Capadona Lab People

Meet the people of the Capadona Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. 

Principal Investigator

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:

1. Resveratrol Prevents Microelectrode Mediated Neurodegeneration
2. 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

• 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

• 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.

Alumni Lab Photos