Members

 

2023-2024 TGF Lab picture

Principal Investigator

Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandez, PhD

Contact: tomasgf@lehigh.edu

Tomas received his PhD in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering in 2018 from Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) under the supervision of Prof. Daniel Kelly and Fergal O’Brien. His PhD work focused on the combination of non-viral gene therapy and 3D bioprinting for the spatial control of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) differentiation and the recapitulation of the biochemical gradients found in native tissues. After completing his PhD, Tomas joined the Leach lab at University of California Davis to explore biomaterial functionalization with different components of the extracellular matrix to direct MSC function and promote the repair of critically sized bone defects. During his postdoc, Tomas was awarded with the American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship to investigate the relationship between innervation and vascularization for the repair of diabetic wounds, and he was selected as a Rising Star in Engineering and Health by the University of Columbia.

Hobbies: Hiking & biking, traveling, wine tasting, the Lord of the Rings

Graduate Researchers

Joshua Graham, B.S.

Funding: NSF-GRFP

Contact: Jog822@lehigh.edu

Josh is a third year PhD student in the TGF lab. His research is focused on applying CRISPR gene editing techniques to regenerative medicine. To accomplish this, he is integrating molecular biology, peptide chemistry, and machine learning to optimize the CRISPR editing of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Josh completed his undergraduate studies at Villanova University, earning a B.S. Chemical Engineering with minors in Biochemical Engineering and Finance.

Hobbies: Watching football, hanging with his dogs, and spending time on the farm. 

Chiebuka Okpara, B.S.
 
Chiebuka earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at The College of New Jersey. Under the guidance of Dr. Anthony Lau, his research project focused on validating a computational micromechanical model for bones at different radiation types. Afterwards, he enrolled into the Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program. Mentored by Dr. Lilian Plotkin, his research focused on chromosomal and gonadal sex differences in bone cell behavior and musculoskeletal phenotypes using mice models. Now as a graduate student at Lehigh University, Chiebuka works under the supervision of Dr. Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandez and Dr. Lesley Chow (joint with Chow Lab) and his research focuses on developing biomaterials to control the inflammatory environment and improve functional cartilage repair to treat osteoarthritis.
Hobbies: Drawing, Exercising, Watching Movies, Video Games.

Margaret (Maggie) Campbell, B.S.

Contact: mhc525@lehigh.edu

Research Project(s): Maggie completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Lehigh University while working as a research assistant in Dr. Whitney Blocher-McTigue’s chemical engineering lab. Her undergraduate research consisted of working with various binary polymer systems, investigating coacervate formation, a liquid-liquid phase separation phenomenon, and its applications in the medical field. Now pursuing her M.S. degree in Bioengineering, Maggie is interested in the interactions between human cell lines and polymer coacervate films & mats. She works under joint supervision of Dr. Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandez and Dr. Whitney Blocher McTigue

Hobbies: Coaching and playing chess, baking, working out, crafting.

Undergraduate Researchers

Zachary Weiser, Bioengineering major

Email: zmw224@lehigh.edu

Research interests/short blurb: Zachary Weiser is a senior bioengineering student who has been in the TGF lab since his junior year. Throughout his time in the lab he has focused on analyzing dexamethasone performance when conjugated to a fast degrading peptide through developing and performing a variety of biochemical assays and histological processes. Zachary is interested in developing novel biomaterials to improve drug delivery systems and is pursuing PhD programs upon graduation.

Hobbies: Playing ultimate frisbee, board games, and watching sports. 

Trevor Busch, Biomechanical IDEAS major

Funding: IDEAS Program Research Grant

Email: tkb226@lehigh.edu

Trevor is a junior year bioengineering and IDEAS major here at Lehigh. He grew up in the Bay Area near San Francisco, California. He enjoys spending time outside, and eventually that led to his interest in bioengineering, then through classes in high school he developed a passion for chemistry and prosthetics. He has always wanted to do research, choosing Lehigh specifically for the high research caliber. He also plays Division 1 lacrosse at Lehigh University

Hobbies: In his free time, he enjoys playing lacrosse, reading and watching movies.

Jose-Gabriel Castro, Bioengineering Major

Jose-Gabriel is a current 3rd year bioengineering student with a focus on biomaterials and tissue engineering. His current research is aimed at functionalizing a cell penetrating peptide to produce a cell-specific transfection vector for clinically relevant CRISPR therapeutics in primary stem cells. After graduation, he is planning to continue his education through graduate studies and specialize in applying synthetic biology tools for neural engineering applications. Along with the lab, he is on the executive board for Lehigh’s chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society, president of the campus’ Reformed University Fellowship and volunteers through several opportunities around Lehigh.

Hobbies: MMA, volunteering, working out, spending time with friends

Krishna Jayaram, Bioengineering Major

Funding: Clare Boothe Luce Fellowship

Krishna is a third year bioengineering student in the biomechanics and biomaterials track also pursuing a minor in psychology. She developed a passion for biomedical sciences in eighth grade after studying genetics in a biology class. This interest further grew in high school after she participated in a microbiology lab internship through the University of Connecticut. She hopes to continue to work alongside phD student Chieubuka Okpara to create an osteoarthritic model and develop an in vitro solution to the disease. Krishna has been a Clare Boothe Luce research fellow since the summer of 2023 and it is through this program that she joined the TGF lab. This award is given by the Rossin College of Engineering to support women in STEM. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who have shown excellence and motivation in academics and a willingness to learn. By working in the TGF lab, Krishna hopes to further her knowledge in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. She also hopes to use her learning to pursue a career in prosthetics.

Hobbies: Outside of the lab, Krishna is the secretary of Leela Indian Fusion dance team and is a Gryphon.

Layla Puig Rivera, Bioengineering Major

Funding: Clare Boothe Luce Fellowship

Layla Puig Rivera, Bioengineering Major Funding: Clare Boothe Luce Fellowship Layla, born and raised in Puerto Rico, is a second year bioengineering student specializing in the biomechanics and biomaterials track. In March of 2024, she joined the TGF lab as a Clare Boothe Luce scholar, focusing in biomaterials, CRISPR gene therapy, and cell culture research. In August 2024, she received second place in the Oral Presentation Category at the Lehigh University Research Exposition. In November, she  presented a poster at the 2024 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists. Currently, Layla works alongside PhD student Josh Graham, performing tri-potentiality assays with rMSCs and optimizing tissue sample embedding techniques. These experiences are equipping her to pursue a master’s degree, with a mission to develop more efficient, biocompatible, and ethically responsible medical devices. Beyond the lab, Layla is the Creative Director of the SHPEtinas, an extension of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Chapter at Lehigh.

Hobbies: Sunsets at the beach, Working out, Spending quality time with loved ones.

Ben Childs, Bioengineering Major

Funding: Rossin Research Scholars Program

Ben Childs, Bioengineering major Ben is currently a junior in bioengineering, biopharmaceuticals track. He joined the TGF lab through the Rossin Research Scholars program and hopes to learn more about innovations in stem cell research and CRISPR. He is expected to work with PhD student Josh Graham. He has been passionate about the biomedical field ever since he took his first chemistry class. He hopes to pursue a Master’s degree and eventually work in R&D in the pharmaceutical industry.

Hobbies: Playing chess, reading books, and working out in the gym.

Ryan Beam, Bioengineering Major

Ryan is a third-year bioengineering student who joined the TGF lab in the fall of 2023. His work in the lab has focused on utilizing the CRISPR gene editing system to upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in mesenchymal stem cells to decrease inflammation in osteoarthritis. Ryan is planning on pursuing his master’s degree in Bioengineering at Lehigh following the completion of his bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, Ryan would like to work in oncology/immunology research.

Hobbies: Playing piano and watching Philadelphia sports.