Postdoctoral Research Associates
Mine Altunbek, PhD
Hello! My name is Mine Altunbek. I completed my PhD in 2017 in “Nanobiotechnology and Molecular Engineering Laboratory” at Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkiye. I worked in the “Bioprinting Laboratory” at the Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Istanbul, Turkiye as a postdoctoral researcher for three years. Then, I joined Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Group of Gulden Camci-Unal at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA in June, 2021. I am currently working on development of tissue models for an organ on a chip technology, exploring and characterization of new biocompatible biomaterials for tissue regeneration.
Robin Augustine, PhD
Hi, I’m Robin Augustine, a bioengineer with a keen focus on designing and developing various biomaterials and devices that can support, replace, or repair damaged tissues or organs. I completed my Ph.D. in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology from Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam, India.
My specific areas of interest include but are not limited to skin substitutes, wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, bioprinted artificial tissues/organs, and other biomaterials. I am passionate about utilizing my knowledge and expertise in the field to contribute to the development of new and innovative solutions that can improve the quality of life for people.
Currently, I am part of the Camci-Unal lab team, where I am working on developing oxygen-generating tissue engineering scaffolds specifically for bone regeneration applications. This project is aimed at finding innovative solutions to improve bone regeneration, and I am excited to be part of a team that is making a difference in this area.
PhD Students
Gökalp Kağan Kurtoğlu, MD
Hi! My name is Gokalp Kagan. My colleagues and my students call me GK. I graduated from Acıbadem University School of Medicine in June 2023. Having witnessed the struggles patients go through, I felt the need to find solutions that couldn’t be found in clinics alone. As a medical doctor passionate about organ and tissue transplantation, I decided to take a unique path to expand my skill set by studying engineering tools before continuing with any further medical specialization.
To become a well-equipped physician-scientist, I am pursuing my studies in biomaterials and tissue engineering at the UMass Lowell Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology(BMEBT) PhD Program under the guidance of Dr. Camci-Unal as of Fall 2023.
Outside of medicine and engineering, I love embracing nature by going outdoors to hike, camp, or stargaze. Also, I am a dog parent of a 4-year-old golden retriever(Rocky). We love taking long walks.
Mert Gezek
My name is Mert Gezek. I am a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology (BMEBT) program. I received my BSc degree in Bioengineering Department after graduated from Yıldız Technical University (Turkey) in the Spring of 2021. I am eager to contribute to projects in the biofabrication field in GCU Lab and hope to be part of solutions to problems in the regenerative medicine field. I am also especially interested in organ-on-a-chip devices, the use of biomaterials for patient-specific tissue engineering applications, and space technologies, which will give me a chance to apply my knowledge about bioprinting and biofabrication techniques. Out of academia, I enjoy playing clarinet and percussion instruments, playing soccer and basketball, playing video games, and spending time with my friends to discuss popular science topics. As someone who believes in gender equality, I can easily state that working in a gender-equal laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Camci-Unal and collaborating with woman scientist colleagues will add me too much during this journey and will facilitate the emerging of bright solutions perfectly!
Paige Buck
Hello, my name is Paige Buck and I just completed my Master’s in Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology with UMass Lowell in December 2022. Previously, I received a PharmD from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2015. I spent several years working for CVS Pharmacy before realizing I wished to pursue a career in industry and research outside of the clinical sphere. I was accepted into Dr. Camci-Unal’s lab in February of 2022 and have been happy here. My research is focused on paper-based diagnostics and detection of molecules of interest with antibodies. Outside the lab, I enjoy creative writing, crocheting, and reading.
Flannery Williams
Hello! My name is Flannery Williams, and I am a sophomore undergraduate student studying Chemical Engineering at UMass Lowell. I am very passionate about biomedical and pharmaceutical research. I plan on attending graduate school so that I can conduct my self-directed research in these fields. It has been a goal of mine since childhood to find a cure for Type I diabetes because it is a nightmare with which my father, brother, and sister live. I am incredibly grateful to be working on engineering pancreas-like tissues in Dr. Camci-Unal’s lab because this research is so closely aligned with my interests. You can also find me tutoring in class for Dr. Schrenk’s General Chemistry I and II classes, where I get to combine two other passions of mine: chemistry and teaching.
Tianna Monteiro
Hi there! My name is Tianna Monteiro; I am currently a third-year undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Through participating in Dr.Gulden’s laboratory, I have had the chance to work with eggshell-based materials that aid in the regeneration process of bone tissue. This research is especially exciting for me as my concentration is in cell and tissue engineering. Working on projects such as these allow me to further my interest in this field while also contributing to meaningful clinical research! After graduation, my intent is to go to medical school to further my studies. Outside the laboratory, I enjoy hiking, knitting, baking, snowboarding, and reading.
Vasilios Nikolopoulos
My name is Vasilios Nikolopoulos and I am a senior undergraduate in the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Chemical Engineering program. In Dr. Camci-Unal’s lab. I work on optimizing the fabrication of scaffolds for use in tissue engineering with an emphasis on bone. In the lab, I have been able to combine my experience in quality engineering and elements from core classes in chemical engineering and biology to ensure that our scaffolds are of a high standard. I hope to further my work in cell therapies in graduate school. Outside of the lab, I am a passionate fan of the Bundesliga and Liga MX, President of the UML Native American Cultural Organization, and Secretary of the UML chapter of Omega Chi Epsilon.
My name is Hassan Jafri and I am an undergraduate studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, graduating in Spring 2023. Working in Dr. Camci-Unal’s lab has been an extremely beneficial, interesting, and exciting experience. I can support the advancements made in engineering biomaterials and tissues, which contributes to my passion for science and medicine. Outside of the lab, I am on the University’s Muslim Students Association E-Board, a mentor for the University’s Pre-Medical Mentorship Program, teach a youth class at my mosque for high schoolers, and love playing and watching basketball.
Charles Milhans is an undergraduate majoring in chemical engineering. He is excited to be a part of Dr. Camci-Unal’s lab, where he is learning how to integrate approaches from different engineering disciplines to solve problems in medicine. Charles works with other group members in designing functional biomaterials for cardiovascular regeneration, bone repair, and wound healing so that human health and quality of life can be improved. He is also currently learning computational methods for modeling, simulating, and optimizing complex systems.
I grew up in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. I am currently a third-year undergraduate studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Under Dr. Gulden Camci-Unal’s supervision, I started working with eggshell-based biomaterials. These materials generate tissue mimetics for clinical applications including regeneration of bone. I am excited to gain deeper understanding of tissue engineering and contribute positively to advances in delivery systems. I plan on going to graduate school and major in Biomedical Engineering where I can continue my research. Outside of the laboratory, I enjoy skiing, hiking, and travelling.
My name is Alejandra Zambrano, and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biology at UMass Lowell. I want to attend veterinary school and I am particularly interested in translational research in veterinary medicine. Being a part of Dr. Camci-Unal’s lab gives me the opportunity to research gelatin-based hydrogels and contribute to future medical treatments. Outside of lab, I like to dance and do a variety of crafts. I am fluent in Spanish and I want to learn American Sign Language.
Hello! My name is Anthony Jordan and I am an undergraduate student in the Chemical Engineering department at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, with plans to graduate Spring of 2025. I have great passion and motivation for contributing in revolutionizing the field of medicine with Dr. Camci-Unal’s research team. I truly believe that the use of hydrogels in tissue engineering applications is the future of biomedical science. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to start working with such a dedicated group of engineers. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of sports and trying new cultural dishes from around the world.
Sanika Suvarnapathaki
I am a first year Ph.D. Student in the Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology program offered jointly by four campuses of the UMass system. I earned my Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering from University of Mumbai, India in June 2015. I started graduate school at Syracuse University in New York from August 2015 majoring in Bioengineering. I defended my MS Thesis and passed my defense in August 2017. I have started my Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology at University of Massachusetts from September 2017 and I am pleased to work with Dr. Gulden Camci-Unal as my PI on the Lowell Campus. My research interests include: tissue engineering, hydrogel synthesis, engineering biomaterials for assisting tissue integration with maximum biocompatibility. My research in the Camci-Unal lab will focus on cardiovascular tissue engineering, oxygen releasing biomaterials, and hydrogel and paper based platforms as scaffolds for tissue engineering. I am excited to contribute to the field of tissue engineering during my doctoral career and develop innovative ways to address high oxygen demand for tissue viability. The long-term goal of my research in the Camci-Unal lab will be to assist the translation of the tissue engineering technology from the lab bench into clinical settings and addressing the impediments that exist currently. Besides research, my other interests involve classical music, travelling, poetry, writing and dancing. I am a people person and love to befriend, network, and interact with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
Darlin Lantigua
My name is Darlin Lantigua. I am a Masters student in the Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology (BMEBT) program. I completed my undergraduate studies in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical engineering. My research interests include tissue engineering in wound care and dermal tissue regeneration, regenerative medicine, synthesis of biomaterials for tissue engineering applications, and development of new techniques to treat immune-related diseases. I am currently working on projects related to the fabrication of hydrogels for wound healing and bone tissue engineering, and projects regarding paper-based disease diagnostics.
Xinchen Wu
My name is Xinchen Wu. I am a PhD student starting Fall 2017 from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell in Biomedical Engineering. I went to China Medical University for my bachelor degree in Clinical Medicine. I did my master at Stevens Institute of Technology afterwards in Biomedical Engineering and my thesis was focusing on bone regeneration. My research interests include designing and fabricating biomimetic scaffolds for bone regeneration, the bioactivity of isotopes of organics and the osteogenesis and angiogenesis effect of endogenous steroids, and the clinical trails for tissue engineering products. I am currently working on developing novel biomaterials for bone tissue engineering and paper-based cell culture platforms. My previous works were published on Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis and Northeast Bioengineering Conference.
Darlin Lantigua
My name is Darlin Lantigua. I am a Masters student in the Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology (BMEBT) program. I completed my undergraduate studies in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical engineering. My research interests include tissue engineering in wound care and dermal tissue regeneration, regenerative medicine, synthesis of biomaterials for tissue engineering applications, and development of new techniques to treat immune-related diseases. I am currently working on projects related to the fabrication of hydrogels for wound healing and bone tissue engineering, and projects regarding paper-based disease diagnostics.
Manjot Pandher
Hello! My name is Manjot Pandher currently enrolled as final semester graduate student in master’s in Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology program in University of Massachusetts Lowell. I have completed my specialization in Medical Plastics Design and Manufacturing during my graduate study. I have previously done my master’s in science in Instrumentation Electronics from Panjab University Chandigarh, India in May 2012. I also completed my Bachelor of Science (Non-Medical) from Panjab University Chandigarh, India in May 2010. Now I am currently working on my Capstone Project under Dr. Camci-Unal on low-cost paper-based point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools. It has been a wonderful opportunity to work under her guidance and enhance the knowledge to the great extent.
Ayesha Sheikh
I am a final semester Masters student in the Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology (BMEBT) program offered by UMass Lowell. I earned my Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan in May 2014. I worked as a Service Biomedical Engineer in Pakistan for a private company called Macro Care from December 2013 to July 2016. I started graduate school at University of Massachusetts in Lowell from September 2016. My major is BMEBT at UMass Lowell with a specialization of Medical Plastics Design and Manufacturing. I will be graduating here in May 2018. I am planning to work in USA for a while to get more experience at the end of Master’s degree. I am pleased to work with Dr. Gulden Camci-Unal as my Capstone Project Advisor here. My research interests include: medical device manufacturing, medical devices and pharmaceutical drug regulatory compliance, environmental biotechnology. My project in the Camci-Unal lab is focusing on effects of oxygen on cells. Besides research, my other interests involve pop music, cooking, drawing, writing and dancing. My overall experience of living here is quite awesome up till now. I haven’t seen the USA completely, but I would love to someday. There are some places where I would definitely go and visit before going back to my country.
Amrita Singh
Hi! My name is Amrita. I’m a current Master of Science student of University of Massachusetts, Lowell. My majors is Biological science with specialization in Biotechnology which I intend to complete in May 2019. I’ve previously completed Bachelor’s in Engineering in Biotechnology, from University of Mumbai, India and have previously worked on various projects aiming at enzyme and protein purification and characterization. I’m currently woking with Dr. Gulden on applications of Paper microfluidics and aiming them for the betterment of the developing nations where accessing medical devices is difficult. It has been a great pleasure to learn from her so far and I look forward to pursuing my thesis under her.
Brianna Hoff
My name is Brianna Hoff, I am an undergraduate student in the chemistry program. I plan on attending graduate school in the future to receive my doctorate and hopefully become a professor. I am really excited to be working with Dr. Camci-Unal and the rest of the team. Outside of school I enjoy swimming and playing the piano.
Seongjin Kwon
My name is Seongjin Kwon and I am currently an undergraduate student in the Biology department at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell with planning to graduate in the Spring of 2018. I am working with Dr. Camci-Unal in the ETIC building. I am really interested in the hydrogel research. It is very exciting to learn about how to fabricate hydrogels and to get the knowledge and skills related to them. I hope that these experiences in the lab help to broaden my biological knowledge. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing baseball, and basketball.
Akhil Meka
My name is Akhil Meka and I am a sophomore majoring in Biology. I am excited to work in Dr. Camci-Unal’s lab as I believe that the field of hydrogel-based tissue engineering has many potential applications that can revolutionize medical science. Outside of conducting research, I spend my time volunteering and watching football.
Michelle Nguyen
I am a biomedical engineering undergraduate student also pursuing the pre-medical track. My passion lies in discovering the nexus of cost-effective technologies, medicine, and healthcare accessibility for underserved/at-risk demographics, such as my community of Southeast Asians. Currently working under Dr. Camci-Unal, I am excited to explore new avenues in my field.
Shainlee Taing
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biology at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. I have a passion to contribute to the field of science with hopes of improving medicine and its application. I am thrilled to be a part of Dr. Camci-Unal’s research, as I have the opportunity to explore practical medical treatments through the use of hydrogels. In my free-time, I enjoy exploring various cultures with faith that I will travel around the world.
Kierra Walsh
My name is Kierra Walsh and I am an undergraduate student studying biology at UMass Lowell, with plans to graduate spring of 2019. I hope to eventually earn a doctorate in veterinary medicine so researching new techniques for working with tissues is really exciting for me as I hope to someday see them put into practice. I personally am really interested in the work I am doing on biomineralization. When not in the lab I enjoy staying active as a competitive swimmer, playing multiple instruments, and being involved in many forms of community service.
Alumni
Harris Curtis, Department of Chemical Engineering, UMass Lowell, Spring 2017.
Yan Ni Kelly, Department of Biomedical Engineering, UMass Lowell, Spring 2017.
Angela Valente, Department of Biomedical Engineering, UMass Lowell, Spring 2017.