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 a welcoming and collaborative space where each member can excel in their research endeavors.
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, leading to a more productive and creative team.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Associate Professor, UCI 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
POSTDOC AND SPECIALISTS
Specialist, University of California, Irvine
Postdoctoral researcher, University of California, Irvine
Email: sungrokw at uci.edu
Sungrok joined the Ardoña Group in Fall 2026. He has broad research interests spanning materials science and cell biology. Before joining the group, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Alon Gorodetsky’s group at UCI, where he studied bioelectronic modulation of extracellular vesicle production. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking around Irvine.
UROP Fellow, Junior Specialist
Senior, Chemistry
Email: crohlmei at uci.edu
Carly started fourth-year undergraduate majoring in chemistry with a focus on chemical biology. In the Ardona lab, she aims to deepen her expertise in synthesizing large molecules, working with biomaterials, and manipulating cellular behavior. Eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible during her time in the lab, Carly is preparing for a successful journey in graduate school. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys playing video games, crocheting, and spending quality time with her dog.
PH.D. STUDENTS
KIARA "BUBBLES" LACY (she/they)
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.
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.
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 and continues the legacy here at UCI. 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.
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.
PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering
B.S., UC Davis
Email: sfoust at uci.edu
Skylar completed her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from UC Davis in 2022 where her research focused on the investigation of mechanotransduction pathways in cells. Prior to starting at UCI, Skylar worked in industry for two years. Her current research interests are in cardiovascular tissue engineering. Outside of the lab Skylar enjoys reading, drawing/painting, and going to the beach.
M.S. STUDENTS
Master's Student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Email: kcbarill at uci.edu
Karla is a master’s student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach and an associate’s degree in Biology. In the Ardoña Lab, she focuses on cardiac tissue engineering with focus in biomaterials and hands-on research. After graduation she plans to pursue medical school and become a physician-engineer. Outside of the lab, she enjoys working at the hospital, drinking matcha, shopping, and painting.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
SURP Fellow; Hiestand Engineering Research Awardee; LAEP Awardee
B.S., UC Irvine
Email: salgadc5 at uci.edu
Catherine is a fourth-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.
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Email: doylem1 at uci.edu
Doyle started third-year undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering. During his time in the Ardoña Lab, he is hoping to learn more about the applications of biomaterials and bioprinting and to gain valuable hands-on experience working in a lab setting. After obtaining his B.S., he plans on attending graduate school and eventually earning a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. His favorite pastimes are playing piano, reading, listening to music, and taking walks.
Gutierrez Family STEM Fellow
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Email: ethenrg at uci.edu
Ethen started second-year undergraduate studying Chemical Engineering and planning to specialize in Biomolecular Engineering. He is interested in the applications of Digital Light Printing (DLP) with photoinitiators to create biomaterial platforms. He plans to use his skilled gained to apply to graduate school and purse a career in research and development. Outside of Ardoña Research Group he spends his time weightlifting, playing the saxophone, golfing, and biking.
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Email: blackah uci.edu
Archer started second-year undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Biomolecular engineering. His research interests include synthetic biology, protein engineering, and the design of biomaterial constructs. In the Ardoña lab, Archer is hoping to gain hands-on experience with hydrogel platforms to support cardiomyocyte research. After obtaining his bachelor's degree, Archer is set on continuing research in Chemical and Biomolecular engineering. Outside of the lab, Archer enjoys backpacking, trap music, and literature.
Biomedical Engineering
Email: rkazinet at uci.edu
Roman started second-year undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Engineering. During his time in the Ardoña Lab, he hopes to gain hands-on experience with the equipment involved in synthesizing, safely working with, and analyzing the applicable properties of biomaterials. After obtaining his Bachelor's degree, he plans to enter industry for the experience before returning to graduate school. Outside of university, Roman enjoys creative writing, playing board games with friends, playing video games, and hiking.
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Email: schmitt.javin at uci.edu
Javin Schmitt started first‑year undergraduate studying Chemical Engineering with a strong interest in how engineered materials and molecular systems can support advances in biotechnology. He joined the Ardoña lab to deepen his experience in experimental research, particularly in macromolecule engineering, and collaborative lab work in the biotech sector. After completing his degree at UCI, he plans to pursue his Master's, or enter a career in biotech or R&D. Outside the lab, Javin is a Division I track and field athlete who brings discipline and focus from athletics into his academic life. When he’s not training or studying, he stays active through weightlifting and enjoys exploring personal development practices.
Mechanical Engineering
Email: sshsia@uci.edu at uci.edu
Senming is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He discovered his interest in 3D bioprinting while working in the Skylar-Scott Lab at Stanford, which led him to join the Ardoña Lab to explore the biological side of bioprinting. He is especially interested in Digital Light Printing (DLP), cell-based work, and biomaterials. He hopes to use the hands-on skills he develops to prepare for medical school after completing his Bachelor's. Outside the lab, Senming enjoys weightlifting, playing basketball, cooking, and playing video games.
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.