David Gracias

Fellow of the AAAS, IEEE, APS, AIMBE, RSC

Professor

Primary Appointment: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Secondary appointments and affiliations: Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR, JHU). Department of Oncology, Center for MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS) and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Major Research Awards
NSF Career Award
NIH Director’s New Innovator Award
Beckman Young Investigator Award
Bessel Award

Education and Outreach Awards
Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award
Maryland State Official Citation for supporting Gifted (K-12) Education

Notable Recent Service
Elected Member of the JHU Homewood Academic Council
Program Committee Member of the AAAS

* David’s lineage is from Goa, a state in India and formerly a colonial state of the Portuguese Empire for about 450 years between 1510-1961.

Post-doctoral Researchers

Derosh George (He/Him)

Students working towards a Ph.D. degree

Christopher Acha (He/Him)
Wangqu Liu (He/Him)
Aishwarya Pantula (She/Her)
Soo Jin Choi (She/Her)

1st year M.S. students

Sumedh Deshmukh
Jingxun (Jessie) Chen
Ashwin Damodaran
Dian Li
Zhaoyu Liu

2nd year M.S. students

Yan Wan (He/Him)
Elena Skarupski
Devan Patel (He/Him)

Students working towards a B.S. degree

Rhyan Schweyk
Albert Doan (He/ Him)
Gandhali Mangalvedhekar (She/Her)
Alisa Fedotova
Eva Loftus (She/Her)

More students working towards a B.S. degree

Sai Rayasam
Isabella Hong

High School Students

Ruby Polansky (She/Her)

Recently Graduated and Notable Alumni

Ruili Zhang (She/Her)
Ruohong (Rachel) Shi (She / Her)
Brian (Si Young) Choi (He/Him)
Zijian Zhong (He/ Him)

Notable Alumni

Over 100 post-doctoral fellows, graduate students (PhD & MS), undergraduate researchers, high school students and high school teachers have done research in our laboratory.

Students from our laboratory, especially productive and well-published researchers, have gotten jobs at the highest levels of academia and industry. Examples include faculty at prominent universities (University of Minnesota, University of Massachusetts, University of Akron, George Washington Medicine); engineers/scientists at microelectronics companies (Intel, IBM, Global Foundries, Micron, Samsung, SK hynix); defense related companies (BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, SAIC); management consultancy (Accenture); government agencies (NIH, DTRA, FDA, NRL); medical device and biotech (Terumo, Novavax, Atrium, Moderna, Dynex), chemical / materials companies (DuPont, Exxon, Gore) and manufacturing (VELO3D). Several of our former lab alums are practicing medical doctors.

Several undergraduate researchers decided to go on for further studies and were admitted to prominent graduate schools in Engineering and Medicine such as Caltech, UC Berkeley, MIT, Princeton, UCSB, UT Austin, Northwestern and UPenn.

The lab engages in outreach to K-12 students through the Baltimore Ingenuity Project and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). A former alum Emma Call placed first in the engineering category at the Intel Science Fair.

Recent highlights: 
Post-doctoral Fellow Dr. Weinan Xu started a faculty position at the University of Akron 
Congratulations to former post-doctoral student Jeong Cho for being promoted to Associate Professor with tenure at the University of Minnesota 
Former PhD grad Qianru lin started a post-doctoral fellowship with Prof. Kit Parker at Harvard 

Congratulations to recent PhD grads Qi Huang and Mark Kwok who've landed amazing industry roles at TDK Corporation and US Food & Drug Administration respectively

Derosh George (He/Him)

Biography:

Derosh received his doctoral degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and his bachelor’s and master’s from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He then joined Princeton University as a postdoctoral researcher before moving to the Gracias Laboratory. Some of his previous research works include exploring various biomimetic microfluidics systems, synthesizing carbon nanowires with tunable microstructure, and tailoring carbon morphology using self-folding and capillary origami. Building on these previous experiences, Derosh wants to focus his future research efforts on developing advanced manufacturing methods and exploring their applications in different domains.

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering – University of California, Irvine
  • Bachelor of Technology and Master of Technology (Dual Degree) in Mechanical Engineering – Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

Research:

In the Gracias Laboratory, Derosh is working on exploring and applying various self-folding methods to study the electrophysiology of brain organoids and uncover unique gastrointestinal drug delivery applications.

Email: dgeorg30@jh.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derosh-george-035540129/

Christopher Acha (He/Him)

Biography: 

Chris Acha is the newest member of Gracias laboratory. Raised in Prince George’s County, off suburbs of Washington, DC, Chris has a background in computational and experimental chemistry as well as polymeric physics in his alma mater University of Maryland, College Park. He has done research with the National Institute of Health in his study on the role of NOX4 in Retinal Pigment Epithelium cell migration and is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Chris enjoys exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Baltimore City and in his spare time keeps physically active with boxing as a personal trainer and coach. 

Education: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering – University of Maryland, A. James Clark School of Engineering 
  • Associate degree in Health Studies – Prince George’s Community College

Research Project: 

Chris is currently working on micro-instrumentation for biological computing with brain organoids and electrophysiology characterization. 

Email: Cacha1@jh.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-acha-1b29b6168

Wangqu Liu (He/Him)

Biography: 

Wangqu is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department. He was born and raised in Yunnan, one of China’s most geographically and culturally diverse provinces. He received a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Beijing Forestry University, where he focused on developing biomass-based sustainable nanomaterials for water treatment. He later joined the Johns Hopkins University for his M.Sc., where he worked on developing 3D printing functional hydrogel materials and shape-changing structures. In his free time, Wangqu is a reefer who keeps a reef tank with pacific corals and fish and a botanical hobbyist having a small indoor plants corner, and he also enjoys cooking and snorkeling.  

Education: 

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering – Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China 
  • Master of Science in Engineering in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University, USA 

Research Project: 

Wangqu is currently working on the development of shape-morphing microdevices and related systems for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and biopsy. 

 Email: wangquliu@jhu.edu 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wangquliu/ 

Aishwarya Pantula (She/Her)

Biography:

Aishwarya is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department. She was born and raised in Nagpur, India. She received a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru, where she focused on developing automatic waste segregators and was involved in Teach for India. She later moved to Johns Hopkins University for her M.S.E, where she worked on developing 3D/4D printed shape-changing structures. She enjoys hiking, figure skating, and playing the violin in her free time.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering – RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru
  • Masters of Science in Engineering in Chemcial and Biomolecular Engineering- Johns Hopkins University, USA

Research Project:

Aishwarya’s research focuses on using smart materials like stimuli-responsive hydrogels with different mechanical design strategies to create untethered biomimetic actuators and locomotors across size scales for soft robotics and biomedical devices.

Email: apantul1@jhu.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-pantula-2693b9149/

Soo Jin Choi (She/Her)

Biography:

Soo Jin is a second year PhD student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department. She was born in Korea, raised in Hong Kong, and received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was involved in Engineers Without Borders and research on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. In her free time, she enjoys exploring cafes, traveling, and hiking.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering – Washington University in St. Louis

Research Project:

Soo Jin is currently developing microinjectors for macromolecule delivery and 3D microelectrode arrays for cardiac organoids.

Email: schoi84@jh.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soo-jin-choi-9a386b165/

Sumedh Deshmukh

Biography:

Born and raised in Maharashtra, India. Sumedh received his Bachelor of Technology in chemical engineering with a major in pharmaceutical science at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India. While at ICT Mumbai, Sumedh worked on novel drug delivery systems and formulation of Gastroretentive furosemide tablets at the Center for Nano-drug delivery research. Sumedh has started his Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Free time hobbies include badminton, reading, and food exploration.

Education

  • Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering — Johns Hopkins University(current).
  • Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering — Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India.

Research Work:

Sumedh will be working on development of microdevices for novel drug delivery applications.

Email: sdeshm11@jh.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumedh-deshmukh-528b7b1b8

Jingxun (Jessie) Chen

Biography:

Jingxun is from China and is pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. Her previous work involved soft robotics and soft lithography, but her current research focuses on exploring innovative ways to interact with organoids using microfluidics and electrodes. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, skating, playing badminton, and immersing herself in video games.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering – The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Research Project:

Jingxun is working on self-folding microfluidics for selective perfusion and localized morphogenesis.

Email:

jchen431@jh.edu

Ashwin Damodaran

Biography
Born in India, raised in Southern California, Ashwin received his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering at University of California Irvine, with a specialization in biomolecular engineering and a minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. During his time at UCI, he was part of the Smith Lab researching a novel method to model non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using polyacrylamide hydrogels. Currently, Ashwin is working towards a Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. During his free time, Ashwin loves exploring new cities, trying new foods, and playing guitar.
Education:
  • Masters of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University (current)
  • Bachelors of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – University of California, Irvine
Research:
Ashwin will be working on the 3D printed synthetic vasculature for organoid neuro-complexity using microfluidic devices.

Dian Li

Biography:

Dian is from China and is currently a master’s student in chemical and biomolecular engineering. His research interest is biocomputing with brain organoids and their potential application in understanding mental disorders. Dian previously worked with the math modeling of yeast colony patterns. He enjoys traveling, playing piano, and martial arts during his free time.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Food Engineering – Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, China
  • Bachelor of Science in Math with CS – Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, China

Research Project:

Dian is working on biocomputing with brain organoids.

Email:

dli106@jh.edu

 

Zhaoyu Liu

Biography:
Zhaoyu is from China and is currently a master’s student in biomedical engineering. His research interest is building the bridge that enables direct communication between living organisms and computers. Zhaoyu was previously working with the data analysis of neuron signals, and now he is trying to explore how to interact with the living tissues physically. During his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and gaming.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering – The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Research Project:
Zhaoyu is working on fabricating and developing 3D microelectrode arrays for electrogenic tissue.

Yan Wan (He/Him)

Biography:

Yan was born in Beijing China. He is currently a graduate student in the ChemBE program at Johns Hopkins University. During his high school and undergraduate years, he has been involved in several thesis experiments and publications. He hopes to maintain the rigorous mind of an engineer and the rich inspiration of an artist.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Polymer Materials and Engineering-Beijing University of Chemical Technology

Research project:

Yan is working on development of microdevices for gastrointestinal biomedical applications.

Email:

ywan18@jh.edu

Elena Skarupski

Biography:

Elena is a second year master’s candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She was born in Boston, raised in San Francisco, and recently received her BS in ChemBE from Johns Hopkins University. Her experience with Type 1 Diabetes and industry research in immunology as well as her coursework in pharmacokinetics have fueled her interest in maximizing drug efficacy.

Education:

  • Bachelors of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University

Research Project:

Elena is currently working on measuring and modeling drug release from hydrogels.

Email: eskarup1@jhu.edu

 

Devan Patel (He/Him)

Biography:

Devan is a fourth year combined BS/MSE candidate in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. He is from Glen Allen, Virginia and is an enthusiastic individual with a love for tackling challenging problems that push him to excel. Devan hopes to help lead the development of personalized model-informed healthcare technologies in the future. In his free time, he enjoys traveling the world, learning how to prepare different cuisines, and watching Formula 1.

Education:

  • In Progress: Bachelor of Science in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering

Research Project:

Devan is currently working on developing micro-instrumentation for the electrophysiological characterization of cardiac and brain organoids.

 

Email: dpatel76@jhu.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpatelp

Rhyan Schweyk

Biography:
Rhyan is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins studying biomedical engineering with a focus in immunoengineering, as well as a major in piano performance at the Peabody Institute of Music. He was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. Outside the lab, Rhyan is also a part of VentrAlarm (a Hopkins design team/startup) and HealAcrossBorders. In his spare time, Rhyan enjoys playing piano and is an avid soccer and tennis player.

Education:

  • Biomedical Engineering — Sophomore at Johns Hopkins University

Research Project:

Organoid microfluidics

Email: rschwey1@jhu.edu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyan-schweyk/

 

Albert Doan (He/ Him)

Biography:

Albert is from Suwanee, Georgia, and is a freshman majoring in ChemBE at Johns Hopkins. He is currently involved in researching microfluidics and their applications in microelectrode arrays for brain organoids. Outside of the lab, Albert is also involved in JHU Quiz Bowl and the Yong Han Lion Dance troupe at Hopkins. In his free time, Albert likes to read and go to the gym.

Education:

  • Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering — Sophomore at Johns Hopkins University

Research Project:

Microfluidics and applications of MEAs for brain organoids.

Email:

adoan5@jh.edu

 

Gandhali Mangalvedhekar (She/Her)

Biography:
Gandhali was born in Atlanta, Georgia and has lived in New York,  New Jersey, and Singapore. She is a freshman at Johns Hopkins University studying ChemBE. Gandhali is involved in Tutorial Project, NEST Strategies at JHU, and a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, reading, and participating in water activities.

Education:

  • Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering — Sophomore at Johns Hopkins University

 Research Project:

Gandhali is working on micro-instrumentation for biological computing with brain organoids. 

Email:

gmangal1@jh.edu

Alisa Fedotova

Biography:

Alisa is originally from Ukraine, and immigrated to Florida a few years ago. She is a current freshman at Johns Hopkins majoring in ChemBE. She is currently working on soft micro robotics as well as Organoid Microfluidics. In her free time she likes to read and compete in dance competitions. Alisa is also involved in Astro Jays, Women in Whiting, and Student Government Association.

Education:

  • Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering — Sophomore at Johns Hopkins University

Research:

Organoid microfluidics

Email: afedoto1@jh.edu

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-fedotova001

Eva Loftus (She/Her)

Biography:
Eva was born in Washington, D.C. but spent most of her life in Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan. She’s currently a freshman at Johns Hopkins studying ChemBE. She’s also involved in the Hopkins Student Wind Energy Team (HSWET) and AIChE. In her free time, Eva likes lifting, climbing, and exploring Baltimore.

Education:

  • Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering — Sophomore at Johns Hopkins University

Research Project:

Eva is currently working on microelectronics to study the electrophysiology of brain organoids.

Email:

eloftus6@jh.edu

 

Sai Rayasam

Biography: 

Sai was born in Long Island, New York, and raised in Iowa. He is a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering. Outside the lab, Sai volunteers at UMMC, is part of a startup called ThermOptik, and is a BME design team leader. In his free time, Sai likes to play volleyball and watch Black Mirror.

Education: 

  • Biomedical Engineering — Sophomore at Johns Hopkins University

Research Project:

Sai is studying the electrophysiology of brain organoids to power robots and biological computing.

Email: prayasa1@jhu.edu

 

Isabella Hong

Biography:
Isabella is from Bergen County, New Jersey. She is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Economics. She is also involved in the Women in Business Club and Smart Women Securities. In her free time, Isabella likes to draw and paint. 

Education: 

  • Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering — Sophomore at Johns Hopkins University 

Research Project: 

Isabella is currently working on conducting degradation tests for gelatin microneedles. 

Email: 

ihong5@jhu.edu 

Ruby Polansky (she/her)

Biography:

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Currently a junior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Ruby enjoys playing lacrosse and soccer with her school and club teams.

Education;

  • Junior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

Research Project:

Ruby is currently working on manipulating ant behavior.

 

Email: rubypolansky@gmail.com

Ruili Zhang (She/Her)

Biography:

Ruili  was born in China and received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical and Technology, where she was involved in electrochemistry, vapor-liquid equilibrium, and industrial reactors. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing games.

Education:

  • Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering 
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering – Beijing University of Chemical and Technology

Recent News:

Ruili is currently pursuing her Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder

Email: rzhang90@jh.edu

Ruohong (Rachel) Shi (She/ Her)

Biography:

Ruohong(Rachel) Shi was a Ph.D. researcher co-advised by Dr. David Gracias and Dr. Rebecca Schulman, with over eight years of experience in nanotechnology, bio-imaging, polymeric materials, and microfabrication.

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering — Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering 
  • B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering — University of Science and Technology of China

Research Project:
Rachel thesis was employing bio-inspired programmable matter (DNA-directed high-degree swelling hydrogel) in the field of soft robotics and smart machines.

Recent News:
Rachel is currently employed at  National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) as a postdoctoral fellow.

Email:  rshi7@jhu.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsrh/

 

Brian (Si Young) Choi (He/Him)

Biography: 

Brian Choi joined the Gracias laboratory in Fall 2020 semester. Raised in Seoul, South Korea, Brian has a background in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Entrepreneurship and Management in his alma mater Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a 1st year master’s student at Johns Hopkins in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Brian enjoys exploring the vibrant food scene of Baltimore City and in his spare time enjoys watching and playing sports like football and lacrosse. 

Education: 

  • Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering 
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering   

Recent News:

Brain is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Electrical Engineering at Columbia University

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-choi-346008163/ 

 

 

Zijian Zhong (He/ Him)

Biography:

Zijian is from Beijing, China, a city full of the world’s top universities and high-tech companies. He received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked in a MRI research lab to develop magnetic resonance fingerprinting for measuring enzyme change in metabolism. Later, he came to the Johns Hopkins University ChemBE department for M.Sc degree. He participated in the insulin-deliver microinjectors project and focused on GI tract drug delivery. Currently, he works on the 3D printing capsule for microdevices oral delivery. Outside the lab, Zijian is passionate about watching soccer games, and his favorite soccer club is Manchester United. He also participated in the fencing club during his undergraduate years,

Education:

  • Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering 
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering – Case Western Reserve University, USA

Recent News:

Zijian is a research assistant at the University of California, Los Angeles

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zijian-zhong-390463238/