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CURRENT LAB MEMBERS

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STEPHEN BALMERT, PHD

Post Doctoral Associate

Stephen completed his PhD in Bioengineering in the Little Lab and is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His immune engineering research uses microparticles and microneedles to educate the immune system to either tolerate allergens, self tissues, transplanted allografts or attack tumors/pathogens. Stephen's current projects include an ongoing collaboration between the Little and Falo Labs involving engineering the skin microenvironment to promote allergen tolerance.

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AFSANA NAAZ, PHD

Post Doctoral Associate

Afsana received her PhD from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where she studied the role of the protein BubR1 in mitotic block induced apoptosis and DNA damage response. Post PhD, she worked at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine on understanding the metabolic requirements for Tregs survival in nutrient limiting conditions. In the Little lab, Afsana is working on the Treg recruiting and inducing formulations for transplant tolerance. Outside the lab, she enjoys a good walk and yoga.

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MATT BORRELLI

Graduate Student

Matt is a PhD student in chemical engineering. He joined the Little Lab after 5 years of industrial process engineering experience in both large scale, continuous and batch scale chemical plants. Previously, Matt received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at Auburn University. Matt is currently focused on ways to enhance heart tissue regeneration following myocardial infarction by addressing the underlying immune dysfunction. Outside of lab, Matt enjoys cooking and competes in triathlons.

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JULIE KOBYRA

Graduate Student

Julie is a PhD student in Bioengineering with a concentration in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Prior to joining the Little Lab, Julie received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at George Washington University. In the Little Lab, Julie works on developing local drug delivery systems for the oral cavity. In her free time, Julie can be found enjoying a new book or taking a walk in one of the many parks in Pittsburgh.

CURRENT UNDERGRADUATES

  • Jack Pezzillo

  • Stacia Subick

  • Bryce McMinn

  • Ananya Shivakumar

CLINICIAN SCIENTISTS

  • Thiagu Meyyppan

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NIHAN YONET TANYERI, PHD

Post Doctoral Associate

Nihan Yonet-Tanyeri is a Post Doctoral Associate in the Little Lab. She received her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research interests include biomaterials for biosensing and drug delivery applications. Dr. Yonet-Tanyeri is working on the development of low cost paper-based devices that have the capacity to detect bladder cancer associated-biomarkers using easy-to-read visual outputs.

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LIZZY BENTLEY 

Graduate Student

Lizzy is a PhD student in Bioengineering with a concentration in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Lizzy joined the Little Lab after receiving her B.S. in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland where she participated in undergraduate research at both UMD and Children's Hospital of Washington, DC. In the Little Lab, Lizzy is leading the work related to transplant rejection by developing local delivery strategies to induce tolerance to transplanted tissues. Outside of lab, she enjoys exploring national parks and staying active through triathlon. 

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DOUG FRANCIONI

Graduate Student

Doug is a Master's student in Chemical Engineering. He joined the Little Lab after 2.5 years working as a process engineer. Doug received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of lab, Doug enjoys lifting, playing hockey and snowboarding.

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ALIREZA MOHAMMADZADEH

Graduate Student

Alireza is a PhD student in Bioengineering. He received his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Sharif University of Technology with expertise in multiphysics simulation and microfluidics. Previously, Alireza received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology. In the Little Lab, Alireza is focused on fabrication of liposomal carriers using microfluidic systems for nutrient delivery. Outside of lab, he enjoys cooking, hanging out with friends and picnicking in parks in Pittsburgh. Personal Website. 

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TRACEY MOYSTON

Graduate Student

Tracey is a PhD student in Bioengineering in the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine track. Tracey received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Rochester. Outside of lab, Tracey enjoys going for casual hikes and swimming. 

PREVIOUS LAB MEMBERS

Post Doctoral Associates

  • Yalcin Kulahci, MD (2017-2019): Associate Professor, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

  • Sang Bom Lee, PhD (2016-2017)

  • Elena Bellotti, PhD (2016-2018): Marie Curie Post Doctoral Fellow, Italian Institute of Technology

  • Andrew Glowacki, PhD (2015-2016): Principal Scientist, Global Upstream Innovation R&D Team

  • Abhi Acharya, PhD (2014-2018): Assistant Professor, Arizona State University

  • Riccardo Gottardi, PhD (2011-2018): Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania

  • Sayuri Yoshizawa, PhD (2011-2017): Research Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh Dental School

  • Huili Fu, PhD (2011-2014): Post Doctoral Associate, UPMC Cardiovascular Institute

  • Morgan Fedorchak, PhD (2011-2014): Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

  • Zuewi Mal, PhD (2009-2014): Senior Scientist, Neograft Technologies

  • Kaladhar Kamalasanan, PhD (2009-2012): Assistant Professor, Amrita University

Graduate Students

  • Andrea Schilling, PhD (2016-2021): Senior Process Engineer, Editas Medicine

  • Ashlee Greene Anderson, MS/PhD ( 2015-2021): Scientist, Nano Precision Medical

  • Ethan Bassin, PhD (2015-2020): Life Science Specialist, L.E.K. Consulting

  • Thiagarajan Meyyappan, MD (2014-2018): Resident of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

  • Michelle Ratay, PhD (2013-2017): Medical Science Liaison, AbbVie

  • Timothy Knab, PhD (2011-2017): Research Scientist in Systems Pharmacology, Metrum Research

  • Emily Bayer, PhD (2011-2016): Senior Engineer, Carmell Therapeutics

  • Stephen Balmert, PhD (2010-2017): Post Doctoral Associate, University of Pittsburgh Department of Dermatology

  • James Fisher, MD/PhD (2010-2018): Plastic Surgery Resident, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

  • Melissa Lash, PhD (2011-2016): Scientist, Johnson and Johnson

  • Andrew Glowacki, PhD (2008-2015): Senior Scientist, Johnson and Johnson

  • Christopher Mahoney, PhD (2013-2014)

  • Sam Rothstein, PhD (2006-2012): Chief Executive Officer, Qrono, Inc.

  • Siddharth Jhunhunwala, PhD (2006-2011): Faculty Member, India Institute of Science

  • Jillian Tengood, PhD (2006-2011): Senior Project Engineer, ECRI Institute

  • Lillian Ngobi, MS (2011-2012): Scientist, L'Oreal

  • Tiznzhou Wu, MS (2011-2012): Senior Scientist, CDC/NIOSH

  • Daniel DeSantis, MS ( 2011-2013): Project Engineer, Strategic Analysis Associates

  • Anu Karunanidhi, MS (2009-2010): Lecturer, Sri Ramachandra Medical College

Undergraduate Students

  • Peter Dadson (2021-2022)

  • Aidan Bell (2021-2022)

  • Benjamin Ahlmark (2020-2021)

  • Erin Cannon (2018-2020)

  • Kasey Green (Summer 2019)

  • James O'Sullivan (Summer 2018)

  • Adam Carcella (2018-2019)

  • Matthew Rytel (2018-2019)

  • Kayla LeMaster (2016-2018)

  • Inderbir Sondh (2016-2018)

  • Harrison Lawson (2016-2018)

  • Sandra Walton (Summer 2017)

  • Sydney Anderson (2017-2018)

  • Naomi Joseph (2017-2018)

  • Gillian Schriever (2016-2018)

  • Nicholas Yuhas (2016-2018)

  • Jahnelle Jordan (2013-2016)

  • Patrick Biaconi (2012-2015)

  • Sevahn Voperian (2015-2016)

  • Felix Nguyen (2012-2015)

  • Anthony Cugini (2012-2016)

  • Meghana Patil (2012-2015)

  • Erin Sarosi (2013-2015)

  • Skylar Wilkox (2012-2013)

  • Dhruv Srinivasachar (2012-2014)

  • Bon Ikwuagwu (2013-2014)

  • Stephen Kita (2012-2013)

  • Matthew Simson (2012-2013)

  • Laura Blevins (Summer 2012)

  • Joseph Lownik (Summer 2012)

  • Danelys Quiros (Summer 2012)

  • Emmeline Blanchard (2011-2013)

  • Andrew Zmolek (2011-2013)

  • Sydney Cope (Summer 2011)

  • Joseph Wokepetah (Summer 2011)

  • Elaine Yu (Summer 2011)

  • Joshua Mealy (2011-2013)

  • Ross Brodsky (2010-2011)

  • Dan Maskarinec (2010-2011)

  • Joseph Miccio (2010-2011)

  • Jocob Sacks (2010-2011)

  • Alexandra Swanson (2010-2012)

  • Ryan Ridenour (Summer 2010)

  • Adam Dobson (2010-2011)

  • Drew Bundschuh (Summer 2010)

  • Julie Fatula (2009-2011)

  • Nathan Luke (2008-2009)

  • Ruchi Desai (2008-2009)

  • Erin Nichols (2008-2010)

  • Sherri Hall (2008-2010)

  • Jennifer Kay (2008-2010)

  • Nakul Agarwal (Summer 2008)

  • Kyle Kovach (2008-2009)

  • Patrick Vescovi (2008-2010)

  • Brian Freeman (2008-2009)

  • Rachael Scalese (2008-2009)

  • Naomi Choodnovskiy (2005)

  • Priya Shah (2004-2005)

  • Sidharth Puram (2001-2005)

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