Graduate Students
Vira behNam, MS
(2018 - present)
Vira is interested in continuous sensing applications for human health. Her work includes a minimally invasive hydrogel microneedle patch for monitoring calcium ion concentration in the interstitial fluid, as well as a computational tool for predicting echocardiography-based variables from wearable, non-invasive devices for the assessment of cardiac risk.
Favorite spots in NYC: Lilia for pasta, Coffee Project for coffee, Knockdown Center for shows, BK for life
Margaret Jakus, MS
(2019 - present)
Maggie works on ultrasound-responsive microcapsules for on-demand drug release.
Favorite spots in NYC: biking in the Upper East Side
Harshit harpaldaS, MS
(2019 - present)
2021 NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Harshit is passionate about developing next-generation, integrated point-of-care testing solutions for real-world impact. His work involves automating and decentralizing detection of viruses in wastewater to monitor community spread as well as developing mobile health solutions to complement and increase adoption of rapid testing.
Favorite spots in NYC: Mama's TOO, Laut, Upthai, Jacob's Pickles, Levain, Magnolia, Gertrude, LIC
Abigail Ayers, MS
(2020 - present)
2020 NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Abby works on alternative material platforms for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, with a focus on novel methods and materials for microfluidic fabrication. She is passionate about promoting sustainability and accessibility in healthcare spaces through her research.
Favorite spots in NYC: Mary Woodard Lasker Biomedical Research Building, Hungarian Pastry Shop
Kelia Human, MS
(2020 - present)
2020-21 Blavatnik Doctoral Fellow, 2020 GEM Fellow, 2020 Provost Diversity Fellow
Kelia's work involves automating sample preparation procedures to allow for monitoring of infectious disease at the community level. Kelia is passionate about developing platforms to translate lab procedures to the field to increase accessibility, reduce cost, and improve management of disease burden.
Favorite spots in NYC: The Highline
Darragh Kennedy, MPharm
(2020 - present)
Darragh focuses on precision medicine via microfluidic drug screening, cell therapy and novel drug delivery systems. His areas of interest include cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Favorite spots in NYC: Brooklyn Bagels, Astoria, Queens
Terry Chern, MS
(2020 - present)
2020 Presidential Distinguished Fellow
Terry works in biosensing, wearables, and diagnostics.
Favorite spots in NYC: CitiBike docking stations
Christia Victoriano
(2021 - present)
2021-22 Blavatnik Doctoral Fellow, 2021 Provost Diversity Fellow
Christia works on the development of streamlined, automated molecular diagnostic tests using microfluidics. Her areas of interest include point-of-care diagnostics and epigenetic analysis for early cancer detection.
Favorite spots in NYC: the A train, Hudson River Greenway, Central Park, Lincoln Square AMC
ANIKA McManamen
(2022 - present)
2022-23 Blavatnik Doctoral Fellow
Anika works on point-of-care diagnostics.
Favorite spots in NYC:
Research Assistant
Kat Fatehi
(2022 - present)
Kat uses cells to create therapeutic organoid platforms, focusing on vascular regeneration.
Favorite spot in NYC: the High Line
Laboratory Manager
Helene Montagna
Lab Mascots
(left to right) Tommy, Charlie, Winnie, Mito, Tworange, Charlie, and Martha
Lab Alumni
Graduate Students
DAVID ALEX COLBURN, PHD (2016-2022)
Siddarth Arumugam, phd (2016-2021)
Rachel field, phD (2016-2021)
Priya Anandakumaran, phd (2016-2021)
Nicole Blumenfeld, phd (2015-2020)
SAMIKSHA NAYAK, PhD (2013-2018)
Research Assistants