Principal Investigator
dr. bret ulery
I joined the Department of Biomedical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering at the University of Missouri as an Assistant Professor in August 2014. After earning a B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering and a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Iowa in 2006, I conducted graduate research with Dr. Balaji Narasimhan at Iowa State University and received my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a Graduate Minor in Immunobiology in 2010. Following completion of my doctoral studies, I spent two years as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Cato Laurencin’s research group in the Institute for Regenerative Engineering at the University of Connecticut Health Center followed by eighteen months as a Postdoctoral Scholar under the advisement of Dr. Matt Tirrell at the University of Chicago. As the Principal Investigator of the Biomodulatory Materials Engineering Laboratory (BioMEL), I lead a diverse team of researchers focusing on the synthesis of novel biomaterials to address a wide range of unmet clinical needs. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife who is a Veterinarian (the real Dr. Ulery in the family) walking our two beagles, Colby and Jack, around campus and all over Columbia. I also like to travel, jog in half-marathons, and attend University of Iowa and Chicago sporting events.
Doctoral Students
Agustin Barcellona
My name is Agustin Barcellona and I am currently a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering. My research involves peptide amphiphile micelles and their use in immunosuppressive drug delivery, and I am currently working on a glutathione amphiphile micelle project. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer with my friends, playing guitar, and playing chess with my roommates. After graduating, I hope to find a career involving lab research related to immunology.
August Hemmerla
Hello, I’m a first year masters student in Biological Engineering here at Mizzou. My research within BioMEL focuses on using simple signaling molecules (SSM) for induction and protection of neural stem cells for the development of degradable bioactive polymers. Outside of the lab, I enjoy tutoring, conversational language exchange, and camping and visiting national parks. Ultimately, I would like to pursue academic research after finishing an MD-PhD program.
Ja’Sean Holmes
Hello, my name is Ja'Sean Holmes, and I am a first-year PREP/post-bac scholar at Mizzou. I earned my bachelor's degree in biology and physics from Colby College in 2021, and I joined BioMEL as a PREP scholar in August of 2023. My project focuses on the application of peptide amphiphile micelles in modifying the immune response of cartilage cells as a very early look into the therapeutic potential of such micelles in osteoarthritis. Regarding my career goals, I plan to enroll in PhD program in fall 2024 and perhaps work at a national laboratory one day. In my free time, I like to cook, listen to music, and take walks outside in nice weather.
Alyson Kee
My name is Alyson Kee and I am a masters student in biological engineering. The research project I'm working on focuses on the utilization of hydrogen peroxide for angiogenesis in non-union bone fractures. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing soccer and golf, as well as reading. I also completed my bachelor’s degree at Mizzou and have been a member of BioMEL since my freshman year.
Luke Kruse
My name is Luke Kruse and I am a PhD student studying chemical engineering. My research interests include using molecular simulation techniques for unraveling fundamental mechanisms that can be used for designing biologically active therapeutics. My current project probes peptide amphiphile micelles to characterize factors important to material properties that are relevant to vaccine design. When I get spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and our four-legged troublemakers as well as gardening, fishing, and strategy games.
Danielle McTigue
My name is Danielle McTigue, and I am an MD-PhD student completing my PhD in the Biomedical Engineering program. My research interests include creating biomaterials for use in tissue regeneration. After graduating, I look forward to continuing research as a clinician scientist as a pediatric surgeon. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing guitar, and hiking.
Fateme Nowruzi
My name is Fateme Nowruzi and I am a PhD student studying biological engineering. My research is focused on synthesizing peptide amphiphile micelles and their application in biological engineering. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. In my free time I enjoy travelling, watching movies, walking, and spending time with my friends.
Shwetha Ramachandra
I am a PhD student in the biological engineering department, and I graduated from Northwestern University with a masters in biomedical engineering. I enjoy working with polymer scaffolds and creating novel biomaterials that leverage the host system to regenerate tissues. My current project focuses on synthesizing peptide displaying polymers and peptide amphiphiles that have the potential to endogenously program mesenchymal stem cells to secrete factors that support bone regeneration in fractures and other bone defects. In the future, I see myself pursuing a career in developing therapeutics in the field of regenerative engineering. In my free time, I enjoy painting and reading, and spending time outdoors hiking or playing ultimate frisbee.
Farnoush Rezaei
I am a Ph.D. student in the biological engineering department and got my bachelor's and master's degree in chemical engineering. My research interest includes tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. My current research is on peptide amphiphile micelles relevant to vaccine design and synthesizing peptide displaying polymer that supports bone regeneration in fractures. I am a dog lover, and I enjoy exercising and going to the gym in my free time.
Megan Schulte
My name is Megan Schulte. I'm a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering My current research is antimicrobial peptide amphiphile coatings. My future plans include finishing my degree and getting a job in a related field (ideally in R&D). Some hobbies of mine include running and reading.
Joshua Shelton
My name is Joshua and I am an MD-PhD student; I am completing my PhD as part of the Biological Engineering program, emphasizing biomedical applications. My research interests include immunological engineering and drug delivery. My current research focuses on the development of lipid nanoparticles, to treat hematological cancers, and how their properties can be manipulated to enhance the specific delivery and overall efficacy of these therapeutics. After graduating, I will pursue a career as a clinician scientist, doing drug delivery research and working as a pediatric clinician or surgeon. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, playing guitar, cooking/baking, and traveling.
Undergraduate Students
Adam Boll
I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in biomechanics and biomaterials. I work for the vaccine materials subgroup where we investigate how peptide amphiphile micelles can be tailored to better administer the influenza vaccine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to music, reading, playing chess, and spending time with my family and friends.
Brett Boney
I am an undergraduate studying chemical engineering with an emphasis in biochemistry. My current research focuses on synthesizing polymers for eventual explorations of the GI tract. My hobbies include hiking, playing pickleball, reading, and spending time with my family.
Daniela Calle
I am a undergraduate majoring in biochemistry. I am currently helping with regenerative medicine more specifically doing cytoprotective work against oxidative stress in cells. I currently coach recreation and competitive girls gymnastics at Tiger Academy of Gymnastics and I lead a girls small group at my church. My goal is to be a pediatrician or work somewhere in the medical field.
Rosalie Garzia
I am currently a sophomore in Biomedical Engineering. My research interest is in drug delivery systems, and I am specifically interested in polyanhydrides due to their bio-erodibility. My research goal is to synthesize glutamic poly-anhydride. After I graduate I plan on continuing research of drug delivery systems. Outside of chemistry I love coffee, going on walks, and spending time with my friends and family.
Abigail Grisolano
My name is Abigail Grisolano, I am currently a senior studying chemical engineering with hopes to further my education by attending medical school! I hope to pursue a career in emergency medicine or radiology. The project I am currently working on includes the use of regenerative materials used to alleviate symptoms of osteoporosis with hopes to replace the current material being used. In my free time I love reading, hiking, watching movies, and exercising!
Christina Kasch
I am an undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry currently working with cell cultures and targeted peptide delivery. When I'm not in the lab I love travelling and playing video games, as well as hanging out with my cat. After undergrad I plan on attending medical school.
Emma McDougal
I am an undergraduate student in chemical engineering with minors in mathematics and political science. My project within BioMEL focuses on drug delivery, particularly synthesizing and characterizing aptamer-modified peptide amphiphile nanoparticles. Outside of the lab, I love to solve puzzles, play piano, and I’m a member of Mizzou’s Mock Trial team. I’m interested in pursuing law school after I complete my undergraduate degree with the goal of working in patent law or intellectual property law.
Marissa Moore
I am an undergraduate student majoring in chemical engineering currently in the cytoprotection subgroup. I work with Kylie and August on researching neuroprotectant molecules and developing neuroprotectant, bioactive polymers. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, people-watching, and playing around with Photoshop. I also love speech and debate and am always down to discuss public policy and international affairs. After graduating, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. and find a career in academic research.
Lily Schrader
My name is Lily Schrader (She/Her). I'm an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry and pursing a minor in film studies. I am currently working on polymer development for simple signaling molecule (SSM) release. Outside of the lab, I love writing, hiking, and watching movies. After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. and continuing in a career of academic research.
High School Students
Jillian Lybeck-Brown
I am a current junior at Rock Bridge High School. The project I’m working on is focused on synthesizing biopolymer hydrogels as a delivery system to promote muscle regeneration. Once I graduate, I hope to pursue an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. I love spending my free time enjoying the outdoors with my dogs and friends, playing clarinet, and searching for Columbia's best iced chai latte.
Veterinary Students
Austin Kimes
I am an veterinary student working in the hydrogel subgroup. My current research projects focus on developing Substance P gels, studying surgical uses of complex hydrogels, and creating novel delivery methods of vancomycin. I play the violin and piano and love to go hiking/traveling with my two dogs in my free time.
Past Members
Postdoctoral Fellows
Sam Huddleston - Currently Pursuing Opportunities
Drona Madugula - Research Scientist at Intel
Ram Tata - Currently Chemist at EAG
Doctoral Students
Soheila Ali Akbari Ghavimi - Currently Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania
Josiah Smith - Currently Chemical Engineer at Nalas Engineering Services
Xiaofei “Sophie” Wang - Research Scientist at Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals
Rui Zhang - Currently Senior Research Scientist at Spark Therapeutics, Inc.
Masters Students
Kylie Dahlgren - Currently Clinical Specialist in Electrophysiology at Abbott
Blake Darkow - Currently Biocompatibility Scientist at Eurofins
M. Allison Josslet - Currently Vituity Medical Scribe
Xiao Lei Li - Currently Mass General Hospital Research Technician
Bryce Lindaman - Currently Nuclear Power School Instructor, US Navy
Brett Rygelski - Currently Senior Associate Scientist at Pfizer
Undergraduate Students
Momola Adesanmi - Professional Soccer Player with UMF Fjolnir
Brittany Allen - Currently Ph.D. Student at University of Iowa
Joe Anderson - Manufacturing Development Associate at ConAgra Brands
Lauren Baratta
Emily Cheng - Currently Ph.D. Student at Northwestern University
Natalie Conomos - Currently University of Missouri Undergraduate Student
Aiden Ellis - Currently Master of Public Health in Epidemiology Student at University of Kansas
Trent Faulkner - Currently Quality Control Associate at Catalent Pharma
Conner Flatt
Jay Froude - Currently working for Automated Engineering Services
Andrew Greenwald - Currently Process Safety Consultant at Smith & Burgess
Mollie Harrison - Currently Ph.D. Student at the University of Texas at Austin
Jake Kramer - Currently Ph.D. Student at the University of Missouri - Columbia
Reagan Krueger
Justin Lannin
Nic Lauxman - Current Bayer Chemical Engineer
Caitlin Leeper - Currently Process Engineer at Black & Veatch
Ethan Lungren - Currently Ph.D. student at University of Minnesota
Mark Messler - Currently Mizzou PhD student in the Grant Lab
Logan Morton - Currently Ph.D. Student at the University of Texas at Austin
Sydney McMillan - Currently Process Engineer at Church & Dwight
Erin Newcomer - Currently Ph.D. student at Washington University in St. Louis
Julie Nguyen - Currently Ph.D. student at the University of Colorado Boulder
Austin Pennebaker - Currently Associate Process Engineer at Valero Renewables
Evan Schoenherr - Currently Process Engineer at Burns & McDonnell
Gracen Seim - Currently Process Engineer at Black & Veatch
Ellie Snoke
Ava Steele - Currently Undergraduate Student at University of Missouri, Chemical Engineering
Jessica Stromsdorfer - Currently Environmental Engineer at US Environmental Protection Agency
Nick Taylor - Currently Quality Engineer at ABB
Dylan Weir - Currently Process Engineer at Bayer
Matthew Wooley - Currently Pneumatic Manager at Parker Hannifin
Yahor Vazmitsel
High School Students
Caleb Bavlnka - Currently Undergraduate at Oklahoma University
Brenna Cornelison - Currently Undergraduate at Missouri Science & Technology
Javier Cuenca - Currently Undergraduate at University of Missouri
Andie Nolla - Currently Undergraduate at Northwestern University
Madison Null - Currently Undergraduate at Case Western University
Erik Spain - Currently Undergraduate at Columbia College
Guthrie Stroh - Currently Undergraduate at Truman State University
Medical Residents
Major Benjamin Burch, M.D. M.S. - Currently Brown Spine Surgery Fellow
Joseph Herbert - Current University of Washington Neurological Surgery Fellow