|
Huang Chiao (Joe) Huang, PhD
[email protected] Principal Investigator Dr. Huang Chiao Huang is an Associate Professor in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. Huang Chiao earned a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University in 2012 under the guidance of Dr. Kaushal Rege. He then conducted his postdoctoral research with Dr. Tayyaba Hasan at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In 2018, Dr. Huang established his lab at the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2020, Dr. Huang was elected to the American Society for Photobiology Council. He is the recipient of the Tosteson & Fund for Medical Discovery Fellowship, the UMD Faculty-Student Research Award, the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, and the NIH NIBIB Trailblazer Award. |
|
Payal Srivastava, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate Payal completed her Bachelor's and Masters's degree in Chemistry from Banaras Hindu University, India, with a specialization in Inorganic Chemistry. She then received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India in 2021. Her Ph.D. work focused on designing effective therapeutics and diagnostic agents based on metal complexes. She worked on the development of light-activated Ru(II)-complexes as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. In her free time, Payal enjoys hiking, camping, and cooking. |
|
Carla Arnau Del Valle, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate ESP Best Ph.D. Thesis Award | Marie-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Dr. Carla Arnau del Valle undertook her PhD in the School of Chemistry at the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom) graduating in December 2022. She holds a degree and a master's in Chemistry both from the University Jaume I (Spain). Her PhD focused on the development and application of novel near-infrared excitable (nano)materials for the detection and quantification of intracellular analytes, with potential for applications in cancer diagnosis and theranostics. She was selected as one of the young researchers to participate in the prestigious 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, watching movies, playing tennis and travelling. |
Sunniya Iftikhar, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate Sunniya has earned PhD in Chemistry with specialization in Polymer Chemistry and BioNano Engineering from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan. During her doctoral studies, she was awarded with the Commonwealth split-site PhD scholarship at the University of Cambridge, while concurrently holding a graduate fellowship at Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. Her research primarily focused on the molecular and nano-structural bioengineering of organic semiconducting polymers for improving the performance of photovoltaic devices and accelerating artificial photosynthesis. Alongside, she has acquired expertise in biological testing techniques such as in vitro assays and western blot analysis, coupled with her proficiency in various synthetic and spectroscopic laboratory techniques. Prior to PhD, her research experience in organic and medicinal chemistry, including synthesizing small molecules with potent antiproliferative activities against cancer cell lines, further demonstrates her interdisciplinary skillset and dedication to scientific innovation. Outside the lab, she likes to travel and explore new cultures. |
|
Shruti Vig
PhD Student in Bioengineering MPower Doctoral Fellowship | Graduate Student Summer Research Fellowship Shruti Vig received her Baccalaureate in Biomedical Engineering from SASTRA University, India, in 2017. She studied the role of STAT3 molecule in acute kidney injury disease using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated cells and animal models Shruti currently focuses on using nanoplatforms along with sonodynamic therapy to target the blood-brain tumor barrier for malignant tumor-brain metastasis. Outside of the lab, Shruti enjoys swimming and exploring new places. She is co-mentored by Dr. Graeme F. Woodworth. |
|
José Francisco Delgado Jiménez
PhD Student in Bioengineering NIH Doctoral Fellowship José received his BS in Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering from Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Mexico. After his Bachelor, he trained at the National Cancer Institute, where he focused on the synthesis of novel radioimmunoconjugates for colorectal cancer treatment. He is currently developing locoregional therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma at the NIH Clinical Center under the co-advisory of Dr. Bradford J. Wood. During his free time, Jose enjoys being with family, going to the gym and watching movies. |
|
Chen-Hua Ma, MS
PhD Student in Bioengineering Ariel Ma received her BS and MS in Biochemical Science and Technology from National Taiwan University in 2014 and 2016. Her previous research project utilized genomics tools to explore the function of heme proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. Her current research focuses on studying the evolutionary dynamics of ovarian cancer in response to photodynamic therapy. In her leisure time, Ariel mentored high school students in science and mathematics. She enjoys watching movies, reading, and traveling. |
|
Sumiao Pang, MS
PhD Student in Bioengineering Neuro-Link Award | IPA Student Travel Award Sumiao received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Binghamton University in 2017 where her research focus was on textile-based microbial fuel cells for biobatteries and biosensors. After graduation, she worked in the gene and cell therapy industry. Her current research focuses on developing targeted photo-activable multi-inhibitor nanoparticles for cancer treatment and imaging. Outside the lab, Sumiao enjoys listening to podcasts and music, cooking, exercising, watching detective shows, and eating. |
|
Idrisa Rahman
PhD Student in Bioengineering Clark Doctoral Fellowship | NCI-UMD Doctoral Fellowship Idrisa received her BS in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland and is excited to return for her graduate studies. Her previous research focused on targeted drug delivery to treat Niemann-Pick disease. She hopes to focus on drug delivery applications in women's health during her PhD. When not in the lab, Idrisa enjoys binge watching Netflix shows and weight lifting. |
|
John Andrew Quinlan
MD-PhD Student NCI-UMD Doctoral Fellowship John completed his BS and MS in biomedical engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA before joining Maryland’s Medical Scientist Training Program in 2019. He has previously been involved in research looking at metastatic spread and tumor microenvironment in breast and prostate cancer, protein aggregate spread in Alzheimer's, and extragustatory expression of taste receptors, with experiences in academic and industry settings. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and listening to podcasts. |
|
Rebecca Hays
PhD Student in Bioengineering Clark Doctoral Fellowship Rebecca completed her BS at the University of Georgia in 2022. Her undergraduate research focused on a diagnostic device for respiratory illnesses, but she is excited to move into cancer research. She is interested in researching nanoparticles for glioblastoma treatment. Outside of the lab, Rebecca enjoys cooking, hanging out with her dogs, and being active. |
|
Kathryn McNaughton
PhD Student in Bioengineering Clark Doctoral Fellowship Katie completed her B.S. in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in bioengineering at the University of Kansas in 2022. Her undergraduate research focused on identifying peptidomimetic inhibitors for the Mpro enzyme in COVID-19. Her current research focuses on photoimmunotherapy and photodynamic therapy. In her free time, Katie enjoys knitting, reading, and exploring new coffee shops. |
|
Kaitlyn Ann Moore
PhD Student in Bioengineering Clark Doctoral Fellowship Kaitlyn completed her B.S. in Bioengineering at the University of Maryland in 2023. Her undergraduate research focused on immunotherapy for a rare lung disease, lymphangioleiomyomatosis. She is interested in researching nanomedicine and photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment. Outside of the lab, Kaitlyn enjoys crocheting, reading, and baking. |
|
Kassa E Tizale
MS Student in Bioengineering Gates Millennium Scholar Kassa completed his BS in Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on instrumentation, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021. Following his graduation, he worked in research and development (R&D) and process development (PD) at Boston Scientific's peripheral interventions division in Minnesota, provided community service with AmeriCorps - City Year in DC, and has recently been supporting FFRDC efforts in Virginia. His current research interest focuses on the effects of light on human biology for the discovery and development of cost effectively translatable diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Generally, he is interested in the design, development, and translation of cell/tissue interfacing devices for the repair, replacement or regeneration of cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function. In his spare time, Kassa enjoys playing soccer, distance running/hiking/biking, catching up with family and friends, and traveling. He is co-mentored by Dr. Jenna Mueller. |
|
Anandita Gaur
Undergraduate Student Anandita is a sophomore at UMD who is majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology and minoring in Human Development and Science, Technology, Ethics & Policy (STEP). She is also a student in the University Honors program and a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity on campus. As an aspiring physician-researcher, Anandita is interested in photodynamic therapy and its applications to neuroimmunology in hopes of providing improved therapeutic options for cancer patients. Outside of the lab, she enjoys listening to music, playing tennis with friends, cooking, and reading. |
|
Anika Dasgupta
Undergraduate Student ASPIRE fellowship Anika is a sophomore studying Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is interested in photodynamic therapy and exploring various drug delivery methods for cancer treatment with an emphasis on nanoparticle formulations. In her free time, she enjoys making food, crocheting, traveling, and spending time with friends. |
|
Kaylin Baumiller
Undergraduate Student Kaylin is an undergraduate student at UMD studying bioengineering with a concentration in Biotechnology and Therapeutics. She is also a member of the Integrated Life Science Honors Program on campus. She is interested in drug deliveries and how to apply nanotechnology in cancer treatment. Kaylin is on the pre-med track with hopes to become a future physician-researcher. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and exploring new places with friends. |
|
Nada Fadul
Undergraduate Student A Banneker/Key Scholar, Nada is a sophomore at the University of Maryland who is concentrating in Physiology and Neurobiology and minoring in Science, Technology, Ethics and Policy (STEP). Within the Gemstone Honors Program, Nada is the team liaison of MetaBio, researching a combinatorial approach to glioblastoma treatment. Nada aspires to pursue an MD-PhD in the field of neurosurgery, focusing on the applications of photodynamic therapy and nanotechnology in neuroimmunology. Outside of the lab, Nada enjoys walking her dog, working at College Park Medical Center, volunteering with Terps4Change and her nonprofit Girls4Girls, and reporting on groundbreaking research as a writer for The Scribe. |
|
Renee Jaranson
ASPIRE fellowship Undergraduate Student Renee is a Banneker/Key Scholar at the University of Maryland majoring in Bioengineering. She is a member of the Gemstone Honors Program and the UMD iGEM team. Renee is interested in photodynamic therapy and using nanotechnology for cancer drug delivery and imaging. In her free time, Renee dances with UMD's Ballet Company M, is a member of the SGA Sustainability Committee, and plays board games with her friends. |
|
Amber Baumiller
Undergraduate Student Amber is a freshman Undergraduate student at the University of Maryland. She is majoring in BioEngineering and is interested in Photodynamic therapy and the effects of different BDP concentrations in nanoparticle formulations. Amber is on the Pre-Health track but is unsure of what career she wants to pursue. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, lacrosse, and going to the gym. |
|
Anju Meda
Undergraduate Student Anju is a junior Banneker/Key Scholar at the University of Maryland majoring in Cell Biology and Genetics. She is part of the Gemstone Honors Program, Team FUNGI, investigating the application of fungal metabolites as an anti-biofilm sterilant for medically implantable devices. Anju is interested in the applications of PDT for targeted drug delivery within cancer treatments. She is on the research path in hopes of pursuing a PhD. Outside the lab, Anju enjoys listening to music, reading, and watching shows with her friends. |
|
Riley Schoch
Undergraduate Student Riley is a sophomore studying bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. With a concentration in the pre-health professions track, he plans to continue his education in medical school studying to be a dermatologist after graduation. Following his passion for health care, Riley recently became a certified EMT in the state of Delaware and is excited to help serve his community this summer. He is also pursuing a minor in Spanish language, culture, and professional contexts. Riley is interested in studying liposomes to be used as drug carriers for photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients. In his free time, Riley enjoys playing the piano and going to the gym. |