Principal Investigator

Warren Grayson, PhD

Dr. Warren Grayson is a Professor and the Vice-Chair for Faculty Affairs in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining the faculty at Johns Hopkins, he did his post-doctoral training at Columbia University and PhD at Florida State University in Biomedical Engineering. He obtained his B.Sc. in Chemical & Process Engineering at The University of the West Indies, Trinidad.

His research interests focus on the stem cell- and biomaterial-based regeneration of craniofacial bone and skeletal muscle. He is a pioneer in the field of 3D-printing porous, biodegradable scaffolds, and bioreactor design for personalized, craniofacial bone regeneration. His work on engineering anatomically shaped bone grafts received coverage in the New York Times, BBC, and Science Translational Medicine among others, and has spawned a start-up company. His lab has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and he has given over 100 talks nationally and internationally.

He has been recognized by the Maryland Academy of Sciences with the Allan C. Davis Medal for the Outstanding Young Engineer. He has also received the Career Development Award from the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Career Enhancement Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, the Young Investigator Award from the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, and the prestigious Early Faculty CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation. He was elected as a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biomedical Engineering and recognized by the National Academy of Medicine as an Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine. In 2021 he was named a Daniel Nathans Scientific Innovator by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

  • PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Florida State University (2005)
  • BS, Chemical & Process Engineering, University of the West Indies (1998)
  • Email: wgrayson@jhmi.edu

Lab Manager

Ernesto Lippert Lozano

I joined the lab in the Fall of 2019 as an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University studying biomedical engineering with a focus in translational cell and tissue engineering. My undergraduate work was focused on developing polymeric microtanks for oxygen delivery in tissue engineered bone scaffolds. After earning my Bachelor's degree and transitioning to graduate studies, I began working on an independent research project focused on developing novel preservation strategies for the improved survival of vascularized composite allografts (VCA). I earned my Master's degree in the Spring of 2023, after which I took on the role of Lab Manager. In addition to managing day-to-day lab functions, I also assist with ongoing projects and publications.

Outside of the lab, I am a musician, outdoor enthusiast, and home cook. When I'm not in the lab or working on personal projects, I'm usually out with friends or relaxing at home with my cat.

  • MSE, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2023)
  • BS, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2022)
  • Email: elipper1@jhu.edu

Postdoctoral Fellow

Naboneeta Sarkar, PhD

I joined Grayson Lab at Johns Hopkins BME in January 2021 as a postdoctoral research fellow. Prior to that, I have received my Ph.D. from Washington State University with a primary research interest in drug delivery from 3D printed bone grafts for enhanced osteogenesis and osteosarcoma prevention. Utilizing my expertise in drug delivery and 3D printing, here at Johns Hopkins I am trying to develop a patient-specific 3D printed bone tissue engineering scaffolds that can generate oxygen upon implantation to facilitate blood vessel formation and early bone regeneration in complex craniofacial defects. I am originally from India, where I completed my undergraduate studies in Pharmacy. After receiving my B.Pharm from India, I moved to South Korea to pursue my M.S. degree. Apart from research work, I love traveling, hiking and everything outdoors. When at home, I love binging on true crime documentaries and trying new Indian as well as Korean food recipes.

  • PhD, Materials Sceince and Engineering, Washington State University (2019)
  • MS, Materials Science and Engineering, Hanseo University, South Korea (2015)
  • B. Pharm, West Bengal University of Technology, India (2013)
  • Email: nsarkar2@jhmi.edu

PhD Student

Sara Salehi

I'm a Ph.D. candidate working on the development of a machine perfusion system for preserving vascularized composite allografts (VCA). In collaboration with plastic and reconstructive surgeons, I have developed a novel rodent animal model to study oxygen delivery and ischemic injury during VCA preservation. Prior to joining the BME doctoral program at Johns Hopkins University in 2017, I worked in Grayson's lab as a research technician.

Outside of the lab, I'm a mother and my two-year old daughter takes up any and all of my time not spent in the lab.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2022)
  • MS, Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University (2015)
  • Email: ssalehi4@jhu.edu

PhD Student

Eszter Mihaly

I graduated from UC Berkeley with my bachelors in Bioengineering, and started my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins soon after in 2019. The focus of my project is promoting neuromuscular regeneration after large-scale muscle injury using tissue engineered scaffolds. I'm interested in how exercise and pro-neuroregenerative factors can be harnessed to promote healing in injuries that cause prolonged deficits in the lives of patients.

In my free time, you can usually find me rock climbing, running, and whenever possible, social dancing (swing and salsa are my favorite). When I'm at home, I love to cook and share new dishes with my friends, and care for my growing collection of succulents and potted plants.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2024)
  • BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2017)
  • Email: emihaly1@jhmi.edu

PhD Student

Dallas Altamirano

I received my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona in 2019. Then during the summer, I joined the Grayson Lab at Johns Hopkins and started my PhD. My interests are in the wound healing and regenerative niche of skeletal muscle. Specifically, my research focuses on the role of non-myogenic cells in myogenesis.

My non-scientific interests are in combat sports (I wrestled and have recently dabbled in jiu jitsu and kickboxing), cooking, and competition tv shows. Most of my time outside of lab is occupied by my two mini australian shepherds Bella and Bonnie.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2024)
  • BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona (2019)
  • Email: altamirano@jhu.edu

PhD Student

Allison Horenberg

After graduating from the University of Virginia in 2020 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics, I started my PhD in BME in Fall of 2020. My research interests involve understanding how the in vivo microenvironment affects bone regeneration and how endogenous cell types interact with implanted stem cells to encourage or inhibit bone formation. Outside of lab, I love working out (occasionally enjoying running), watching sports, cooking, and trying new restaurants. Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, I am a huge Baltimore Ravens and UVA basketball fan and can usually be found watching Sportscenter on the weekends.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2025)
  • BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (2020)
  • Email: ahorenb1@jhmi.edu

PhD Student

Yunke (Claudia) Ren

I started my PhD in Biomedical Engineering in Fall 2020. Earlier that year, I received my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester. My research is at the intersection of biomedical imaging and tissue engineering, where I utilize a multimodal imaging platform to investigate the coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and to evaluate the effect of oxygen-releasing tanks on cranial facial bone healing.

Outside of lab, I love cooking, playing chess, swimming, and music. I play electronic piano and pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument. I established a band named 'Cosmopolitan' during my undergrad, in which my friends and I recompose and perform pop songs in a traditional eastern style. I look forward to an amazing adventure here at Hopkins.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2025)
  • BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester (2020)
  • Email: yren26@jhmi.edu

PhD Student

Shaquielle Dias

In 2019, I earned my medical degree at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Following three years of medical practice and research, I will start my PhD in Biomedical Engineering in Summer 2022. My research interests encompass the interactions between regenerated skeletal muscle and host nervous system.

Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and lounging on a beach. I am always up for an adventure and enjoy road trips.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2027)
  • MBBS, University of the West Indies, Jamaica (2019)

PhD Student

Tram Nguyen

I started my PhD in Materials Science Engineering in June 2023, coavised by Dr Tim Weihs and Dr Warren Grayson. I received a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a BA in Economics from the University of Rochester in May 2022, and a MSE in Materials Science Engineering in May 2023. My research focuses on translation of technology from lab to industry, specifically on scale-up and GMP-like manufacturing as well as development of materials for our biodegradable scaffolds for enhanced cranial facial bone healing.

Outside the lab, I love cooking, baking and playing Ultimate Frisbee.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2027)
  • MSE, Materials Science Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2023)
  • BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester (2022)
  • BA, Economics, University of Rochester (2022)

PhD Student

Carlos Villapudua

In 2019, I earned my B.S degree in Chemistry with a Minor in Biology at the University of La Verne. After, I spent 3 years as a post-bacc in the Matrix and Morphogenesis Lab at the Dental and Craniofacial Research Institute at the NIH before coming to the BME program at Johns Hopkins. My research interest lie at the intersection of coupling computational techniques (Single Cell Transcriptomics and other -OMICS technology) with experimental techinques to accelerate development of models for accelerated research.

Beyond research I like to relax by being pretty active and being outside. I like to do hiking, tennis, soccer, and especially weight lifting.

  • PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (~2027)
  • BS, Chemistry with a Minor in Biology at the University of La Verne (2019)

Masters Student

Jingtong (Erica) Zhao

I received my B.S. from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and joined the Grayson Lab in Fall 2022 as a masters student. During my free time I love cooking and recently started baking. I also like to do creative nail art.

  • MSE Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2024)
  • BS, Cellular Molecular Biomedical Science, University of Michigan (2022)
  • Email: jzhao87@jhu.edu
  • Undergraduate Student

    Tanishk Sinha

    I am a Biomedical Engineering major in the Class of 2024. I joined the Grayson Lab in Fall of 2020 and am currently working in the Bone group. Outside of school, I love watching sports, playing guitar, and trying new restaurants. I am excited for the rest of my journey here at Hopkins!

    • BS Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2024)
    • Email: tsinha5@jhu.edu

    Undergraduate Student

    Eileen Su

    I am a Biomedical Engineering student in the Class of 2026 from Ann Arbor, MI, interested in Translational Cell and Tissue Engineering regarding regenerative medicine for volumetric muscle loss.

    Outside of school and lab, I love exploring new restaurants and trails, cooking, and simply relaxing at home with my cat.

    • BS Student, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2026)
    • Email: esu6@jhu.edu

    Lab Alumni

    Postdocs
    PhD Students
    Masters Students
    Undergraduates
  • Emma Whitehead, Nehali Gupta, Renee Liu, Hannah Takasura, Nicholas Zhang, Kendall Free, Maya Lapinski, Xavier Griffith, Mario Antoun, Sarah Burris, Aine O’Sullivan, Maxwell Yu, Chuckwuebuka Achebe, Chanon (Tam) Thanitcul , Raihan Kabir, Clara Molineros, Larissa Chan, Miguel Dias, Caitlyn Romanczyk, Bilal Naved , Renu Kondragunta, Arda Ozilgen, Josh Temple, Eric Xie