Current Group

Click on each profile to learn more about our research!

Post-Doctoral Fellows

Joseph Christakiran Moses, Ph.D.

Joseph.Moses@uga.edu

Ph.D. Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati

Joseph Christakiran Moses, Ph.D.

Joseph.Moses@uga.edu

Joseph Christakiran Moses received his Ph.D. in Biosciences and Bioengineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati in September, 2022. His thesis work dealt with developing silk-bioceramic based multifunctional composites to serve as resorbable, biomimetic bone and osteochondral grafts. He employed conventional and additive manufacturing approaches to develop composites (nano through macro scale levels) which were investigated in 3D in vitro models utilising adult human stem cells and primary cells. Before joining Brisbois lab, he worked with Pandorum Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Bangalore, India), in developing light-responsive hydrogels and resins for DLP-based 3D Bioprinting towards corneal and liver regeneration. His research interests lie in developing ‘cell instructive’ biomimetic, functional composites for healthcare applications as well as creating 3D in vitro models for drug screening or disease modelling. Apart from research, Joseph is an amateur marathon runner, and has participated in 5 full marathons since 2019 and strives to earn a Boston Qualifier (BQ), and to run all the six marathon majors!

Graduate Students

Elaine Wu

Yi.Wu27@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Elaine Wu

Yi.Wu27@uga.edu

Elaine received her B.S. in biological engineering from the University of Georgia in 2020. During her undergraduate career, she worked under Dr. Craig R. Forest on manual in vivo patch-clamping and developing sterilization methods for patching chips. In her final year, she began to work in Dr. Handa's lab on nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles. Elaine is currently pursuing work on the hemocompatibility of NO-releasing materials and blood-contacting device coatings. Elaine likes playing badminton, gym, and video games in her spare time.

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.

Sierra Milligan

SierrasMilligan@uga.edu

M.S. Biochemical Engineering, University of Georgia

Sierra Milligan

SierrasMilligan@uga.edu

Sierra earned her B.S. in Biochemical Engineering and Crop Science from the University of Georgia in 2019. During her undergraduate studies, she worked on research in the areas of plant breeding, genetics, and genomics and metabolic engineering. Sierra then went on to obtain her M.S. in Biochemical Engineering from UGA in 2021 where she focused on the metabolic engineering of E. coli to produce high value compounds. Outside of class, Sierra was an active member of Theta Tau, Sigma Alpha, ASABE, and served as a TA/ Co-Instructor for multiple engineering courses. She is now pursing her PhD in Biomedical Engineering where her research will focus on the fabrication of novel biomaterials for medical applications.

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 M.S. in Biological 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.

Shruti Kumthekar

Shruti.Kumthekar@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Shruti Kumthekar

Shruti.Kumthekar@uga.edu

Shruti received her Bachelor’s in Biological Engineering from the University of Georgia in 2023. In her undergraduate research, she worked on cell cultures and most recently, incorporating nanoparticles onto polymers. She was an officer and active member of the Phi Kappa Literary Society and participated in their competitive debate team. She was also a peer tutor and part-time employee in the UGA Writing Center. Her current research interests are doing comparative analyses of biocompatible materials and how their formulation impacts nitric oxide release from incorporated NO-releasing chemicals. In her spare time, she likes to read, go for walks, and paint.

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.

Myddie Parker

Myddelton.Parker@uga.edu

B.S. Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Myddie Parker

Myddelton.Parker@uga.edu

Myddelton (Myddie) Parker earned her B.S. in Biological Engineering from the University of Georgia in 2023. During her undergraduate career, she conducted research pertaining to the use of perinatal tissues in allografts, as well as aided in research pertaining to nitric oxide releasing materials. Outside of academics, Myddie was an active member in the College of Engineering Student Ambassadors and CRU Student Ministry. Her current research will focus on the development of antimicrobial and biocompatible materials to reduce infection rates in biomedical devices. Other than her research, Myddie enjoys trying different coffee shops, exploring farmers markets, and experimenting with bread baking.

Mofolu Popoola

Mofoluwasade.Popoola@uga.edu

B.S. Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Mofolu Popoola

Mofoluwasade.Popoola@uga.edu

Mofolu earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2022. Some of her undergraduate research projects focused on optimizing orodispersible drug-loaded films, fabricating a strain sensor to monitor artery hardening, and developing a protective housing for hospital monitors. She was also involved in Women in MSE and participated in various community service projects during her time at Tech. While in the lab, Mofolu hopes to develop novel nitric oxide releasing materials to reduce medical complications in patients. Outside of lab, she enjoys discovering new places & music, cooking, crafting, and spending time with family & friends.