Current Group

Click on each profile to learn more about our research!

Director of Lab Operations

Margaret Sapp, M.Ed.

MJSapp@uga.edu

M.Ed. Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education, University of Virginia

Margaret Sapp, M.Ed.

MJSapp@uga.edu

Margaret earned her M.Ed. in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education at the University of Virginia. Prior to that, she earned a B.A. in History from Sweet Briar College. She has worked for Emory University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and most recently the UGA College of Engineering where she served as Director of Graduate Affairs. Margaret joined our group as Director of Lab Operations in November 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with her family.

Post-Doctoral Fellows

Sumit Kumar, Ph.D.

Sumit.Kumar@uga.edu

Ph.D. Organic Chemistry, University of Delhi, India

Sumit Kumar, Ph.D.

Sumit.Kumar@uga.edu

Sumit completed his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Delhi, India in 2023. His doctoral research concentrated on the design and synthesis of chemical scaffolds tailored to combat infectious diseases. Throughout his academic journey, Sumit acquired extensive expertise in organic synthesis, compound purification, characterization techniques, and the utilization of computational methods to predict ligand-protein interactions. As a member of the Brisbois Lab, Sumit is dedicated to advancing research in polymer surface modification aimed at enhancing nitric oxide (NO) release to combat bacterial infections more effectively. In his spare time, Sumit enjoys cooking, watching cricket matches, and cherishing moments with family and friends.

Graduate Students

Grace Nguyen

Grace.Nguyen@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, Louisiana State University

Grace Nguyen

Grace.Nguyen@uga.edu

Grace earned her B.S. in Biological Engineering from Louisiana State University in 2021. During her undergraduate career, she conducted research on the artificial insemination of live-bearing fish. Outside of academics, Grace was an active member of the Society of Peer Mentors at LSU and the president of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at LSU. Grace's research in Dr. Brisbois's lab will focus on the development of nitric oxide releasing surfaces in combination with surface modifications for antibacterial and hemocompatible biomaterials. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games, cooking, and exploring new restaurants.

Aasma Sapkota

Aasma.Sapkota@uga.edu

B.S. Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas - Arlington

Aasma Sapkota

Aasma.Sapkota@uga.edu

Aasma earned her bachelor's of science in biomedical engineering from University of Texas at Arlington in 2021. During her undergraduate career, Aasma's research focused on hip implant designs, test strips for detection of bacteria through saliva samples and polymer extrusion. Here at Brisbois lab, Aasma works on developing antibacterial and antithrombotic surfaces for medical devices such as catheter to tackle complications associated with infections. When she is not busy researching, Aasma likes baking, hiking, and playing tennis.

Tia Shorter

Tia.Shorter@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Tia Shorter

Tia.Shorter@uga.edu

Tia earned her B.S. in biological engineering from the University of Georgia in 2021. During her undergraduate career, she developed an interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and research in biomaterial applications. While in her final year, she began to work in Dr. Handa’s lab where she assisted in research on developing hemocompatible and antimicrobial nitric oxide releasing biomaterials. Tia joined the Handa Biomaterials Research Lab to focus on the biocompatible and antimicrobial properties of gasotransmitter platforms, such as nitric oxide releasing materials, for biomedical device applications. Outside of research, Tia enjoys building puzzles/legos, playing basketball/video games, and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Adam Goodman

Adam.Goodman@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Adam Goodman

Adam.Goodman@uga.edu

Adam earned his B.S. in Biological Engineering from the University of Georgia in May 2022. He conducted research in the FACS department with Dr. Vladimir Reukov and worked to inhibit the proliferation of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that is prevalent in the oral cavity, using cerium oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles inhibit the bacteria and reduce oral cavities and dental plaque and could potentially be incorporated as coatings on dental floss. Adam is interested in developing novel nitric oxide releasing coatings and materials to prevent catheter related infections and thrombosis. He is intrigued by the antithrombotic and antiplatelet properties of plant-derived compounds and is continuing to research their application with biomaterials and medical devices. In his spare time, Adam likes rock climbing, trying new restaurants and going to see live music around Athens.

Annalise Tucker

Annalise.Tucker@uga.edu

B.S. Biochemical Engineering, B.S. Mathematics, University of Georgia

Annalise Tucker

Annalise.Tucker@uga.edu

Annalise earned her B.S. in Biochemical Engineering and her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Georgia in 2022 and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. As an undergraduate at UGA, she held executive positions in the UGA chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the on-campus club, Tap Dawgs. With little research experience, she hopes to work with polymer matrix and nanoparticle nitric oxide loading. She hopes to reference her background in logistics and mathematical modeling of biological systems and apply it to nitric oxide release. Outside of research and coursework, her favorite thing to do is tap dance, which she has done competitively for 18 years!

Natalie Crutchfield

Natalie.Crutchfield@uga.edu

B.S. Materials Science Engineering, University of Central Florida

Natalie Crutchfield

Natalie.Crutchfield@uga.edu

Natalie earned her B.S. in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Central Florida in 2022. While she was an undergraduate, Natalie focused on researching the development of materials such as scaffolds for tumor microenvironment and regenerative medicine applications and antimicrobial hydrogels for wound healing. The current research Natalie is conducting is the improvement of new biomaterials and therapeutic devices that promote biocompatibility and resist infection. Beyond academics, Natalie enjoys hiking and crocheting in her free time.

Isabel Martinez

Isabel.Martinez@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Isabel Martinez

Isabel.Martinez@uga.edu

Isabel earned her B.S. in biological engineering from the University of Georgia in 2022. During her undergraduate career, she worked in a COVID-19 lab where she became interested in research for medical applications. Isabel is now focused on the development and fabrication of NO-releasing biomaterials to improve hemocompatibility and antimicrobial properties. Outside of research, Isabel enjoys playing tennis, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family.

Anastasia Marx

Anastasia.Marx@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Anastasia Marx

Anastasia.Marx@uga.edu

Anastasia earned her B.S. in Biological Engineering from the University of Georgia in 2023. She conducted undergraduate bacteriophage research under Dr. Kanak at the University of North Georgia, focusing on analyzing the sensitivity of a proposed optical density (OD)-based assay in detecting phages at low concentrations, thereby contributing to the advancement of phage biology research. In Dr. Handa's lab at UGA, she contributed to translational research aimed at developing NO-releasing antimicrobial and hemocompatible surfaces for biomedical devices and evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of optimized polymers against bacterial strains. Beyond her academic and research pursuits, she aspires to become a Medical Device Patent Lawyer while nurturing a passion for ballroom dancing.

Joseph Campbell

JHCampbell@uga.edu

B.S. Bioengineering, Clemson University

Joseph Campbell

JHCampbell@uga.edu

Joseph earned his B.S. in Bioengineering from Clemson University in 2024, with a minor in History. During his undergraduate career, he worked under Dr. Jeremy Mercuri to develop and characterize an organoid model of the intervertebral disc and spent time as a clinical research specialist for Kerecis, an Icelandic biotech company utilizing fish skin in wound healing. He was also a member of Theta Tau professional engineering fraternity and worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant for Clemson's General Engineering department. His research at the University of Georgia will focus on nitric oxide applications in the wound healing process. Outside of the lab, Joseph is an avid cruciverbalist, NASCAR and Formula 1 enthusiast, and acceptable pickleball player.

Sushmita Bista

B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Purbanchal University, Nepal

Sushmita Bista

Sushmita earned her Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering from Purbanchal University, Nepal in 2023. Her undergraduate research focused on nanoparticles for biomedical applications. During her PhD, she will develop novel biocompatible coatings for medical devices. She is also interested in exploring therapeutic biomaterials for regenerative applications. Outside of the lab, Sushmita enjoys hiking and spending time in nature.

Shermane Sylvester

Shermane.Sylvester@uga.edu

M.E. Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Shermane Sylvester

Shermane.Sylvester@uga.edu

Shermane earned her bachelor of engineering and master of engineering in biomedical engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2018 and 2021 respectively. Shermane worked on drug delivery systems during her time at NUS. At Brisbois Lab, Shermane will be exploring novel biomaterials for antibacterial coatings on biomedical devices. Shermane likes to read mystery novels and watch investigate dramas in her free time.

Pravalika Irukulla

Pravalika.Irukulla@uga.edu

M.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Pravalika Irukulla

Pravalika.Irukulla@uga.edu

Pravalika earned her M.S. in Biological Engineering from the University of Georgia in 2023. During her Masters, she worked in a tissue engineering lab where she studied the impact of obesity on breast cancer metastasis. Pravalika was an actively involved in several engineering clubs on campus and held leadership roles in UGA’s Biomedical Engineering Society and Tau Beta Pi chapter. As she pursues her Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering in Dr. Brisbois’s Biomaterials Lab, she hopes to develop nitric oxide releasing materials to improve antibacterial and hemocompatibility of medical devices. In her free time, Pravalika enjoys outdoor activities like hiking or camping, as well as playing tennis, and reading.

Keya Pacholee

KeyaPacholee@uga.edu

B.Tech. Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, India

Keya Pacholee

KeyaPacholee@uga.edu

Keya earned her B.Tech. in Biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology, India, in 2025. As part of her undergraduate research, Keya focused on developing bioselective, carboxymethyl-chitosan scaffolds for tissue engineering at Dr. Debasish Mishra’s lab. She has also worked on computational aided drug design and molecular docking for identifying drug-target interactions. She was also a part of the Society for Biological Engineering, the Biotech Research Society of India and has also served as an executive committee member for Toastmaster at Vellore Institute of Technology. Now at Brisbois lab, Keya aims to develop antifouling, stimulus-responsive organogels with a nitric oxide releasing property to improve biomedical devices. Her interest lies in natural materials, polymer characterization and scaffold fabrication. Apart from research, she is fond of long walks in nature, cooking, reading and volunteering.

Current Group

Click on each profile to learn more about our research!

Director of Lab Operations

Post-Doctoral Fellows

Graduate Students

Non-Thesis Graduate Students, Undergraduate Researchers, & Visiting Scholars