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MEET THE TEAM

We are a transdisciplinary team that addresses biomedical challenges by building upon fundamental chemistry, biophysics, and engineering concepts. To sustain these scientifically diverse efforts, our team is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable and collaborative space where each member can excel in their research endeavors.

We want to cultivate STEM opportunities aimed towards leveling the playing field for people that come from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds.

 

We are committed to creating a safe training environment where everyone demonstrates mutual respect

 

We welcome members from all walks of life, each with unique scientific perspectives, as well as personal backgrounds. Our group embraces the fact that diverse environments lead to a more productive and creative team.

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PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

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HERDELINE ARDOÑA

Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University

Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University

B.S., University of the Philippines Diliman  

Email: hardona at uci.edu

ABOUT THE PI

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS

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ZE-FAN YAO

2024 CAS Future Leaders Top 100

2023 Tom Angell Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S., Ph.D., Peking University

 

Email: zefany at uci.edu

 

Ze-Fan received his B.S. degree in 2016 in Chemistry from the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University. As an undergraduate researcher, he worked on the organic synthesis and structural characterization of organic conjugated molecules. He then obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Jian Pei at Peking University. His Ph.D. research focused on conjugated polymers, transistor devices, and the effect of multi-level aggregation on charge transport. He started as a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Ardoña’s group in September 2021. He is currently working on peptide-based materials and related electronic applications. He will also be working closely with the Arguilla Group in the UCI Chemistry department.During his free time, Ze-Fan likes running, cooking, and watching movies.

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LEONARDO MAVER

Ph.D., Politecnico di Milano & Center for NanoScience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology (Milan) 

B.S., M.S., University of Milano-Bicocca

 

Email: lmaver at uci.edu

 

Leonardo joined the Ardoña group in Spring 2024. After a bachelor's degree in Physics and master's degree n Particle Physics at the University of Milano-Bicocca, he got the chance to explore the world at the interface between Material Science and Biology during his Ph.D. at Politecnico of Milano, in the labs of the Italian Institute of Technology, where he was supervised by Dr. Maria Rosa Antognazza. Deeply and passionately curious, he always tries to learn new things, both in professional and personal domains. Outside the lab, he is an avid reader and a casual gamer, and he loves rock music and movies. He finds his peace in meditation, cooking/baking, and sports.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

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SUJEUNG LIM

PhD Student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

 

M.S., University of Southern California

B.S., California State University, Long Beach

 

Email: sujeungl at uci.edu

 

Sujeung joined the Ardoña group in Fall 2020. Sujeung is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Irvine. She is interested in engineering new biomaterials to model biological responses and is interested in creating platforms to understand those responses. She hopes to work in the industry after completing her Ph.D. studies. She likes to bake and listen to music outside research.

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YUYAO KUANG

PhD Student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

 

M.S., Northwestern University

B.S., East China University of Science and Technology

 

Email: yuyaok at uci.edu

 

Yuyao obtained his B.E. in Bioengineering from ECUST in 2018. During his undergraduate, he examined the modification of key enzyme in the synthesis of Ezetimibe for cholesterol medication. After that, he obtained his M.S. of Biotechnology in 2020. At Northwestern University, Yuyao explored magnetic nanostructures for MRI contrast enhancement and environment remediation. These research experiences cultivated an interest in biomaterials where his interests in biology and nanotechnology can be combined. He is developing novel mechanochromic hydrogel systems for cellular force sensing in Professor Ardoña’s group. At his free time, Yuyao likes cooking, playing basketball, hiking, and watching movies.

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HARRISON JEONG

PhD Student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

 

B.S., M.S., Johns Hopkins University

Email: harrij1 at uci.edu

 

Harrison joined the Ardoña group in Fall 2021. His interest in biomaterials for tissue engineering applications sprung from his Master’s research with Dr. Anirudha Singh at JHU. He is working with photoconductive scaffolds for applications in cardiac and skeletal tissue engineering. Prior to joining the group, he worked in protein purification in Process Development at Amgen. Outside of the lab, he is very passionate about fashion and sneakers. He also enjoys dance, gaming, golf, and tennis.

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EMIL LUNDQVIST

CARE (T32) Fellow

PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering

 

B.S., University of California, Irvine

Email: elundqvi at uci.edu

 

Emil completed his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from UCI in 2019. As an undergraduate researcher, Emil focused on determining impacts of cardiomyocyte organization on cardiac function. Following his undergraduate studies, he worked for two years as the lab manager for the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center where he worked with faculty and students to promote innovative cardiovascular research. Emil is interested in developing novel biomaterial platforms to advance the field of cardiovascular tissue engineering and improve the maturation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Aside from his time in the laboratory, Emil enjoys painting, playing board games, and rock climbing.

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KATHRYN LEE

PhD Student, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

 

M.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Email: kathrkl2 at uci.edu

 

Kathryn joined the Ardoña group in Fall 2022. Kathryn’s research interests are polymeric biomaterials. She is currently working on spatially engineering bioscaffolds through photo-induced reactions. Before joining the group, she worked on non-destructive methods for coating analysis within Manufacturing and Design at Apple in fulfillment of her Master’s degree. In her free time, she likes to play volleyball, read, and care for her many plants.

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KIARA LACY

Supported by the NIH/NHLBI Supplement #3R01HL164348-01A1S1

Samueli School of Engineering Pathway to the PhD Fellow

PhD Student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

B.S., University of California, Irvine

Email: lacyk at uci.edu

 

Kiara is a co-advised PhD student between the Adams and Ardoña labs. Her research is focused on Dielectrophoresis (DEP), a label-free cell characterization technique to differentiate between different cell types using a non-uniform electric field. She is currently developing new platforms that enable light-induced dielectrophoresis for sorting subpopulations of human mesenchymal stem cell populations and for patterning biomolecular interfaces.

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NATALIE CELT

CIRM Predoctoral Fellow

PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering

B.S., University of California, Berkeley

Email: celtn at uci.edu

 

Natalie completed her B.S. in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley in 2022. As an undergraduate researcher, she explored various research areas including the proteomics of aging, in silico screening of estrogen receptor modulators, and macrophage mechanotransduction. Her interest in biomaterials, however, was sparked when she joined her undergrad Bioprinting Club. As part of the Ardoña lab, Natalie is interested in harnessing the manufacturing prowess of bioprinting to create mechanochromic biomaterial platforms for assessing the maturation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes for future drug and disease modeling. Outside of the lab, she can be found playing/watching basketball, learning how to cook, or walking her dogs.

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SHENG WEI TANG

PhD Student, Chemistry (ChAMP Student)

B.S., The Ohio State University

Email: shengwt at uci.edu

 

Born and raised in Klang, Malaysia, Sheng Wei received her B.S. degree in Chemistry from The Ohio State University in 2023. As an undergraduate researcher, she worked on synthesis and chracterization of peptide and polymer self-assembly systems with Prof. Jon Parquette and Prof. Davita Watkins. As a ChAMP Chemistry student, she is interested in the design and characterization of soft nanoelectronics and its applications. In the Ardoña lab, she is currently working on cell-interacting peptide assemblies capable of tunable energy transport in cellulo and as ex cellulo networks. Outside the lab, Sheng Wei enjoys playing badminton, arranging scores on her piano, and trying out new restaurants.

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HAOQI (MIKI) LI

MS Student, Biomedical Engineering

B.E., Georgia State University

Email: haoqil5 at uci.edu

 

Miki received a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences and a B.E. degree in Bioengineering in April 2024 from Georgia State University and Southwest Jiaotong University. During their undergraduate studies, they researched the development of novel inhibitors targeting Staphylococcus aureus Sec-A and development of new strategies for drug synergism to delay cellular senescence. They are also interested in neuroimplant materials to affect sensation through implants. They hope to pursue a Ph. In their free time, they enjoy cosplaying, watching anime, playing video games, cooking, and painting.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

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LANIE LE

UROP Distinguished Research Fellow; E-SURP Fellow

Senior, Biomedical Engineering

Email: laniel at uci.edu

Lanie is currently an undergraduate interested in interdisciplinary research involving biotechnology, specifically biomimetics, nanobiotechnology, and bioinformatics. In the future, she would love to pursue a PhD and become a professor. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling, swimming, playing video games, and learning languages.

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KRYSTAL NGUYEN

UROP Distinguished Research Fellow; E-SURP Fellow

Senior, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Email: uyenvn at uci.edu

Krystal is currently a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering. By joining Dr. Ardoña's lab, she hopes to gain more knowledge as well as hands-on experience in exploring different types of biomaterials that can be applied in biotechnology and medical devices, particularly sensing. Her long-term goal is to work in the biotech industry and pursue her Ph.D. degree in the same field. Aside from academics, she enjoys photography, dancing, and painting.

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RUSWEL DOMINGO

UROP Fellow

Senior, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Email: rusweld at uci.edu

Ruswel is a second-year undergraduate majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering who plans to specialize in biomolecular engineering. He hopes to gain more experience and skills in biomaterials and biotechnology. In the future, he hopes to continue his studies for his PhD. When he's not busy, he likes to gym, game, and watch anime.

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NADEEN MORSI

Senior, Biomedical Engineering

Email: morsin at uci.edu

Nadeen is a second-year undergraduate majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Health Informatics, planning on specializing in biophotonics. She hopes to gain more hands-on experience and knowledge of biomaterials and their uses by working in Dr. Ardoña's lab. In the future, she hopes to pursue an MD and become a radiologist. In her free time, she likes to read and go on hikes.

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MADELEINE MARSTON

Junior, Chemical and Engineering

Email: mmarston at uci.edu

Maddie is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Material Science Engineering, with a specialization in Biomolecular Engineering. As a member of the Ardoña lab, she hopes to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in working with polymeric biomaterials and bioprinting. Post-graduation, Maddie intends to pursue a master's degree and work in the biotech industry. Apart from her academic interests, Maddie enjoys baking, reading, and spending time at the beach.

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CATHERINE SALGADO

SURP Fellow; Hiestand Engineering Research Awardee; LAEP Awardee

Junior, Biomedical Engineering

Email: salgadc5 at uci.edu

Catherine is a second-year undergraduate interested in interdisciplinary research, specifically nanobiotechnology, tissue engineering, and biomolecular/genetic engineering. During her time at Dr. Ardoña’s lab, she hopes to gain more hands-on experience and learn more about biomimetic nanomaterials and biotechnology. After graduation, she hopes to enter the biotech industry and later obtain her PhD and become a professor. In her free time, she enjoys running, creating short films, and reading.

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BRANDON ILORI

Sophomore, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

CIRM COMPASS Scholar

Email: bilori at uci.edu

Brandon is a second-year chemical engineer who is interested in having more experience with biotechnology. As a member of the group, he hopes to gain a good understanding of biomaterials and able to apply it to biotechnology. His long-term goal is to go to graduate school to research more about the chemical engineering industry and how he can apply his research on a large scale. His hobbies are going to the gym, listening to music, and playing video games.

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ZACHARI MENDOZA

Sophomore, Biomedical Engineering

Email: zsmendoz at uci.edu

Zachari Mendoza is a second-year undergraduate studying Biomedical Engineering. He is especially interested in tissue engineering including its applications in the medical field. Zachari joined the Ardoña lab to get experience with peptide synthesis and collaboration in a laboratory environment. After completing his undergraduate studies at UCI he plans to go to medical school to become an anesthesiologist. Outside the lab, Zachari is a national-level epee fencer and travels around the country to compete in various events. When he is not studying or practicing fencing he loves to stay active with Olympic weightlifting, basketball, and pickleball. He also enjoys playing guitar and piano to unwind.

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DYLAN NAM NGUYEN

Sophomore, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Email: dylannn4 at uci.edu

Dylan is a second-year undergraduate in the Chemical and Biomedical Engineering department. He is interested in dielectrophoresis (DEP) and other non-invasive sensing based techniques to manipulate bioparticles. Additionally, he hopes to acquire vital engineering knowledge on biomaterial and medical devices during his time working with the Ardoña Research Group. His hobbies include playing bass (both upright and guitar), gymming, lion dancing, and some casual gaming.

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JOIN OUR TEAM!

Interested to join our group as a postdoctoral researcher, graduate researcher, or undergraduate student? Please contact Herdeline Ardoña and check the UCI CBE webpage for more details. Postdoc applicants should send their CV, research summary, and a list of references to Professor Ardoña via email.

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