Huaxiao "Adam" Yang, PhD
2020.9– Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, TX
2015.8–2020. 8 Postdoctoral Fellow, Mentor: Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, CA
2010.8–2015.8 PhD, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
2007.9–2010.6 MS, Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, Department of Macromolecular Science; Fudan University, Shanghai
2003.9–2007.6 BS, Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan
2005.9–2007.6 BS, Biological Science (Minor), Department of Biology, Wuhan University, Wuhan
Angello Huerta Gomez, BS, MS
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
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.
Marcel El-Mokahal, B.S.
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.
Debosmita Shome, BS, MS
Email: DebosmitaShome@my.unt.edu
I am a first-year 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!
Ishika Irkullawar, B.Tech
Email: IshikaIrkullawar@my.unt.edu
I'm a second-year master’s student in the Biomedical Engineering department at the University of North Texas, where I’m focusing on advancing my knowledge in biomedical sciences. I completed my bachelor’s degree from Osmania University, majoring in Biotechnology and Microbiology.
My research focuses on understanding cardiotoxicity and developing strategies to minimize its impact on heart health. While working in Adam Yang’s lab, I aim to deepen my knowledge, actively contribute to the research, and make a meaningful impact in improving heart health and long-term outcomes for those affected.
Outside of my academic and research interests, I enjoy traveling, swimming, cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Marcella Edwards
DEEN (Diversity and Excellence in Engineering Network) program
NSF-HSI
Email: MarcellaEdwards@my.unt.edu
Transferred to the University of North Texas in Spring 2023, 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.
Ema Nunez
Email: emanunez@my.unt.edu
I am currently a senior pursuing my BS in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas with a minor in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering.
I am interested in studying how electrical stimulation of cells can affect cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation as well as the possibility of manipulation of cellular activities to provide a strong footing in regenerative medicine of cardiovascular diseases. As for the future, I plan to pursue a career in research and design of cardiovascular devices.
In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes, spending time with friends, dancing, cooking, and trying new foods.
Gurushayraam Venkatesan
I am currently a Junior in the Biomedical Engineering program pursuing the Biotechnology/Pre-med track with additional minors in Biology and Mathematics.
Interests: Research on cardiovascular diseases, including their prevention and treatment, interests me. My current research involves working with cardiac organoids and hydrogels to learn more about the human heart and how medication-induced therapy can help with specific conditions. I would love to advance in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in the future.
Hobbies: I like to work out, spend time with friends and family, and listen to music.
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.
Yeonu Choi
Email: YeonuChoi@my.unt.edu
I am currently enrolled in the TAMS (Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science) Class of 2026 as a high school junior, pursuing the Mechanical and Energy Engineering Track.
Interests: I am interested in the development of cures for cardiovascular diseases, specifically the engineering aspect of them. While in this lab, I hope to gain knowledge, help out in the research, and possibly make a difference in the medical field.
Hobbies: Outside of academics, my hobbies include teaching children, running, playing tennis, and listening to music.
Shreyes Suribhotla
Email: ShreyesSuribhotla@my.unt.edu
I am a high school junior attending the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS), specifically on the Computer Science track.
Interests: I am interested not only in the theoretical aspects of Computer Science but also its practical applications. To this extent, I am honored to work in the Yang Lab, where I’ll be utilizing Computer Vision to analyze cardiac organoids. Through this work, I hope to expand the field of regenerative medicine.
Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy playing chess, singing as a Carnatic vocalist, programming, and cooking.
Since 2020.9
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