott
Iris Wang, High School, TAMS, Biology track, now at Yale University
Ema Nunez, BS. in BME from 2021 -2025, now at UTSW
Arun Kumar Reddy Kandula, MS in Computer Science and Engineering from 2022-2024
Isha Murugesan, Honor College, Undergraduate of BME from 2020 to 2024, now at Rice University Bioengineering
Abigail Ngan, High School, TAMS, Biology track, now at the University of Chicago
Gautham Mohanraj, High School, TAMS, Computer track, now at the University of Texas at Austin
Percyval Seddoh, Master of BME at UNT with a thesis from 2021 to 2023
Nick Rogozinski, Master of BME at UNT with a thesis from 2021 to 2023, is now a Senior Research Associate at Avidity Biosciences, Inc. in San Diego, CA
Jathin Pranav Singaraju, TAMS in the CS track from 2021 to 2023, now at the University of California, Berkeley, CS program
Sudhiksha Maramraju, TAMS in the biology track from 2021 to 2023, now at the University of South Florida, BS-MD program
Dovile Strimaityte, Master of BME at UNT with thesis from 2020 to 2022, is now Senior Research Associate at Orna Therapeutics in Boston, MA
Apuleyo Yanez, Master of BME at UNT from 2020 to 2022, is now a Research Associate at Modulo Bio in San Diego, CA
Sanika Joshi, TAMS in the biology track from 2020 to 2022, now at UT Austin, Polymathic Scholars honors program
Adheesh Kadiresan, TAMS in the CS track from 2021 to 2022, now at Columbia University, CS
Joonghyun Kim, TAMS in the Engineering track from 2021 to 2022, now at U Penn, Bioengineering
Mason Forshage, Bachelor of UNT BME from 2020 to 2021, is now a mathematics teacher at Denton ISD
Sasha Falaja, MS student from 2020 to 2021, Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas
Before 2020.9
Racheal Mezynski, AHA-Stanford Summer student 2018, Undergraduate at NC State, Raleigh
Katherine Chung, Stanford RA 2016-2017, Monta Vista High School, Currently at Haverford College
Arvind Sridhar, SMIR 2016, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Currently at UC Berkeley