Current Group

Click on each profile to learn more about our research!

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.