Undergraduate Students


2023

Julien is a first-year bioengineering student at the University of California, Los Angeles. The multitude of real-life impacts bioengineering has on society has captivated him deeply. Looking ahead, he plans to further his knowledge in engineering by pursuing graduate studies. In his free time, he finds joy in indulging his creative side through piano, dance, and listening to music.

REU Project Title: Photo-emergent locomotion in an artificial millipede

Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Jacopo Movilli, Milan Wilborn

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Alsyl is a current second year studying Electrical Engineering at Chabot College, a community college in the SF Bay Area. He also currently interns at the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility, and loves exploring nanotechnology and its fabrication. He hopes to transfer to a 4-year to attain a Bachelor's degree. In his free time he loves to hike, backpack, go the gym, and do photography.

REU Project Title: Fabrication of epsilon-near-zero metamaterial with anomalous refraction

Mentors: Federico Capasso, Maryna Meretska

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

My name is Drealle Estrada, I am a rising junior at Navajo Technical University, majoring in Biology. I am from Chinle, Arizona and part of the Navajo tribe. I plan to pursue a career in healthcare upon the completion of my undergraduate studies. I enjoy going outdoors, reading, and baking in my spare time.

REU Project Title: Diné tea extract-encapsulating microgels: microfluidics-based fabrication and their antibacterial effects

Mentors: David Weitz, Robinson Tom, Yan Liu, Rohan Thakur, Chunuan Liu

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

Originally from NYC, Ayelet is a physics major with a love for interdisciplinary study. Within the Yale STEM community, Ayelet has served as the co-president of Women in Physics and the Yale Undergraduate Quantum Computing Group. Ayelet is currently a member of the Windham Campbell Literary Prize Student Committee and a tutor at New Haven Reads. Looking towards the coming academic year, Ayelet is excited to be a Froco, a mentor for the incoming Class of 2027. Alongside family and friends, Ayelet enjoys exploring new cities, museums, and films.

REU Project Title: The forward problem of elastic sheet growth

Mentors: L. Mahadevan, Lucy Liu

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Ethan is a freshman at Navajo Technical University studying for a Bachelors in Additive Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Originating from Navajo, enjoys the outdoors, swimming, basketball and food. Hopes to change the world in small ways one at a time.

REU Project Title: STEM kits and educational immersion for students

Mentors: Conor Walsh, Nicholas Bira

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

My name is Alena Morrissette and I'm an upcoming sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Currently I am studying Biomedical Engineering and pursuing a concentration in Neural Engineering. I am also apart of the DuSable Scholars program for Black and Native American students in STEM at UIC. My goal is to further my understanding of Bioengineering.

REU Project Title: Biomimetic swimming actuators via dynamic Gaussian shape morphs

Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Milan Wilborn

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Dawn San Luis is a Materials Science Engineering student at the University of Central Florida. She was born and raised in the Philippines. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, work out, go to the beach, cook, scuba diving, fishing, and traveling.

REU Project Title: Understanding soft matter for manipulating light and heat

Mentors: Joanna Aizenberg, Raphael Kay, Jacopo Movilli

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

I am from Many Farms, AZ and I am a Navajo Technical University student located at the Chinle, AZ site. I am a double major for an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and a Bachelor in Biology. I aim to earn my MD/Ph.D. and become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and experience and gain knowledge about being an RN in the Emergency Room. In my free time, I love spending quality time with my family and I enjoy hiking and exploring national parks.

REU Project Title: Diné tea extract-encapsulating microgels: microfluidics-based fabrication and their antibacterial effects

Mentors: David Weitz, Robinson Tom, Yan Liu, Rohan Thakur, Chuanhuan Liu

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

Christopher's dream of improving lives through medical innovation was sparked during childhood after his father, Rob, suffered a crippling heart attack. Luckily, angioplasty and a series of stents saved his father and reunited their family. For years Christopher’s dreams of medical innovation lay dormant, but, gradually, inspired by his experiences scouting, leading Marines, and serving his community in Orange County, NY, Christopher’s visions of improving medicine strengthened. Now, with a fully-fledged focus on improving lives worldwide with novel biotechnologies, Christopher looks forward to drawing strength from this non-traditional background.

During his service as a Marine KC-130T Flight Engineer, from the Arctic to the Equator, Christopher enjoyed talking with folks across the globe. From these conversations, a clear commonality appeared; everyone sought the best for their community. Naturally, he garnered a cliché yet motivating realization; we are all in this together. We all seek the health and happiness of our people.

In honor of the folks who have shaped Christopher's understanding of the world—those who have crossed his path, thus altering its trajectory forever—he vows to eternalize their influence. With their guidance (and a touch of luck), his research will improve the human experience worldwide.

REU Project Title: Cyborg cardiac tissues with embedded electronics for intratissue recording of extracellular action potentials

Mentors: Kevin Kit Parker, Michael Peters, Justin Benton

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Katelyn Wilson is from Crownpoint, New Mexico. She is a recent graduate in the Biology program at Navajo Technical University located in Crownpoint, New Mexico. She wants to apply what she learned back to the Navajo Nation. She enjoys playing mobile games and on her free time she enjoys playing volleyball and tending to her family's livestock.

REU Project Title: Bending dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs)

Mentors: David Clarke, Nikhil Deliwala

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

Ling Xu is a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying mechanical engineering and mathematics. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. In her free time, she enjoys playing badminton, trying new foods, and painting.

REU Project Title: Design space exploration and simulation for educational origami grippers

Mentors: Conor Walsh, Nicholas Bira

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754

My name is Oliver Yellowhair. I am currently a student at Navajo Technical University. I am pursuing a Nursing degree with a minor in civil engineering. I am an enrolled Navajo with aspirations to fulfill my goals and give back to the community as a registered nurse. My mentor is my professor, Franklin Maloba. I am aiming for higher education to help younger generations to pursue their dreams and education as well.

REU Project Title: Diné tea extract-encapsulating microgels: microfluidics-based fabrication and their antibacterial effects

Mentors: David Weitz, Robinson Tom, Yan Liu, Rohan Thakur, Chuanhuan Liu

Funding: NSF MRSEC DMR-2011754 and NSF PREM NTU DMR-2122195

2022

Zabari is a recent graduate of Navajo Technical University, class of 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology degree and has plans of pursuing a postgraduate degree in Microbiology. She is Diné (Navajo) and African American. Kinyaa'áanii nishłį́ Nahiłii bashishchiin Kinłichii'nii dashicheii Nahiłii dashinalí. This means she is Towering House Clan born for the African Americans. She is from Torreon, NM but grew up predominantly in Houston, TX. She has dreams of exploring research and how traditional Navajo culture can be incorporated into science. In her free time she enjoys spending time with animals, singing, and traveling.

REU Project Title: Developing a Novel Droplet Sorting Device Using Electrophoresis

Mentors: Robinson Tom, Rohan Thakur

Funding: PREM NTU NSF DMR-2122195 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

REU Project Title: Wearable soft robotic gripper

Mentors: Lucas Gerez, Harrison Young

Funding: PREM NTU NSF DMR-2122195 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Leonardo Claure is a rising senior at Emory University where he is majoring in Biology. After graduation, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. In his free time he enjoys making pottery, playing basketball, and traveling.

REU Project Title: Tissue Embedded Flexible Nanoelectronics to Capture Development in Cyborg Brain Organoids

Mentors: Qiang Li

Funding: MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

REU Project Title: Microfluidics: Droplet Formation

Mentors: Bobby Haney

Funding: MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

REU Project Title: 3D Printed Lattices for Optimized Electrodes Design

Mentors: Dylan Barber

Funding: PREM NTU NSF DMR-2122195 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

Layla James is a freshman at the Navajo Technical University. She is majoring in biology and plans on pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry or Biomedical science. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, listening to music and reading fiction novels.

REU Project Title: Integrating nanoplasmonic-based heating with digital droplet PCR

Mentors: Yang Wang, Jean Carlos Serrano Flores

Funding: PREM NTU NSF DMR-2122195 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

Christina Perry is a senior at Southern University and A&M College, majoring in Chemistry. After graduation, she plans to pursue MD. Outside of academics, she is passionate about spending time with her family, baking, and community service.

REU Project Title: Effects of nixtamalization on the physical properties and nutrient content in various corns

Mentors: Kathryn Hollar

Funding: CREST MRSEC NSF HRD-1736136 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

is a rising senior at University of New Mexico studying biology. He continues his research in electrochemistry at Navajo Technical University during the semester under the direction of Dr. Thiagarajan Soundappan. He plans on pursuing a career in medicine. In his spare time he likes to take walks, and admire the scenery.

REU Project Title: Investigating the rheological properties of graphene ink For 3-D printed battery electrodes

Mentors: Dylan Barber, Jennifer Lewis

Funding: PREM NTU NSF DMR-2122195 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Mohammed is a rising senior at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with Robotics and Mathematics minors. He is very interested and passionate about Medical Robotics and Unmanned aerial systems. Going on road trips is his favorite thing to do.

REU Project Title: Fabrication of elastomer cylindrical thin shells for soft robotics

Mentors: Yang Yi

Funding: MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Hunter Shepard is a senior currently attending Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, LA, majoring in Mathematics and Physics with a concentration in Mathematics. Hunter considers himself an upcoming Scientist but also an educator at heart. In the future, he plans to attend graduate school and teach STEM in both secondary & higher education sectors.

REU Project Title: Identifying crystal particle structures and modifying with noise to identify fluctuations

Mentors: Will Wang

Funding: CREST MRSEC NSF HRD-1736136 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

LinkedIn Profile

Tionna Tapaha is from Farmington, NM and attends Navajo Technical University. She is majoring in Biology and is expected to graduate in Fall 2022. She hopes to continue her education and obtain her Ph.D. and MD and become a dermatologist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, and traveling.

REU Project Title: Developing a novel droplet sorting device using electrophoresis

Mentors: Robinson Tom, Rohan Thakur

Funding: PREM NTU NSF DMR-2122195 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

Katelyn Wilson is Navajo and her clans are the Tangle Clan, Start of the Red Streak People Clan, Towering House Clan and Salt People clan. She is from Becenti, New Mexico and she recently graduated this spring of 2022 with her Bachelors in Science for Biology.

REU Project Title: Integrating nanoplasmonic-based heating with digital droplet PCR

Mentors: Yang Wang, Jean Carlos Serrano Flores

Funding: PREM NTU NSF DMR-2122195 and MRSEC NSF DMR-2011754

2019

is a senior at Southern University and A&M College studying mathematics and physics. She is a LS-LAMP, Timbuktu, and Honors College scholar. After graduation she plans to obtain her PhD. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis and volleyball, listening to music, reading, and eating sweets.

REU Project Title: Study of Chalcogenide Thin Film Materials for Applications in Reconfigurable Electronics using Machine Learning Methods

Mentors: Joost Vlassak, Gayatri Perlin

Funding: MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

attended the Rochester Institute of Technology where he majored in Mechanical Engineering Technology and minored in Psychology. He would like to work in the industry and eventually teach. In his free time, he enjoys learning about history, psychology as well as climbing and camping in the great outdoors. He successfully graduated in 2021, and is a Mechanical Engineer at GE Healthcare working on mechanical components at GE Healthcare with experience in modeling heat transfer using FEA, as well as establishing testing procedures and equipment for use in lab, and a working knowledge of plastics and polymer behaviors. Currently have my Six Sigma Green Belt and have a passion for LEAN thinking and innovative product design.

REU Project Title: Applications of Soft Robotics

Mentors: George Whitesides, Jeff Rawson

Funding: REU Site

LinkedIn Profile

graduated Smith College in 2021, majored in Chemistry, and seeks to pursue an MD or MD/Ph.D. degree after graduation. Outside of research, she enjoys fencing, volunteering, and trying out new recipes with her friends.

REU Project Title: Cytokine-Encapsulating Backpacks for Regulating Cellular Phenotypes

Mentors: Jennifer Lewis, Sebastien Uzel, Mark Skylar-Scott

Funding: Wyss

LinkedIn Profile

is from Charlotte, NC. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 2019 majoring in Materials Science and Engineering with a biomaterials concentration. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University in the Heilshorn Biomaterials group, and then found a company. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.

REU Project Title: Cellular Backpacks for Enhancing Pro-inflammatory Phenotypes in Adoptive Macrophage Therapies

Mentors: Samir Mitragotri, C. Wyatt Shields IV, Lily Wang

Funding: Wyss

LinkedIn Profile

Apryl Begay

is an engineering student at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and plans to attend graduate school for Physics or Engineering. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy submarine force where he worked as an electrician and power plant operator.

REU Project Title: Fabrication of Large Area Topological Metamaterials

Mentors: Eric Mazur, Haoning Tang

Funding: REU Site

studied Chemistry and Math at Mount Holyoke College where she was also president of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club. She is originally from South Korea, has been active as a researcher, and likes to travel. She also enjoys photography, cooking, and music. She intends to attain her Ph.D. from UC San Diego.

REU Project Title: Direct and Accurate Non-contact Temperature Measurement of Diamond

Mentors: Derek Englund

Funding: CIQM-MIT

LinkedIn Profile

Kyra Capitan

is originally from Colorado and graduated from Amherst College studying Physics. She was a member of the Amherst College electronics club, and enjoys mountain biking and hiking. After completing her undergraduate degree, she attends graduate school as an Applied Physics Ph.D. candidate.

REU Project Title: Mixed Lead Halide Perovskite Crystals for Blue LEDs

Mentors: Dan Congreve, Mahesh Gangishetty

Funding: Rowland

LinkedIn Profile

is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. He is majoring in Theoretical Physics and plans to pursue graduate studies with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Theoretical Particle Physics or Theoretical Cosmology. Lee Roger is passionate about research in theoretical physics and pure mathematics.

Mentors: Howard Georgi

Funding: MARC

Jonathan Chinana

is a sophomore Electrical Engineering major at Bunker Hill Community College.

REU Project Title: Characterization of Oxide Etch in Fabrication of InGaN QD Microdisks

Mentors: Evelyn Hu, Jonathan Dietz, Niamh Mulholland

Funding: NNCI

LinkedIn Profile

2018

is a senior at Southern University and A&M College studying mathematics and physics. She is a LS-LAMP, Timbuktu, and Honors College scholar. After graduation she plans to obtain her PhD. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis and volleyball, listening to music, reading, and eating sweets.

Project Title: Study of Chalcogenide Thin Film Materials for Applications in Reconfigurable Electronics using Machine Learning Methods

Mentors: Joost Vlassak, Gayatri Perlin

Funding: MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

is from Crownpoint, New Mexico. She attends Navajo Technical University where her major is Animal Science. She is expected to graduate in 2020. She wants to become a veterinarian, and gain as much experience and knowledge. She wants to apply what she learned back to the Navajo Nation. Her hobbies are riding horses and her dirt bike.

Project Title: Reversing Pesticide Toxicity Effects by Using a Biomimetic Receptor

Mentors: George Whitesides, Khaled Abdelazim Mohamed

Funding: NTU.MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

is a rising sophomore at Navajo Technical University, where she is majoring in Biology. She plans to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine. In her free time she likes to ride horses.

Project Title: Temperature Responsive Hydrogels

Mentors: David Weitz, Brendan Deveney

Funding: NTU.MRSEC

is a first-generation student at Navajo Technical University. He is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and is in his sophomore year. He loves playing pool while listening to Tool.

Project Title:

Mentors: George Whitesides, Mike Litchfield, Jim MacArthur

Funding: NTU.MRSEC

is a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Theater. His interests include medical diagnostic and imaging devices for applications in teaching and research. He was born and raised in Hawaii, and in his free time likes to sing, write bad jokes, and test the limits of his circadian rhythm.

Project Title: Glucose Responsive Microcapsules

Mentors: David Weitz, Joerg Werner

Funding: MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

is a rising senior at the University of Central Florida, studying Mechanical Engineering. She wants to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering to facilitate medical procedures by design and improving relevant devices and equipment. She enjoys exercising and attending social events.

Project Title: The Viability of Caenorhabditis Elegans and Fish Eggs in Magnetic Levitation

Mentors: George Whitesides, Amit A. Nagarkar

Funding: MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

was born and raised in Montserrat. She attends the University of the Virgin Islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is a Physics major and Mathematics minor, expected to graduate in May 2021. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to obtain a PhD in Bioengineering with the hopes of developing biomedical devices.

Project Title: Tough and Biologically Stable Hydrogel Adhesives

Mentors: Zhigang Suo, Jason Steck

Funding: MRSEC

is a rising senior at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. She is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. After finishing her Bachelors Degree, she is determined to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. She aims to continue a career in research either in academia or the private sector. In her free time, she enjoys signing and dancing, learning about astronomy, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Project Title: On-Demand Removal Strategies for Tough Adhesive Biomaterials

Mentors: David Mooney

Funding: Wyss.MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

is a student at Navajo Technical University majoring in Biology.

Nelwood's project is "Electrochemical Detection Using Paper or Thread Diagnostics".

Project Title:

Mentors: George Whitesides

Funding: MRSEC.NTU

is a rising junior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she is studying Cioengineering. She plans to get a PhD in the biological sciences, and use her knowledge to study diseases that primarily impact historically disadvantaged people. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, reading, and learning new languages.

Peasah's project is "In Vivo Genetic Reprogramming of Mouse Cardiomyocytes".

Project Title: In vivo genetic reprogramming of mouse cardiomyocytes

Mentors: David Mooney, Irene de Lazaro

Funding: MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

is a former Navy Corpsman and currently a senior studying Biochemistry at the University of West Florida. She intends to pursue a graduate degree in Organic Chemistry with a focus in Medicinal Chemistry. She's an avid bibliophile and recreational poet. Outside of academics, she enjoys serving her community as a volunteer firefighter and collecting books for donation to the Prison Book Project.

Project Title: Transcriptional Control of Adipose Tissue Remodeling During Hypertrophic Expansion on a Biomimetic Nanofibrous Scaffold

Mentors: Kit Parker, Ben Pope

Funding: MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

was born and raised on the Navajo Nation in Crownpoint, NM. Continuing student at Navajo Technical University in the Biology program. Her goals are to continue her career past graduate school ultimately gaining experience, so that she can bring it back to better her community. In her free time she likes to spend time with friends and family, cook, go out, travel, read and relax.

Project Title: Fabricating Biocompatible Polymersomes Using Microfluidics

Mentors: David Weitz, Tina Yuting Huang

Funding: MRSEC.NTU

is a junior at the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities studying Civil Engineering with a focus on structures. He plans on continuing his education by pursuing a PhD with the eventual goal of conducting research and teaching as a Professor at a University. Outside of school, his hobbies include calisthenics, climbing, and pottery.

Project Title: Bistable Beam Buckling Robot

Mentors: Katia Bertoldi, Jochen Mueller

Funding: MRSEC

LinkedIn Profile

2017


is currently biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major at the University of Maryland — Baltimore County. She loves to travel, relax at the beach and play the piano in her free time.

Project Title: Low-cost Agricultural Diagnostics

Mentors: George Whitesides, Christoffer Abrahamsson

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

LinkedIn Profile

is a current sophomore at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities where he is majoring in Electrical Engineering. He is interested in the fields of robotics and machine vision, especially how robots and humans interact. Brad is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps (2011-2016) where he was deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. In his free time, he enjoys working with the student robotics club, lifting weights, and spending time with friends and family.

Project Title: Machine Learning with soft robotic actuators

Mentors: Katia Bertoldi, Nick Vasios

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

LinkedIn Profile

is a full-time student at NOVA (Northern Virginia) Community College. He served five years as an active duty Marine fixing and launching out fighter jets and specializing in avionics and electrical repair. His goal is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and continue to research throughout his college years. He enjoys rowing, swimming, and surfing.

Project Title: Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Testing of Jet Valves

Mentors: Kevin Kit Parker, Francesco Pasqualini, Luca Cera

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

LinkedIn Profile

attends Harvey Mudd College studying engineering (his major) and feminist, gender, and sexuality studies (his concentration). He is personally and academically invested in exploring and helping implement STEM in ethical ways that provide marginalized communities with accessible tools to empower them. Outside the classroom, you can find Jordan writing poetry, playing the saxophone, and having nuanced conversations about using STEM as a liberatory tool.

Project Title: On Prototyping a Soft Organic LCD

Mentors: Zhigang Suo, Shuang Zhou, Hubert Lecocque

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a senior at Montana State University majoring in Chemical Engineering and intends on obtaining a Ph.D. to pursue a career in research. She is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and snowboarding in her free time.

Project Title: Flow of Large Deformable Vesicles Through Porous Media

Mentors: Dave Weitz, Shima Parsa Moghaddam, Tina Huang

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

LinkedIn Profile

is a rising Junior at Smith College, double majoring in Biochemistry and Engineering with research interests in biomedical engineering, synthetic biology, and bionanotechnology. Outside of the lab, she spends most of her time riding horses competitively, but also enjoys playing the cello and spending time with friends and family.

Project Title: Decoding the Microbiome

Mentors: George Whitesides, Benjamin Davies

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

2016


is a rising junior at the University of California, Berkeley. She is currently double majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive Science with the hopes of modeling consciousness and discovering more about artificial intelligence. She is originally from the small town of Ripon, California (the almond capital of the world) where she learned she has a passion for caring for animals, especially cats. She enjoys writing, contemplating consciousness, and running.

Project Title: Human perception of euclidean geometry: innate or not?

Mentors: L. Mahadevan, Yuval Hart

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

Project Title: Cell spreading area and volume on porous membranes

Mentors: David Weitz, Jing Xia

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a rising senior mechanical engineer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He enjoys nature and the outdoors and spends his free time hiking, kayaking, fishing, and gardening. Victor plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in materials science and aspires to one day become a professor.

Project Title: Quick-release electroadhesives

Mentors: David Clarke, Mihai (Mishu) Duduta

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a rising junior at Salem State University and a US Air Force veteran. She still serves in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and works part-time as an Emergency Medical Technician. She intends to complete her undergraduate degree in Biology and pursue a medical degree to become a physician.

Project Title: Tensile strength and insulin resistance to adipose tissue

Mentors: Kit Parker, Ben Pope

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a rising senior in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at The University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. She is a four-year researcher in chemical/biomedical engineering. She is passionate about research and clinical medicine. Therefore, She plans to attend medical school to earn a dual MD-PhD degree. This experience will equip her with the credentials to both participate in medical research, and be a physician.

Project Title: A paper-based immunoassay for detection of Brucella on a portable electrochemical platform

Mentors: George Whitesides, Chien-Chung Wang

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a junior physics major student from Illinois Wesleyan University. His fields of interest are quantum optics, quantum information, and microfluidics. He is working on single-cell immunization in the Weitz lab this summer.

Project Title: Microfluidics device fabrication and single-cell Immunol assay

Mentors: David Weitz, Xu Zhang, John Heyman

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a pre-dental student pursuing a Biochemistry, ACS degree and a music minor at Western Connecticut State University. He has been involved in chemistry research, shadowing, and dental enrichment programs, and aspires to become a DDS or DMD/Ph.D. student and work in a biomaterials research lab. He enjoys playing violin, volleyball, and ping pong.

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is currently working towards a Biology Transfer Option major at Bunker Hill Community College. A Marine veteran, he plans on transferring to a four-year college to pursue a degree in Neuroscience. After completing medical school, he intends to practice medicine to help those who are less fortunate. When he's not in his study, he enjoys spending time with family, playing music, skating, swimming, and the outdoors.

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a 4th-year Chemical Engineering Student from Miami, Fl. He is currently a student at Florida A&M University. He enjoys having fun outdoors and experiencing new things. Once he graduates he will be pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570

is a rising Junior at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY studying mechanical engineering. After graduation, he hopes to continue his education and receive a graduate degree in mechanical engineering. John enjoys listening to music, playing football and exploring.

Funding: Harvard MRSEC, NSF DMR-1420570