Meet the people of the Capadona Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University.
Principal Investigator
Jeffrey Capadona, PhD
Vice Provost for InnovationDonell Institute ProfessorDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringCase School of Engineering, School of MedicinePrincipal InvestigatorDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringCapadona LabSenior Research Career ScientistLouis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical CenterEmail: jeffrey.capadona@case.edu
Phone: 216.368.5486
Graduate Researchers
Natalie Mueller
Doctoral Student in Biomedical Engineering
Education: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University
Joined: August 2019
Projects: Microfabrication of Hybrid Drug-Eluting Microfluidic Neural Probes
Olivia Krebs
Doctoral Student in Biomedical Engineering
Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, The Ohio State University
Joined: June 2019
Projects: Anti-oxidative coatings for CNS devices
Biography: Olivia’s research applies her background in chemical and biomolecular engineering in the development of bioactive surface modifications of chronically implanted neural electrodes for improved biologic response. The current focus of her research is expanding the application of the lab’s surface technology to new substrates. She enjoys outdoor activities, painting, and taking care of her plant babies.
Email: oxk97@case.edu
Danny Lam
Doctoral Student in Biomedical Engineering
Education: BS Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas
Joined: June 2019
Projects: The Role of Platelets at the Microelectrode Interface
Biography: Danny’s research interests involve understanding the failure mechanisms to intracortical microelectrodes, primarily the role of neuroinflammation. He plans to translate his background in device-tissue interfaces and signal processing to investigate how the inflammatory response affects the longevity and functionality of intracortical microelectrodes. Outside of research, he enjoys repetitively picking up and putting down large heavy objects, metamorphosing raw materials into edible sustenance through culinary practices and tinkering with electronic circuits.
Email: dvl17@case.edu
Dhariyat Menendez
Biomedical Engineer
Education: B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
Joined: May 2019
Biography: Dhariyat serves as the lab manager/technician in the Capadona and Shoffstall Lab. Her work focuses on the use of anti-oxidative treatments to alleviate neuroinflammation and respiratory complications associated with prolonged and fatal opioid use. Her personal interests include cooking, board games and hiking throughout the many Metroparks Cleveland has to offer.
Email: dmm194@case.edu
Paul Gloth
Doctoral Student in Biomedical Engineering
Education: B.S. Biological Engineering; Mississippi State University
Joined: August 2018
Projects: Anti-oxidative coatings for neural recording devices
Biography: Paul’s research focus aims to improve duration and functionality of neural interfaces. His current project focuses on the use of anti-oxidative, biomimetic coatings on intracortical microelectrodes. The coatings are designed to mitigate the oxidative damage caused by the inflammatory response to both the implant and the surrounding tissue. Paul’s personal interests include lifting, hiking, rock climbing, and video games.
Email: pxg254@case.edu
George Hoeferlin
Doctoral Student in Biomedical Engineering
Education: B.S., M.S. Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University
Joined: July 2018
Projects: George’s research focus is on immunomodulatory approaches to mitigating neuroinflammation, such as targeting specific immune signaling pathways and immune cell differentiation. Currently, he is targeting infiltrating macrophages in the brain at the site of implantation to direct differentiation to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. With the use of immunomodulation such as this, the end goal is to see improved neuronal health and thus improved recordings over a chronic time point.
Biography: His personal interests include playing and watching sports, reading, and cooking.
Email: gfh16@case.edu
Youjoung Kim
Doctoral Student in Biomedical Engineering
Education:
M.S. Engineering Management, Case Western Reserve University
B.S.E. Biomedical Engineering Case Western Reserve University
Joined: August 2017
Projects:
- Resveratrol Prevents Microelectrode Mediated Neurodegeneration
- Hybrid Drug-Eluting Microfluidic Neural Probe for Chronic Drug Infusion
Biography: Youjoung's research aims to improve intracortical microelectrode stability and performance by delivering antioxidant drugs, such as Resveratrol, to mitigate oxidative stress. Applications of this research may lead to improved brain computer interface systems, neural prosthesis, and improved understanding of the brain, among others. Personal interests include walking her dog, napping, and baking bread.
Email: yjk14@case.edu
Sydney Song
Doctoral Student in Biomedical Engineering
Education: BS Physics, Boston College
Joined: July 2016
Projects: Understanding biological response to intracortically implanted microelectrodes
Biography: Sydney joined the lab in 2016. She is interested in the role of microglia in the neuroinflammatory process that ultimately leads to device failure. She hopes to pursue a career that combines basic scientific research with clinical practice. In her spare time, she enjoys easy walks in nature, long drives to nowhere, reading, and drawing/painting.
Email: sss176@case.edu
Undergraduate Researchers
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Parth Patel
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, May 2019 – Present -
Varoon Aluri
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2019 – Present -
Tejas Bajwa
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2019 – Present -
Luna Al Lababidi
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2019 – Present -
Shyam Policonda
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2018 – Present -
Lindsey Druschel
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2018 – Present -
Hanwen (Hannah) Zhang
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, October 2018 – Present -
William Schwartzman
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2018 – Present -
Puja Desai
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2017 – Present -
Carmen Toth
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2017 – Present
Alumni
Postdoctoral Fellows
Andrew Shoffstall, PhD
Postdoc: 2015-2019
Email: ajs215@case.edu
Current Positions:
- Assistant Prof of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
- Research Investigator, Advanced Platform Technology (APT) Center, L. Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Evon Ereifej, PhD
Postdoc: 2014-2018
Email: eereifej@umich.edu
Current Positions:
- Research Investigator, Advanced Platform Technology (APT) Center, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
- Research Investigator, Neurology / Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan
Graduate Students
- Dr. Kelsey Potter (Potter-Baker), PhD
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2009 – 2014. (Assistant Professor at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) - Madhu Ravikumar, PhD
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2010 – 2014. (Bristol-Myers Squibb) - Griffin Rial, MS.
Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2015 – December 2017 - Dr. Hillary Bedell, Ph.D.
Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2014 – March 2019 (GenomOncology) - Dr. Jennifer Keen, MS-MD,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, July 2014 – August 2015 (Medical School). - Dr. John Hermann, Ph.D.
Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2012 – June 2018. (Post-Doc; Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research) - Dr. Jessica Nguyen, Ph.D.
Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2010 – 2015. (Food and Drug Administration) - Bo Gui, M.S.,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, July 2009 – September 2011. (Sr. Systems Integration Analyst at Accenture)
Undergraduate Researchers
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Sarah Miller
Undergraduate Student, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, March 2019 – May 2019 -
Marina Yu
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2017 – May 2019 -
Noel Jeansonne
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2017 – May 2018 -
Shreya Ravindran
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2017 – June 2018 -
Sydney Linder
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, May 2017 – December 2018 -
Jacob Rayyan
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, October 2016 – June 2018 -
He (Heather) Feng
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2016 – June 2018 -
Dhariyat Menendez
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2016 – June 2017 -
Patrick Smith
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, May 2016 – August 2016 -
Jeffrey Finster
Volunteer, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, May 2016 – 2017 -
Justin McMahon
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, May 2016 – May 2018 -
Zishen (Owen) Zhuang
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, May 2016 – 2017 -
Elizabeth Mancuso
Undergraduate Student, Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, May 2016 – August 2016, May 2017 – August 2017 -
Nishant Uppal
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2016 – May 2016 -
Keith Dona
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2016 – May 2018 -
David Miller
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2015 – May 2017 -
Emily Molinich
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2015 – May 2018 -
Mitchell Willis
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2015 – May 2018 -
Jennifer Paiz
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2015 – May 2019 -
Andres Robert
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2015 – 2017 -
Xujia (Jessica) Li
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2015 – May 2018 -
Keying (Cohli) Chen
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2015 – May 2018 -
Jeremy Chang
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2015 – 2017 -
Sergej Stjepic
Undergraduate Student, Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Saint Joseph’s College, May 2015 – August 2015 -
Ashely Rein
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, November 2014 – May 2017 -
Seth Meade
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, November 2014 – May 2018 -
Cara Smith
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, November 2014 – May 2017 -
Sanam Patel
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2014 – August 2015 -
Shushen Lin
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2014 – May 2017 -
Grace Gaskin
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2014 – May 2015 -
Tyler Ward
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2014 – February 2015 -
Colin Uthe
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biology, Ripon College, Ripon, WI; June – July 2014 -
Alexis Hobot
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, April 2014 – June 2014. -
Frankie Wong
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2014 – June 2017 -
Arielle Soffer
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2014 – December 2015 -
Alan Burke
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2013 – May 2014 -
Will Meador
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2013 – December 2015 -
Priya Srivastava
Undergraduate Student, Case Western Reserve University, June 2013 – November 2015 -
Martin Gitomer
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2013 – May 2015 -
Tyler Freeto
BS-MS Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, April 2013 – May 2015 -
Tyler Srail
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2013 – May 2015 -
Daniel Joo You Park
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2013 – May 2015 -
Wade Stewart
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, June 2013 – May 2015 -
Jake Anna
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, December 2012 – May 2013. -
William Tomaszewski
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, October 2012 – May 2015. -
James Black
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2012 – May 2013. -
Gabriela Chandra
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2012 – December 2012. -
Kelly Buchanan
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, September 2012 – May 2015. -
Shruti Sudhakar
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2012 – December 2013. -
Asheq Ahmed
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, February 2012 – June 2012. -
Smrithi Sunil
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, February 2012 – September 2014. -
Kyle Householder
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, February 2012 – June 2013. -
Amy Buck
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2011 – May 2013. -
Daniel Hageman
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, August 2011 – May 2013. -
Wade Self
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, January 2011 – January 2012. -
Bharath Velagapudi
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, March 2010 – June 2012. -
Dr. Robert Jiang
Undergraduate Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, October 2009 – December 2010. -
Chiderah Okoye
Undergraduate Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, May 2009 – December 2009.