Lab Members
Principal Investigator
René Olivares-Navarrete, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Associate Professor | Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University
email: ronavarrete@vcu.edu | research gate
Lab Members
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Lais Morandini, D.D.S., Ph.D.Postdoctoral Fellow
Lais's current research interests include to study implant surface modifications and how their physical and chemical properties can influence immune response, affecting the osseointegration process. Dr. Morandini received her DDS in 2011 from the São Paulo State University– Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Brazil. She also completed her Master in Oral Pathology from São Paulo State University in collaboration with Federal University of ABC – Brazil, in 2012. From 2015-2016 she completed part of her PhD at University of Michigan, Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, studying the effect of nano- and micro-topography on osteoblast behavior and mesenchymal stem cells differentiation. Lais obtained her PhD in Biomaterials in 2017, from São Paulo State University– Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP, Brazil.
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Jamelle Simmons, Ph.D.Postdoctoral Fellow
Jamelle's research is focused on studying the body's immune response to implanted biomaterials in soft tissues. Jamelle holds a joint PhD in biomedical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech) and Wake Forest University, an M.Sc.Eng from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo) with a specialization in biomedical engineering, and a B.S in general engineering from East Carolina University with concentrations in biomedical and bioprocess engineering. Outside of research Jamelle has interests in data science, higher administration, inclusion & diversity, and STEM student development.
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Jefferson AbariciaMD-PhD Student
Jefferson's work examines the role of macrophage-derived Wingless homolog (Wnt) ligands on osseous healing by regulating the inflammatory response and mesenchymal stem cell behavior. The goal of this research is to understand the mechanisms by which the immune system regulates the healing of bone after fractures and placement of implants. In his free time, Jefferson enjoys music, cooking, travel, scuba diving, and autocross.
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Loc BuiMS Student
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Negin FarzadPhD Student
Negin's research is focused in Multi-omics of innate immune cells in response to implanted biomaterials. Negin holds a B.S in Radiation and Oncology from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and an M.S. in BME from University of New Haven
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Benjamin AngelesResearch Assistant
B.S. of Biomedical Engineering 2022 Ben is a junior majoring in biomedical engineering on the cell and tissue engineering track. He is interested in how signal pathways in the immune system influence tissue regeneration. In his free time, Ben enjoys photography, cooking and playing the piano.
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Michael MartisResearch Assistant
B.S. of Biology and Bioinformatics (Genomic Sciences) 2022 Michael is a Junior on the Pre-Med track with a major in Biology and Bioinformatics. He aspires to go to a medical school with an MD/PhD program because he likes answering questions. The main question he wants to answer in his career is, "What causes autoimmune diseases?", since he actually has Alopecia. The unknown nature of what causes these diseases works in tandem with him loving to answer questions. When asked to describe himself he says he is a jack-of-all trades, master-of-none as his hobbies are not focused on one particular field. His hobbies include enjoying learning about anything and everything, art, sports, deductive reasoning, skateboarding, exploring spirituality, and fashion.
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Tate McLeanResearch Assistant
B.S. of Biology 2023 Tate is a sophomore on the Pre-Medical Track who is majoring in Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University. She aspires to be accepted into medical school where she will study to become an orthopedic surgeon. After playing competitive soccer and overcoming ACL and meniscal injuries, she began research in hopes of learning more about the immune response for bone, tendon, and ligament healing. Tate is an outdoor enthusiast and exercise fanatic, and she enjoys traveling to different countries, thrifting unique clothing, and discovering new favorite restaurants.
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Daniela Negrete
Research Assistant
B.S. of Biomedical Engineering 2023 Daniela is a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. Daniela’s current interests in research are in manipulating immune cells into specific immune responses through characteristics of biomaterials. She hopes in the future she can conduct more research in creating vaccines through the use of biomaterials. In her free time, Daniela enjoys cooking, hiking, reading, and creating something artsy.
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Anjali TaResearch Assistant
B.S. of Biomedical Engineering 2022 Anjali is currently a junior majoring in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. She is interested in investigating the mechanisms behind macrophage and biomaterial interaction within the context of prosthetic implants. Outside of the lab, Anjali is a member of Phi Sigma Rho Engineering Sorority and enjoys kayaking, biking, and listening to music.
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Paul WinstonResearch Assistant
B.S. of Mechanical Engineering 2021 Paul is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. He is interested in cell mechanics and their interactions with surrounding stimuli. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, cooking and building furniture.
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Alumni:
Nancy Ayad
M.S. Student
Current Position: Scientific Manager at Leidos
Emily Burtch
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Ph.D. Student at University of Colorado
Manotri Chaubal
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: M.S. Student at Harvard University
Cristian Coriano-Ortiz
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Ph.D. Student at Boston University
Garret Cyprus
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: R&D Scientist at InhibRx
Kelly Hotchkiss
Ph.D. Student
Current Position: Postdoctoral Scholar at Duke University
Suraj Kandalam
M.S. Student
Current Position:
Ryan Musselman
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Ph.D. Student at VCU
Abigail Park
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Pharmacy Doctorate Student at Virginia Commonwealth University
Gireesh Reddy
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Orthopaedic Surgery Resident at University of Miami Health System
Cynthia Rishi
REU Mechanobiology
Current Position: Research and Development Associate at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Marissa Ruzga
REU Mechanobiology
Current Position: BME Undergraduate at Ohio State University
Arth Shah
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: MD Student at Virginia Commonwealth University
Kegan Sowers
M.S. Student
Current Position: Biomedical Engineer at Maryland Development Center
Sarah Tracy
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position:
Andy Vo
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: MD/PhD Student at University of Virginia
Heidi Ward
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Field Service Engineer at Luminex Corporation
Alexander Whitehead
Undergraduate Researcher
Current Position: Ph.D. Student at UC San Diego