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: [email protected]

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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: [email protected]

Linkedin

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Linkedin

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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@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: [email protected]

Postdoctoral fellow, 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: [email protected]