People

Program: Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences (MCIBS) PhD Candidate

Education and Professional Experience: B.S. in Biochemistry and B.S. in Human Biology from NC State University (2020)

Area of Research: Systems mechanobiology approaches to studying the cell-biomaterial interface

Elizabeth joined Dr. Brown’s lab in December 2020 and has enjoyed becoming part of the biomedical engineering department.  She originally hails from northwestern North Carolina where she often liked to hike and explore nature and greatly enjoys being outdoors.  When not in lab lost in the land western blots, you can find her tending her flowers, curled up with her cat Valley, a good book, and a cup of tea, or perhaps finally learning how to play the fiddle.

Undergraduate Students

Kayla Myers

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Research Focus: Silk fibroin based materials

Kayla became a member of Dr. Brown’s lab as a recipient of the NASA Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) Space Grant Program.  Kayla is originally from the Pittsburgh area from a family that loves the Nittany Lions.  She is a senior here at Penn State studying biomedical engineering.  She is involved in the Women in Engineering Program (WEP) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE).  In her free time, Kayla loves working out, cooking, and reading books.

Leeann Runkle

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Research Focus: Synthesis of the periodontal ligament

Leeann joined Dr. Brown’s lab as part of a Nasa Space Grant program in January 2021. She is from Lititz, PA from a family of Penn State Alumni. She is a senior at Penn State University studying biomedical engineering as part of the Schreyer Honors College and Clark Scholars Program. She is involved in Women in Engineering Program Orientation (WEPO), First-year in Science and Engineering (FISE), Schreyer for Women, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and German club. In her free time, you can often find Leeann reading, painting, hiking, watching football, or watching movies.

Daniel McCaffrey

Major: Biomedical Engineering with Biomaterials Option

Research Focus: PLLA hydrogel foam

Dan is a senior in the Schreyer Honors College and a member of BMES and Ski Club. He is majoring in biomedical engineering with a biomaterial focus and minoring in engineering leadership development. Originally from the Philadelphia area, he enjoys working out year round and skiing in the winter. If he is not doing one of those things, he is probably lying around listening to music or eating food.

Caroline O’Reilly

Major: Biomedical Engineering with Biochemical Option

Research Focus: Systems mechanobiology

Caroline is a senior studying biomedical engineering with a biochemical focus. At Penn State, she is involved in BMES, The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and THON. In her free time, she loves to travel, go to sporting events, and hiking.

Allison Brown

Major: Biomedical Engineering with Biomaterials Option

Research Focus: Electrospinning & Mineralization Techniques

Allison joined Dr. Brown’s lab in Spring 2022. She is currently a senior pursuing a major in biomedical engineering and a minor in chemistry. She is from right outside of Cleveland, OH, and during her free time loves to watch movies, cook, and play games with her friends. On campus, she is involved in BMES, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and PAW Pals.

Abby Chalovich

Major: Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering

Research Focus: Electrospinning & Mineralization Techniques

Abby is a senior double majoring in biomedical and mechanical engineering. She is from Pittsburgh, PA and during her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and going out with her friends. On campus, she is involved with The Women in Engineering Program (WEP)  and The Society of Women Engineers (SWE). She is looking forward to gaining lab experience and getting to learn more about the projects the lab is working on.

Claire Tse

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Research Focus: Mineralization of Aligned Silk Fibroin Nanofibers

Claire is a senior in the Schreyer Honors College majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a focus on molecular and cell biology. She is from outside of the Philadelphia area and is involved in Project Sunshine, Remote Area Medical, Scholar Ambassadors, and Schreyer for Women. In her free time, she loves to nap, crochet, and explore new foods.

Adriana Blanco

Major: Biomedical Engineering with Biomaterials Option

Research Focus: GelMA hydrogels

Adriana joined the Brown Lab in November 2022.  She is originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela but lives in Prior Lake, Minnesota.  Adriana is also a Millennium Scholar and a McNair Scholar at Penn State and is involved in SHPE and intramural soccer.  In her free time, she enjoys going on runs, playing soccer, reading, cooking, and exploring new places to eat.

Pradham Bathini

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Research Focus: TBD

Pradham is a sophomore in the Schreyer Honors College intending to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is from the town of Mechanicsburg, which is just outside of Harrisburg. He is currently involved in the clubs Infusion and AED. Outside of the lab, he enjoys Indian dancing, watching and playing soccer, playing squash, and traveling to areas outside of central PA.

Ryan Baylis

Major: Biomedical Engineering with Biochemical Option

Research Focus: TBD

Ryan is a sophomore studying biomedical engineering with a biochemical focus. He is originally from Chester County, Pennsylvania. At Penn State, he is involved in BMES and enjoys reading, running, playing the violin, and spending time with his friends.

Emma Durant

Major: Biomedical Engineering and Pre-Medical

Research Focus: NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium 2024 Undergraduate Research Internship Program

Emma is a freshman studying biomedical engineering and became a member of Dr. Brown’s Lab as a recipient of the NASA Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) Space Grant Program.  She is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is involved in Chaarg, the Women in Engineering Program, and the Society of Women Engineers. Outside of school, she enjoys playing soccer, getting outside, reading, thrifting, and spending time with friends.

Alumni