Members

Principal Investigator

Brian Kwee, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor (2023-Present)

Biomedical Engineering Department

Postdoctoral Fellow at Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. FDA (2022)

Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Bioengineering), Harvard University (2018)

B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University (2012)

Email: bkwee@udel.edu

Fun Fact: In college, I used to be part of a breakdance crew called Absolute Zero.

Graduate Students

Bruno de Medeiros Cartaxo Esmeraldo, B.Sc.

B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma (2022)

Email: bruno@udel.edu

Previous Research Experience: I have worked for 2 years in the Acar Lab at the University of Oklahoma, where I specialized in peptide synthesis and mechanical characterization of the lab’s signature peptides (PAIIR peptides). I have also done work with Blood-Brain-Barrier modeling as part of my Senior Capstone project, in order to develop patient-specific treatments in vitro for the treatment of Glioblastoma.

Research Interests: Understand how a surface-ligand segregated cell population differs from a mixed population regarding vasculogenesis potential in order to create better-vascularized tissue implants leading to successful tissue regeneration. Microfluidic Devices, and system modeling.

Fun Fact: I love cooking and baking as a pastime, there is nothing better than kneading to take out some stress. In my free time, I also volunteer at the local fire department.

Keely Laurence, B.S.

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma (2023)

Email: klaur@udel.edu

Previous Research Experience: In undergrad, I worked in the Biomechanics and Biomaterials Design Laboratory where I researched electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds for use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, I investigated aneurysm formation in rabbit animal models to test shape memory polymers that occlude the aneurysm before rupture.

Research Interests: Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials. Utilizing sorted cell populations and engineered constructs to improve muscle regeneration.  

Fun Fact: I enjoy gardening and have an ever-growing collection of houseplants! 

Lauren Mottel, B.S.

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware (2023)

Email: lmottel@udel.edu

Previous Research Experience: During my undergraduate studies, I worked in the Gleghorn Lab, where I researched the development of cell-mimetic alginate microgels to enhance drug delivery to the lymph node. I also have experience with circuit design and programming from both Junior and Senior Design course projects developing assistive technology and healthcare training simulators, respectively.

Research Interest: Biomaterials and immunoengineering with a focus on drug delivery strategies to promote muscle tissue repair.

Fun Fact: When I was 10, I broke a swim meet record set by Katie Ledecky in the 200 IM!

Brennagh Shields, B.Sc.

B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, Temple University (2023)

Email: brbs@udel.edu

Previous Research: While studying abroad at the University College Dublin in Ireland, I investigated the physiological role of UT-B transporters in the brain, finding that external urea regulates UT-B and Tau expression in an astrocyte cell line. I also have experience with the fabrication of multi-scale microfluidic devices as part of my senior design project.

Research Interests: Tissue engineering and drug delivery. Investigating the role of immunomodulatory factors for functional nerve regeneration.

Fun Fact: My two favorite places are the beach and the mountains because I really enjoy hiking, skiing, and the ocean.

Undergraduate Students

Lindsay Gallagher

Major and Expected Graduation: Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2026

Email: lmgal@udel.edu

Research Interests: Cell and tissue engineering with a focus in drug delivery and immune cell trafficking.

Fun Fact: I spend my summers at the beach and love to paddle board! 

Benett Maniyatte

Major and Expected Graduation: Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2027

Email: benettm@udel.edu

Research Interests: Tissue engineering and immunoengineering with a focus on drug delivery to better aid muscle and nerve regeneration.

Fun Fact: When I was in middle school, I qualified for the junior olympic games in the 400m dash track and field event!

James Martin

Major and Expected Graduation: Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2027

Email: jamesmar@udel.edu

Research Interests: Applying tissue engineering to enhance muscle regeneration.

Fun Fact: I play percussion in the front ensemble of the University of Delaware Marching Band. I also play piano and clarinet and will learn organ next year.

Conor Miller

Major and Expected Graduation: Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2026

Email: cpm@udel.edu

Research Interests: Cell and tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and immunology.

Fun Fact: I collect and restore old string instruments. The oldest one I have was my great grandfather’s mandolin!

Previous Members and Alumni