Anna McClain

B.S. Biochemical Engineering, 2018 University of Georgia

amcclain@utexas.edu

Project: I am investigating fatty acid delivery mechanisms and their impact on the metabolic maturation of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Specifically, I am interested in harnessing microfluidics to develop an efficient method for delivering key fatty acids to hiPSCs, which we hypothesize will drive a metabolic switch towards oxidative phosphorylation. My ultimate goal is to establish a scalable, reproducible method for generating homogeneous and metabolically mature hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte populations.

Fun Fact: I’m a big fan of sustainable fashion—especially Austin’s vintage clothing scene!

Bryce Larsen

B.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2021 University of Utah

brycelarsen@utexas.edu

Project: I am working on improving and understanding blood vessel formation using endothelial progenitor cells (EPs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Angiogenesis is influenced by several factors, including the mechanical properties of the surrounding environment. My project is focused on understanding how a mechanically tunable hydrogel impacts the degradation done by EPs during angiogenesis. The overall goal is to understand how to improve blood vessel formation for use in ischemic tissues.

Fun Fact: Ever wondered what the cells in the lab taste like? I have tried cell-grown meat so I could tell you.

Jiwan Han

M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2022
Texas A&M University

jiwan.han@utexas.edu

Project: My research focuses on the mechanotransduction of endothelial cells (ECs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in response to their surrounding microenvironments. By altering peptide crosslinker concentrations in norbornene-modified hyaluronic acid (HA) constructs, I examine the reactions of ECs, including changes in morphology, functionality, proliferation, and viability. Ultimately, I aim to identify the optimal conditions for cultivating a metabolically mature endothelium, paving the way for future advancements in cell therapeutics.

Fun Fact: I’m a dad with two cool little ones. They’re my daily motivation, both in life and in my ministry to help people with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Kristie Cheng

B.S. Biology, 2023
Southwestern University

kristie.cheng@utexas.edu

Project: My project’s focus is to engineer a biomimetic bone marrow model using tunable polyethylene glycol-based granular hydrogels. This enables independent control of hydrogel stiffness, solute transport, and degradability to investigate how these physical cues regulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation. The goal of my project is to be able to provide a method to culture, expand, and recover long-term HSCs in vitro.

Fun Fact:

-‘How many engineers does it take to change a lightbulb?’

-It’s one. Me.

I’m a BME grad student by day and theatre lighting tech by night. I’m also known to play violin in pit orchestras from time to time.

Daniel Zepeda

B.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2024
UC Davis

dzepeda@utexas.edu

Project: My project involves using microfluidic organ-on-chip technology to develop 3D cardiovascular disease models. Specifically, I am interested in integrating hiPSC-derived endothelial, stromal, and immune cell populations to model cardiovascular development, homeostasis, and injury.

Fun Fact: I’m really into road biking and triathlons. I’m currently training for a 70.3 Ironman and a century bike ride.

Cody Callahan

B.S. Biochemistry, 2017
University of Vermont

cody.callahan@utexas.edu

Project: My project emphasizes using machine learning to optimize coaxially bioprinted vessel stability and permeability, with the goal of engineering better vascular grafts.