People

Lesley W. Chow, PhD (she/her)
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) & Bioengineering (BIOE)
Postdoc, Materials & Bioengineering, Imperial College London
PhD, Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University
BS, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida
lac415 at lehigh.edu

Diana Hammerstone (MSE) (she/her)
BS, Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University
NSF Graduate Research Fellow
deh220 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on tuning the substrate stiffness of our 3D-printed constructs independently of bulk stiffness to increase control over cellular responses to our materials. I am particularly interested in adding a thin, soft hydrogel layer to the surface of our 3D-printed scaffolds to encourage stable chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stromal cells. Apart from my lab work, I enjoy running, training my dog Desi, and water sports like sailing, water skiing, and wake surfing. Fun fact: My main hobby from kindergarten through the beginning of high school was Irish dancing.

Andrew Kitson (MSE) (he/him)
BS, Bioengineering, Lehigh University
NSF Graduate Research Fellow
ank519 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on characterizing of our solvent-cast 3D-printed polymer scaffolds and tuning their physical properties to drive desired cellular responses. I am particularly interested in decoupling the effects of interdependent physical properties (i.e., stiffness and porosity) and understanding how these properties can independently cue cells in vitro. I will couple these physical cues with biochemical cues to fabricate implantable scaffolds that synergistically drive osteogenesis or chondrogenesis in vivo. Outside of the lab I enjoy reading, working out, and hiking/swimming with my dogs Kova (golden retriever) and Gaia (Pitbull/Bernese). Fun fact: While I am currently studying bioengineering, I was previously in nursing school.

Chiebuka Okpara (BIOE, joint with TGF Lab) (he/him)
BS, Biomedical Engineering, The College of New Jersey
cho222 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on characterizing a peptide-polymer-based scaffold that will respond to localized anti-inflammatory cytokines. I’m particularly interested in designing 3D-printed constructs that are tunable for the cellular microenvironment. Outside of the lab, I enjoy drawing, exercising, watching movies, and getting out of my comfort zone (e.g., learning how to swim). Fun fact: When I was in high school, I visited Lehigh University for the first time to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition Mid-Atlantic District Championship.

Christie Ortega (BIOE) (she/her)
BS, Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University
cso323 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on characterizing the mechanical, optical, and degradation properties of our polymeric membranes for corneal tissue repair. I am particularly interested in designing functionalized membranes that introduce local anti-fouling and cell-adhesive properties. Outside the lab I enjoy going on hikes, kayaking, painting, traveling, and making bracelets. Fun fact: I have over 60 succulents and took them in a 18 hour car ride to MN.

Gerardo Ortega Oviedo (BIOE) (he/they)
BS, Biomedical Physics, National Autonomous University of México
feo222 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on the use of growth factor-mimetic peptides to induce osteochondral tissue regeneration. I am particularly interested in controlling the spatial and temporal delivery of these peptides in the presence of cells through bioorthogonal click chemistry. I’m a queer Mexican and outside the lab I really like watching TV series and movies (except horror), exercising, going to theater, drag shows and coffee shops, camping and getting to know new places. Fun Fact: I’m so used to drinking coffee that it doesn’t keep me awake anymore.

Korina Vida Sinad (CHEM) (she/her)
BS, Chemistry & M.S. Biochemistry, University of the Philippines Los Baños,
kgs221 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on fabricating poly(caprolactone) (PCL)-based scaffolds containing protease-sensitive peptides. These peptides are designed to degrade in response to cell-mediated processes that occur during tissue regeneration, thus mimicking the dynamic nature of native cell-ECM interactions and enabling complete tissue growth and regeneration. Outside the lab, I enjoy volleyball, concerts, nature-related activities, and amigurumi. Fun fact: I have a life motto and it’s “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”  Also, I stan SB19. Pinoy pride, let’s go!

Rosa Chowshuck
*BS, Basic Obedience
(joint with Pashuck Lab)

My research focuses on getting as many pets and treats as possible. I am particularly interested in whatever you are eating right now and what you may be eating in the future. Outside the lab, I enjoy naps, the dog park, hiking, food, swimming, ducks, eating, sleeping, getting pets, snacks, and more naps. Fun fact: I am the goodest girl.

*needs 3 credits

Percival the Plant

My research focuses on photosynthesis and water uptake. I am thankful to have lab mates, especially Natasha, who take great care of me. Outside the lab, I enjoy bringing some greenery and happiness to the hallways of the STEPS building. Fun fact: I spend 24/7 at the lab, sitting on top of a free library where my lab mates share books with the community.

Fenet Demissie (she/her)
’24 IDEAS / Bioengineering, Lehigh University
RARE Scholar, LUSSI Scholar, POSSE Scholar
fgd224 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on synthesizing growth factor-mimetic peptides using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis and modifying them using bioorthogonal click chemistry. I aim to spatially and temporally control peptides on conjugated PCL in the presence of cells. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music, podcasts, audio-books, reading, and watching k-dramas.

Alexis Kelerchian (she/her)
’26 Bioengineering, Lehigh University
alk626 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on synthesizing growth factor-mimetic peptides that can influence cell behavior. By conjugating them into PCL, I aim to have control over their spatial presentation on 3D-printed scaffolds. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, playing volleyball, and weight-lifting. Fun fact: Every time I read a book, I mark its width on my door frame – I hope to one day read my height in books!

Samantha Mapps (she/her)
’24 Bioengineering, Lehigh University
LUSSI Scholar, Rossin Research Scholar
scm224 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on 3D printing scaffolds composed of different polymers and investigating the effect of material chemistry on cell viability. I am particularly interested in the differences in cell viability and mechanical properties between poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Outside of the lab, you will probably find me listening to Taylor Swift and telling little jokes to my friends. Fun fact: I live on Lake Wallenpaupack and have my boating license!

Juan Mendoza (he/him)
’24 Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University
jpm224 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on characterizing the architecture of our solvent-cast 3D printed scaffolds and the resulting changes in mechanical properties. I am particularly interested in creating areas of high strain and low strain within the same scaffold by altering scaffold layer alignment. My pastimes outside the lab include exercising, listening to music, caring for my plants/pets, and any outdoor activities. Fun Fact: My favorite dessert is cheesecake!

Rachael Dillon (she/her)
’25 Biomedical Engineering, University of Galway
rad323 at lehigh.edu

My research focuses on creating drug-peptide conjugates that can be selectively cleaved in inflammatory conditions. In particular, I want to release an anti-inflammatory drug in the presence of inflammatory enzymes in order to reduce the effects of inflammation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing field hockey, going to the gym, baking, traveling, and going out with my friends. Fun fact: Before biomedical engineering, I studied veterinary medicine in Budapest.