Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering

Marie Curie Individual Fellow, Paris, France – Elvesys SAS
Postdoctoral Ford Fellow, University of California, Los Angeles – Segura Lab
Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan – Takayama Lab
B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Mathematics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professor Sasha Cai Lesher-Pérez joined the Chemical Engineering faculty at the University of Michigan, as an Assistant Professor in August, 2022. Leveraging his interdisciplinary background in microfluidics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, he leads the team to engineer in vitro models, particularly microphysiological models. Currently one of Professor Lesher-Pérez’s major interests is trying to understand how stress in our lives impacts human health. Particularly he is interested in how manifestations of stress disrupt the levels as well as the biological rhythms of different biomolecules in our bodies (e.g., hormones) and how misaligned biorhythms promote disease. In his free time, Professor Lesher-Pérez enjoys playing with his two kids and two dogs, watching and playing soccer, cooking, gardening and is hoping to get back into rock climbing!

Contact Info:

Email: sashacai [at] umich.edu

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Research Investigator, University of Michigan

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University

M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Eastern Michigan University

B.S. in Psychology, Michigan State University

Priyan’s ongoing research efforts are divided between studying the role that the innate immune response/inflammation may play in tumor metastasis, and developing novel microfluidic platforms for the interrogation of immune cell biology. At Wayne State University, he received mentorship of Drs. Amar Basu and Shuichi Takayama. Outside the lab, Priyan enjoys drawing/painting, composing (music), writing, hiking, and gardening.

Contact info:

Email: pweerapp [at] umich.edu

PhD Student in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico (2021)

Durante aims to develop organ-on-chip technology to prolong pancreatic islet functionality in-vitro. In his free time, Durante enjoys lifting, golfing, trying new food, and training his cat to box (Bebe).

Contact info:

Email: durantep [at] umich.edu

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PhD Student in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle (2021)

Xiaoqian aims to develop microfluidic devices to replicate circadian rhythms for in vitro cell culture. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and playing with her cat.

Contact info:

Email: swangx [at] umich.edu

Linkedin

PhD Student in Chemical Engineering

B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering, University of Dayton (2022)

Emily aims to develop dynamic nanopore electroporation (collaborative project with Prof Albert Liu) by integrating flow with the established nanopore electroporation technique for applications of tissue engineering. In her free time, Emily likes to hike, run, and try new restaurants.

Contact info:

Email: mccorkle [at] umich.edu

Linkedin

PhD Student in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Iowa State University (2023)

Yoke Qi aims to work on developing 3-D tissue models on a chip and replicate circadian rhythm for 3D tissue culture. During Yoke Qi’s free time, she likes to cook for friends, go on nature hike trails, and play board games.

Contact info:

Email: yokeqi [at] umich.edu

Linkedin

PhD Student in Biomedical Engineering

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (2021)

Wahidur aims to leverage click chemistry for cell-hydrogel coupling and its tissue engineering application. During his free time, he likes to travel, hike, and root for his soccer team- Real Madrid.

Contact info:

Email: mwrahman [at] umich.edu

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PhD Student in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2024)

Julia aims to design low-frequency microfluidic oscillators enabling in vitro evaluation of the impact of reproductive hormonal milieus on cardiac cells. In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking, traveling, drawing, going to art museums & concerts, and discovering new movies at the State Theatre!

Contact info:

Email: jvallier [at] umich.edu

Linkedin

Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026

Andrew is contributing to perfecting a buoyancy driven droplet generator system to recreate the environment of cells in vitro. In his free time, he enjoys numismatics, playing baseball, and working out.

Contact info:

Email: drewscha [at] umich.edu

Biochemistry, Class of 2026

Aayush is contributing to the development of a microfluidic mixer that can efficiently mix multiple fluids into a homogenous flow. In his free time, Aayush enjoys hanging out with friends, working out, and listening to music.

Contact info:

Email: audupi [at] umich.edu

Chemical Engineering, Class of 2027

Daniel is working on stop flow lithography to generate shaped microgels for organ-on-chip. In his free time, Daniel enjoys going to chai cafes, trying new foods, and making espresso style drinks at home.

Contact info:

Email: riedd [at] umich.edu

Chemical Engineering, Class of 2027

Cheyenne is contributing to the development of a dynamic nanopore electroporation device that allows for the analysis of how flow impacts transfection efficiency and viability. In her free time, she likes to crochet clothes and make Costco runs with friends.

Contact info:

Email: cheyenm [at] umich.edu

Chemical Engineering, Class of 2028

Claire is contributing to the testing and refining of a dynamic nanopore electroporation system that introduces flow as a variable in transfection. In her free time, she loves to dance, bake, and discover new music.

Contact info:

Email: oshimac [at] umich.edu

Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2027

Gabrielle is working on perfusable 3D culture systems using microgels for tissue engineering applications. She enjoys exercising, traveling, dancing, and playing with her dog Luna.

Contact info:

Email: gpears [at] umich.edu

Chemical Engineering, Class of 2027

Aarav is contributing to deciding the optimal properties of microfluidic devices that can replicate circadian rhythms. In his free time, he likes to play sports, run, collect spherical rocks, and juggle spherical rocks. He is also currently learning how to play the guitar!

Contact info:

Email: aaravs [at] umich.edu

International Academy Okma, Class of 2025

Tasneem is working to establish a technique to use stickers as molds for microfluidic oscillators using low-cost off the shelf xerography-systems to generate molds. Because of the size limitation of low-cost xerography-systems, she is working to establish larger scale units to verify fabrication capabilities and the corresponding function of her oscillators. The goal of her project is to assess the feasibility of these tools and techniques in a more accessible and adoptable format.  In her free time she likes to figure skate, run, and paint. 

Contact info:

Linkedin

Chemical Engineering, Class of 2025

Nhayeon is contributing to the development of thermoplastic devices that avoids absorption of target molecules and provides better cell culture conditions. In her free time, she likes watching movies and exploring around to find the best boba place.

Contact info:

Email: nhayeonl [at] umich.edu

Electrical Engineering, Class of 2027

Aaron is from Beijing, China, and intends to pursue a B.S.E in Electrical Engineering. He focuses on developing a new technology called dynamic nanopore electroporation (joint project with Prof. Albert Liu). In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, hiking, and playing badminton (only singles).

Contact info:

Email: guanrent [at] umich.edu

Computer Science, Class of 2026

Alex is contributing to the automation of data acquisition and analytics for Durante’s Organ-on-chip project. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing and playing soccer.

Contact info:

Email: albowler [at] umich.edu

Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2024

Armen is contributing to perfecting a buoyancy driven droplet generator system to recreate the environment of cells in vitro. Outside of the lab, Armen spends his time playing rugby or working out. He is also teaching himself the ukulele!

Contact info:

Email: armenv [at] umich.edu

Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2027

Alejandro is contributing to design and manufacturing of a microfluidic mixer that can efficiently mix multiple fluids into a homogeneous flow. In his free time, he likes training for triathlons, playing instruments, and hanging out with friends.

Contact info:

Email: alejad [at] umich.edu