Principle Investigator
Xiao Huang, PhD
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering,
Science and Health Systems
Drexel University
Email: xh324@drexel.edu
Biography
Xiao Huang received his PhD degree in Chemistry and Materials at UC Santa Barbara in 2016. There he worked on the spatial control of gene regulation in human embryonic stem cells through light-responsive nanomaterials. He went on to conduct his postdoctoral research at UC San Francisco, working at the interface between biomaterials and immune engineering. One highlight from his work is the development of robust chemistry to surface-functionalize biocompatible materials with exquisite precision for applications in immune modulation. To date, he has published major work in top journals such as Nat. Nanotechnol., Adv. Mater., ACS Nano, Biomaterials, Nano letters, etc., is a co-inventor on three pending patents, and has received fellowships from UCSF-PBBR, Li Foundation, and CIRM. In 2022, he received the BWF BioInterfaces Rising Star Award.Graduate Student
Binlong Chen
Biography
My research interest focuses on using precision materials engineering to stimulate T cells and gain fundamental understandings about cell signaling. Before joining the program, I obtained my Master's degree from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, where I worked on constructing drug-targeted nano-delivery systems for anti-tumor applications. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, watching movies, and listening to music.
Qinghe Zeng
Biography
My research interest is to modulate tumor microenvironments that can facilitate the anti-tumor activity of therapeutic T cells.
I propose to use multifunctional biomaterials to “train” T cells to excel in the suppressive environments. Before joining the program, I did my master thesis in the Chinese Academy of Sciences – Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica from 2018 to 2022, working on cancer metabolisms and targeted therapeutics. In my spare time, I love going on bike rides, watching movies, and tuning into talk shows.
Yanshan Tao
Biography
My research interest is to program T cell fate through precisely functionalized biomaterials and investigate associated molecular mechanisms of T cell fate decision. I obtained my master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2023, working on the evaluation of BD FACSLyric-derived compensation accuracy in lab research. Before coming to the US, I did my undergraduate study in China Pharmaceutical University from 2017 to 2021. I love singing and used to be an alto at the university chorus for around 2 years. I have a keen interest in snow skiing and tennis and hope to make friends for these activities!
Undergraduate Researcher
Nikolai Przybylski
Biography
My research interest involves engineering CAR T cells using light-activated nanoparticles with CRISPR functionalities. As a Biomedical Engineering major, I struggled to find a direction until learning about Immunology. Now, I plan on pursuing a PhD in this field after my undergraduate studies. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, rock climbing, and playing the piano.
Riana Ramani
Biography
My research interests involve learning more about the field of immunology and modern technology utilized within the field to advance medicine. I plan on becoming a medical doctor through Drexel University College of Medicine. In my free time, I love to travel, spend time with my family, and read.
Eshel Ahmad
Biography
My research interests involve exploring T-cells and their anti-tumor activity for therapeutic use. I find the intersections between immunology and oncology to be incredibly interesting. As an aspiring future medical doctor, I want to better understand this sector and its uses in potential treatments. In my free time, I enjoy making jewelry as well as exploring the city.
Landon Flemming
Biography
My research interest is to understand T cell behavior through analysis of single cell RNA sequencing data. I am a computer engineering student that’s fascinated in the intersection of data analysis and immunology. In my free time I enjoy building electronics, playing the violin, and exercising.
Summer Intern
Omkar Katkade
Biography
I am a senior student in the Conestoga High School in Philadelphia. I have keen interests in medicine, research, and solving social problems. For the internship, I work on the analysis of single cell RNA sequencing data from human T cells experiencing repeated biomaterial stimulations. I am an avid Stevie Wonder fan, recently in the top 0.001% of his listeners on Spotify. I am a first-degree black belt in Karate who loves teaching his fellow students.