primary investigator
Dr. Heather Hayenga is the PI of the Vascular Mechanobiology Lab. She graduated from the University of California at Davis (UCD) with her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering in 2006. While at UCD, she worked as an undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Scott Simon. In 2011, Heather graduated from Texas A&M University with her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, under the supervision of Dr. Jay Humphrey. She then completed postdoctoral research with Dr. Helim Aranda-Espinoza in 2013 at the University of Maryland. Heather started as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) in July of 2013.
collaborators
Leonidas G. Bleris stands as a distinguished Professor in the Bioengineering Department at the University of Texas at Dallas, having previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the FAS Center for Systems Biology at Harvard University. His academic journey includes earning a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Bleris is renowned for his research in systems biology, mammalian synthetic biology, and genome editing, with substantial support from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). His groundbreaking work has been published in high-impact journals, establishing him as a leading figure in the scientific community. Dr. Bleris and I are in collaboration to develop a treatment for Solitary Fibrous Tumor using 1) CRISPR editing of the DNA or RNA, 2) ASO treatment and 3) immunotherapy.
Dr. Yi Li is a renowned Research Scientist in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX. With an extensive academic background, Dr. Li earned a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and a Master's degree in Molecular Biology from East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China. Further studies led to a Master's degree in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Dr. Li excels at the intersection of biology and computational sciences, focusing on refining genome editing techniques for cancer therapy. Their groundbreaking work includes the development of innovative applications of transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) and the implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 for allele-specific genome editing. Dr. Li also applied advanced statistical analyses, such as Direct Coupling Analysis, to uncover new insights into genome editing mechanisms.
Having held notable research positions, including at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Li's contributions span molecular biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering. As a Research Scientist, Dr. Li continues to pioneer transformative research, inspiring peers and aspiring scientists alike.
Dr. Li and I are collaborating with Dr. Bleris to discover a efficacious treatment for Solitary Fibrous Tumor.
Dr. Li excels at the intersection of biology and computational sciences, focusing on refining genome editing techniques for cancer therapy. Their groundbreaking work includes the development of innovative applications of transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) and the implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 for allele-specific genome editing. Dr. Li also applied advanced statistical analyses, such as Direct Coupling Analysis, to uncover new insights into genome editing mechanisms.
Having held notable research positions, including at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Li's contributions span molecular biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering. As a Research Scientist, Dr. Li continues to pioneer transformative research, inspiring peers and aspiring scientists alike.
Dr. Li and I are collaborating with Dr. Bleris to discover a efficacious treatment for Solitary Fibrous Tumor.
Dr. Qin is a professor in the mechanical engineering department. He received his Bachelors in Energy and Power Engineering in China, Masters and PhD in Mechanical Engineering in Ohio and Minnesota. Dr. Qin is interested in Nanotechnology, including point-of-care diagnostics, biosensors, therapeutics, and the bio-nano interface. Dr. Qin and I are collaborating to develop a more efficient drug delivery method for cancer treatment.
Dr. Meyer is a collaborating investigator in the Vascular Mechanobiology Lab. He received his bachelors and doctorate degrees at Texas A&M, both in Biomedical Engineering. Afterward he completed a 2 year post-doctorate in Marseille, France. Then he returned to the states to work at the food and drug administration (FDA) as a commissioner’s fellow for 2 years. Currently Dr. Meyer is characterizing the wall mechanics as arteries remodel due to atherosclerosis. Dr. Meyer is also teaching Introduction to Bioengineering and finite element analysis (FEA).
Dr. Leonardi received his Masters in Aerospace Engineering and PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics at the Sapienza University of Rome. He is currently an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Leonardi’s research interests include computational fluid mechanics, turbulence, super hydrophobic surfaces, drag reduction, wind energy and heat transfer. Dr. Leonardi is a collaborating investigator with the Vascular Mechanobiology Lab. Currently he is characterizing the fluid mechanics as arteries remodel due to atherosclerosis
Dr. Gordon Wallace received his bachelors in chemistry and physics at Deakin University in Geelong, Australia. He is currently a professor at the University of Wallongong, Australia. His research interests include organic conductors, nano-materials and electrochemical probe methods of analysis. He serves as the Executive Research Director at ARC Center of Excellence for Electromaterials and Director of the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute at the University of Wollongong. Dr. Wallace is a collaborating investigator with the Vascular Mechanobiology Lab. Currently he is fabricating new graphene composites and designs to use for biocompatible smart sent materials.
current graduate Students
Jeremy Warren is a doctoral student in the Bioengineering department at UT Dallas. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Bioengineering from the University of Texas at Dallas. Specializing in experimental biomechanics, he contributed to pioneering research in gait restoration techniques. His doctoral research focuses on developing advanced computational models to understand and treat coronary artery diseases. As a Research Scientist, he aims to merge computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis to simulate coronary atherosclerosis. Jeremy's commitment to mentorship and fostering diversity in academia amplifies his impact, making him a trailblazer in the biomedical engineering landscape.
Lucero Ramirez is a Doctoral student in the Biomedical Engineering Department at UT Dallas. She received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Texas- Pan American in May 2015. In July of 2015, she joined the Advanced Polymer Research Lab, and in July of 2018 she joined the Vascular Mechanobiology Lab. She passed her qualifying exam in November of 2018.
Her research interests include polymer synthesis, photo-patterning shape memory materials, and interfacing these materials for biomedical applications. Her current research goal is to modify an existing permanent birth control device using a shape memory polymer, yet still preserve tubal occlusion properties and avoid Ni leaching and device migration.
Her research interests include polymer synthesis, photo-patterning shape memory materials, and interfacing these materials for biomedical applications. Her current research goal is to modify an existing permanent birth control device using a shape memory polymer, yet still preserve tubal occlusion properties and avoid Ni leaching and device migration.
Current undergraduate students
Nathan Nguyen - He graduated from UTD in 2022. He researched how calcium is produced and regulated in an atherosclerotic artery.
Fatima Rehman - She graduated from UTD in 2022. She investigated the role of calcium, macrophages and smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis.
Quynh Tran - She is currently looking at the effect boundary conditions has on the mechanical properties of the artery wall.
Ryan Faris - He is currently studying the impact geometry (curved artery vs straight) has on the mechanical properties of the artery wall.
Fatima Rehman - She graduated from UTD in 2022. She investigated the role of calcium, macrophages and smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis.
Quynh Tran - She is currently looking at the effect boundary conditions has on the mechanical properties of the artery wall.
Ryan Faris - He is currently studying the impact geometry (curved artery vs straight) has on the mechanical properties of the artery wall.
Previous GRADUATE students
Maziyar is a Doctoral student in the Bioengineering department of UTD. He received his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University in Iran and has worked on several projects in the field orthopedic biomechanics. His research at TMU was primarily focused on determination of strength levels and failure patterns of human femur using image-based FEA and experimental tests. Maziyar obtained his Masters at the University of Texas at Dallas and is now working towards his Doctoral degree. He is using agent based modeling and finite element analysis in order to discover how arteries remodel in response to perturbations. These models can be used both as a prognosis and a diagnosis tool for cardiovascular diseases.
Manasvini is currently a Doctoral student in the Biomedical Engineering department at the University of Texas at Dallas. She is using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the morphological and biophysical aspects of polymers and cells. Such information will allow us to better understand the underlying mechanisms of mechanobiology. Upon graduation she hopes to work in a research lab investigating cancer development and stem cell treatment.
Neil is currently a Masters student in the Bioengineering department at the University of Texas at Dallas. His projects involve understanding how mechanical stimuli elicit biological responses in cells and arteries. First he is using image processing techniques to determine the mechanical properties of arteries from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images. Understanding the mechanical properties of arteries in-vivo will aid researchers in developing models to predict the growth and remodeling of arteries as well as physicians in determining the correct treatment option. Second he is studying the cellular interactions to implantable materials (such as graphene). Knowing how cells respond to materials and loads will also provide researchers with the information needed to create more compatible devices. Neil is exploring career paths to conduct research in academia as well as industry
PRevious Postdocs
Rita is currently postdoctoral fellow. She completed her PhD in Physics at the University of Texas at Dallas in May of 2018. She is using multiscale modeling techniques to develop a model to predict arterial growth and remodeling during atherogenesis. Her focus is on correctly modeling the fluid dynamics as the stenosis evolves. Her long-term career goal is to return to India and become a Professor in the Physics Department.
Dr. Naik received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from University of Queensland Australia where she developed bovine embryo assays to examine the effects of heat shock on embryo development and survivability. Dr Naiks background is in Veterinary Science, with a Bachelor and Masters degree from Bombay Veterinary College India. As a postdoc at the University of Washington Seattle, Department of Comparative Medicine she studied the pathobiology of aging and diseases related to it. Using transgenic, knockout and allele replacement mouse models she studied the effects of reactive oxygen species on DNA repair, premature aging and colorectal cancer development. As a Senior Fellow at Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington Seattle, and studied lineage reprogramming of smooth muscle cells and signaling pathways involved in matrix calcification of the cardiovascular system. She also worked on two collaborative projects to determine the role of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in cardiovascular disease and investigated the signaling pathways involved in ectopic calcification of cardiac valves. For the past one year she has been studying scientific computing language with the aim to develop a computational model of cardiovascular disease progression. She joined UT Dallas as Postdoctoral Research Associate in spring of 2014. Upon completion of her post doctoral research she hopes to become a Professor.
Previous undergraduate students
Kyle Liu is currently a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Biology at the University of Texas at Dallas as a National Merit Scholar. He graduated from North Hills Preparatory in 2015 ranked 5th, earning an International Baccalaureate diploma as well as being named as an AP Scholar with Distinction. North Hills Preparatory was ranked as the second most challenging school in the nation in 2013 by the Washington Post. At UT Dallas, Kyle is researching the macrophage to foam cell transdifferentiation as a function of lipoproteins and mechanics in the Vascular Mechanobiology Lab. He also works as a Peer Lead Team Learning (PLTL) leader for general chemistry and volunteers at the Comet Cupboard. Las summer, Kyle was a Parkland Auxiliary Collegiate Fellow at Parkland Memorial Hospital, working in the non-invasive cardiology department. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, playing fantasy basketball, volunteering, and spending time with his dog.
Melanie Maurer is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, IL, in 2012 before coming to UTD as a part of the McDermott Scholars Program. For the past two years, she has researched at UTD, Georgia Tech, and the University of Tübingen in Germany, and has gained experience in materials science, stem cell engineering, and cancer technologies, among other areas. She presented posters at two Biomedical Engineering conferences in 2013, received a Goldwater Scholarship Honorable Mention in April of 2014, and will give an oral presentation at the BMES Annual Meeting in October of 2014. Upon graduation from UTD, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Melanie is currently studying macrophage proliferation as a function of substrate stiffness. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, running, volunteering, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.
Arri is currently pursuing his bachelors in biomedical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. Arri is developing a multiscale computational model to predict arterial remodeling under diseased conditions. Specifically, Arri is determining “rules” or programmable functions to dictate how agents or cells will respond to mechanical and chemical stimulus. He is also involved in various organizations at UTD and is a passionate writer. He recently published a book titled, “As Close to a Love Story as I’ll Ever Get.” Arri aspires to start a company after graduating from UTD.
Hello, my name is Stephanie Kubecka and I'm from Cypress, Texas, just Northwest of Houston, where I graduated with honors and distinction from Cypress Woods High School in 2012. I'm currently in my Sophomore year at UTD studying for a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science planning to graduate in the spring of 2016. I plan to also obtain a Masters in Biomedical Engineering after undergad. For me, the deciding factor in choosing a degree in biomed, is that I love all types of biology and also solving puzzles so this path seemed like the best of both worlds, in my opinion. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, solving puzzles (I'm especially hooked on rubric's cubes right now), running, and hanging out with friends.
Preston Butler is a current freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at UT Dallas. He graduated as Salutatorian of his class from Maryville High School in Maryville, Tennessee, before coming to UT Dallas as a 2014 McDermott Scholar. In the Vascular Mechanobiology Lab, Preston is studying the behavior of macrophage cells on substrates of varying stiffness. This is Preston’s first experience in a research lab, and he is eager to dive into his work. Upon graduation from UT Dallas in 2018, Preston plans to obtain a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. In his free time, he enjoys playing his trumpet, reading, and playing a game of volleyball or tennis with his friends.
John graduated valedictorian of his class at Garland High School with an International Baccalaureate diploma and is currently a B.S. Biology and Business Administration student and National Merit Finalist in his senior year at the University of Texas at Dallas. In the past at UTD, he has been a teaching assistant for Biochemistry I, and seeks to apply his love for science to help others. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue his education by attending medical school and ultimately wishes to practice medicine in the state of Texas. Outside of school, he is a math instructor for students from pre-K to high school, a middle child, a car fanatic, a soccer aficionado, and a traveler who has spent time across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. Upon graduation in 2015, I intend to advance into the biomedical applications of electrical engineering, whether that is through a graduate program or working in the industry. I hope to one day use my knowledge and experience to make advances in the fields of medical devices and imaging. My current research project involves the development of an animal model and imaging techniques for the mechanical characterization of atherosclerotic plaques with elastography. I found my passion for the medical field while working as an Emergency Medical Technician. Through my participation and leadership in extracurricular organizations, I have received opportunities to serve local communities as well as abroad communities through medical missions to Peru. Additionally, I gained international experience while studying abroad in Germany and Poland. Outside of education and research, I enjoy working as a math instructor, playing the guitar and piano, staying active through sports, and traveling.
My name is Sanyukta Bihari and I am a freshman Biomedical Engineering Major at UT Dallas. I am also leaning towards pre-med with a deep interest in Cardiac Surgery. I am from Plano and I attended Plano West Senior High School, graduating in the top 10% of my class. I was involved in several clubs and organizations during my high school career, the most important being French Club and Orchestra. I began taking French in 6th grade and instantly fell in love with the language as well as the culture. I participated in the National French Exam in my freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school and was placed in the top 10% in the nation. I plan to extend my interests in the French culture by minoring in French Language. I was also a violinist in my middle school and high school orchestras. Apart from being concertmaster of the 9th grade Philharmonic Orchestra and being part of the prestigious Chamber Orchestra, I was also involved in organizing events for Orchestra by holding the title of Junior Orchestra Officer. Playing the violin is a mode of relaxation for me and I continue to practice in my free time. Currently at UTD, I am involved on campus by being a part of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) as well as HOSA. I am very glad to be a part of the research team led by Dr. Hayenga. I learned about her Vascular Mechanobiology Lab in the SWE meeting and instantly became interested in becoming a part of the lab. I will be contributing to the research process by reading and providing analysis on literature related to Vascular Mechanobiology and vascular diseases.