{"id":136,"date":"2017-03-01T21:04:52","date_gmt":"2017-03-01T21:04:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bme.ufl.edu\/labs\/sharma\/people-2\/"},"modified":"2026-02-11T20:01:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T00:01:08","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-x-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Dr. Blanka Sharma<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/Sharma_headshot-scaled-1-1024x678.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/Sharma_headshot-scaled-1-1024x678.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/Sharma_headshot-scaled-1-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/Sharma_headshot-scaled-1-768x509.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/Sharma_headshot-scaled-1-1536x1018.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/Sharma_headshot-scaled-1-2048x1357.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Dr. Sharma\u2019s research program investigates fundamental material-cell interactions at multiple length scales to guide the development of targeted drug and cell delivery systems for applications in both regenerative medicine and cancer. At this intersection lies the dysfunctional inflammatory mechanisms that propagate tumor development as well as degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. Dr Sharma\u2019s research seeks to understand the role of specific immune cells and inflammatory mechanisms in tissue pathology and develop therapeutic approaches to direct inflammatory mechanisms in a site-specific manner. For a given application, her group engineers biomaterials to enable therapeutic cells or molecules to overcome specific physiological barriers so they can successfully reach their tissue target.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Associate Professor &amp; J. Crayton Pruitt Family Term Fellow at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida<br><br>Postdoctoral Fellowship, Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic<br><br>Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2005&nbsp;<br><br>B.A. Sc, Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 1999<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Honors and Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-small-font-size\">\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">UF Pramod P. Khargonekar Junior Faculty Award of Excellence, 2019-2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">J. Crayton Pruitt Family Term Fellow, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 2020 \u2013 2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2019 UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Junior Faculty Award, 2017<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Teaching Excellence Award, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 2016<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Outstanding Faculty for Service to Graduate Students, Graduate Student Council, University of Florida, 2016<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Featured in \u201c20 under 40\u201d Outstanding Young Faculty by the American Society for Engineering Education (featured on cover of ASEE\u2019s Sept issue of PRISM magazine), 2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Invited Participant, National Academies Kecks Future Initiatives (NAKFI) on Collective Behavior, 2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Invited Mentee, U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative Young Investigator Program, 2014<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Featured in \u201cJohns Hopkins Top 10 Highlights for 2013\u201d for \u201cNew Biomaterial Advances Cartilage Repair\u201d, 2013<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-light-gray-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-x-large-font-size\">Current Lab Members <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-2-background-color has-background is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a807d07d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:30px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size wp-elements-1252f959ad509962c48bebf89a109520\">Welcoming students with diverse backgrounds, the Sharma Lab creates an environment for all to follow their interests when working on projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-b0b89ccb\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-765c4724 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-animated-underline\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/rescources\/\">Interested in joining the Sharma Lab? &nbsp;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-e1bb55cb\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"323\" height=\"323\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/headshot1_folly-e1665018266980.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2159\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/headshot1_folly-e1665018266980.jpeg 323w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/headshot1_folly-e1665018266980-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2022\/10\/headshot1_folly-e1665018266980-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 323px) 100vw, 323px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Folly Patterson, Ph.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Postdoctoral Fellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Dr. Patterson focuses on immunomodulatory therapeutics for knee OA. Pro-inflammatory macrophages in the joint perpetuate a cycle of cartilage degradation and further inflammation. Polarizing macrophages in the joint to an anti-inflammatory state can mitigate OA progression. Dr. Patterson focuses on testing these therapeutics, including CD200 microparticles, in cell culture and animal models. Additionally, she is working on isolating and characterizing synovial cells from tissues donated by OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Using these primary cells will improve translatability of potential OA therapeutics to future clinical use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1975\" height=\"1975\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4789\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471.jpg 1975w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/02\/Headshot@Rajab-scaled-e1738776405471-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1975px) 100vw, 1975px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">SK Rajab Ali, Ph.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Postdoctoral Scholar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Dr. SK Rajab Ali joined the Sharma Lab in September 2024 as a post-doctoral researcher focusing on the synthesis and engineering of metal oxide nanomaterials. His objectives are to apply these materials for the development of ROS-scavenging nanomedicines aimed at osteoarthritis therapy. He previously earned his Bachelor of Science from Midnapore College in West Bengal, India, and completed his M.S. and Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Outside of lab, he enjoys playing cricket, traveling, and cooking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1539\" height=\"1539\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3777\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771.jpeg 1539w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/12\/touraj-headshot-e1701887645771-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1539px) 100vw, 1539px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Touraj Amrabadi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">3<sup>rd<\/sup> Year Ph.D. Candidate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Touraj is originally from Iran and received his bachelor&#8217;s degree in Chemical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic). His interest in working at the intersection of chemistry and biology led him to pursue a master&#8217;s degree in Chemical Engineering focusing on biotechnology at the same university. Touraj joined the Sharma lab in Fall 2023 and is now a second-year PhD student in Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle systems, characterizing them, and studying their in vitro and in vivo applications for osteoarthritis therapy. Outside of the lab, he enjoys reading books, listening to podcasts, walking in nature, and hanging out with friends!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1670\" height=\"1670\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3555\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798.jpg 1670w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Rylee_Headshot-scaled-e1693941845798-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1670px) 100vw, 1670px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Rylee Newport<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">3<sup>rd<\/sup> Year Ph.D. Student, NSF Graduate Research Fellow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Coming from Yukon, Ok, Rylee received her BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. She joined the Sharma Lab in Fall 2023 and her research focuses on encapsulating natural killer cells within various biomaterials to investigate different aspects of the solid tumor microenvironment. Outside of lab, Rylee enjoys going to yoga, trips to Sonic with friends, and watching movies!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/1000004438-e1734813799209.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"706\" height=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/1000004438-e1734813799209.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4595\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/1000004438-e1734813799209.jpg 706w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/1000004438-e1734813799209-280x300.jpg 280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 100vw, 706px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Molly Dobrow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">2<sup>nd<\/sup> Year Ph.D. Student<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">After receiving her BS in Biology from the University of North Florida, Molly worked as a Medical Technologist in Infectious Disease Diagnostic testing at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. She completed her MS in Materials Science and Engineering from the University\u00a0of North Florida in the Spring of 2024. Her areas of research include strategies to target systemically-delivered nanoparticles to osteoarthritic joints and immune cell-material interactions. Outside of the lab, Molly enjoys going on walks with her husband and their dog, quilting, and traveling to different states.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2290\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4593\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-scaled.jpg 2290w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-268x300.jpg 268w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-916x1024.jpg 916w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-768x858.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-1374x1536.jpg 1374w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_40251-1832x2048.jpg 1832w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2290px) 100vw, 2290px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Zachary Bosworth<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">2<sup>nd<\/sup> Year Master&#8217;s Student<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Zach was born and raised in Portland, OR, and received his BS in Bioengineering from Oregon State University. He started in the Sharma lab in Fall 2024 and his research focuses on targeted drug delivery strategies to treat osteoarthritis-related pain and neuroinflammation. Zach also enjoys reading, skiing, cooking, and trying out the coffee around Gainesville!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_0788-e1734814829405.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2024\/12\/IMG_0788.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4599\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Gabriella Flinn<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">2<sup>nd<\/sup> Year Master&#8217;s Student<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family\">Gabby grew up in Florida and has always been a Gators fan, she received her BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2024. She began research in the Sharma lab as an undergraduate student, with an interest in using biomaterials to study the effects of the solid tumor extracellular matrix on cancer behavior. Gabby enjoys spending time with family and friends, building Legos, and caring for her plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-style-rounded is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/ADB78144-9E08-4A50-B3F3-1FAFDF7EA971-819x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5107\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:4550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/ADB78144-9E08-4A50-B3F3-1FAFDF7EA971-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/ADB78144-9E08-4A50-B3F3-1FAFDF7EA971-240x300.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/ADB78144-9E08-4A50-B3F3-1FAFDF7EA971-768x960.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/ADB78144-9E08-4A50-B3F3-1FAFDF7EA971-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/ADB78144-9E08-4A50-B3F3-1FAFDF7EA971-1638x2048.jpeg 1638w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/ADB78144-9E08-4A50-B3F3-1FAFDF7EA971-scaled.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><br>Ava Frank<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">1<sup>st<\/sup> Year Master&#8217;s Student<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Ava is originally from Sarasota, FL, and earned her BS in Biological Engineering from the University of Georgia in 2025. She joined the Sharma lab in Spring 2026, and her research focuses on utilizing natural killer cells and 3D culture models to study immune cell activity against solid tumors. Outside of the lab, Ava enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family and friends (and her dog Winnie), and trying new restaurants in Gainesville!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"980\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/IMG_1862-980x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5123\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/IMG_1862-980x1024.jpeg 980w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/IMG_1862-287x300.jpeg 287w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/IMG_1862-768x803.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/IMG_1862.jpeg 1125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">Jada Brown<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">1<sup>st<\/sup> Year Master&#8217;s Student<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jada grew up in Vernon, FL and earned her BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2025. She joined the Sharma Lab in Spring 2026, where her research investigates the effects of reactive oxygen species scavengers in modulating neuronal oxidative stress and excitability associated with osteoarthritis. Outside of the lab, Jada enjoys crocheting, spending time with family and friends, and going to Disney and sporting events.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"747\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/Untitled-1-747x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5111\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/Untitled-1-747x1024.png 747w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/Untitled-1-219x300.png 219w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/Untitled-1-768x1052.png 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/01\/Untitled-1.png 864w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 747px) 100vw, 747px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">Sam Angel<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">1<sup>st<\/sup> Year Medical Student<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sam Angel is a medical student at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Florida and a Master of Biomedical Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. His previous research experience spans microbiology, oncology, academic medicine, and health disparities. Sam is interested in investigating novel therapies and inflammation modulation in osteoarthritis. Outside&nbsp;of medicine, Sam enjoys building guitars, weightlifting, cooking, and running. He enjoys staying active and being outside, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-x-large-font-size\">Current Undergraduate and Visiting Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-69116506 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Victoria_Headshot-e1687363050141.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3317\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Victoria_Headshot-e1687363050141.png 400w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Victoria_Headshot-e1687363050141-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Victoria_Headshot-e1687363050141-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8aeacad7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Victoria Consalvo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Biomedical Engineering<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1038\" height=\"1038\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/07\/Sethumi-Rajapakse.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4945\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:395px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/07\/Sethumi-Rajapakse.jpeg 1038w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/07\/Sethumi-Rajapakse-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/07\/Sethumi-Rajapakse-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/07\/Sethumi-Rajapakse-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/07\/Sethumi-Rajapakse-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1038px) 100vw, 1038px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8aeacad7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Sethumi Rajapakse<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Biomedical Engineering<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2397\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/10\/IMG_0041-3-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5037\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:395px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/10\/IMG_0041-3-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/10\/IMG_0041-3-300x281.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/10\/IMG_0041-3-1024x959.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/10\/IMG_0041-3-768x719.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/10\/IMG_0041-3-1536x1438.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2025\/10\/IMG_0041-3-2048x1918.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8aeacad7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Catherine DiMassa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Chemical Engineering<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-69116506 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1801\" height=\"1801\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Natalia-Munetones-Martinez-e1694463163213.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3635\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Natalia-Munetones-Martinez-e1694463163213.jpg 1801w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Natalia-Munetones-Martinez-e1694463163213-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Natalia-Munetones-Martinez-e1694463163213-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Natalia-Munetones-Martinez-e1694463163213-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Natalia-Munetones-Martinez-e1694463163213-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/09\/Natalia-Munetones-Martinez-e1694463163213-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1801px) 100vw, 1801px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8aeacad7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Natalia Munetones Martinez<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Biomedical Engineering<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2003\" height=\"2003\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Rachel_Griffin-Cohan_Headshot-scaled-e1687363535258.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3323\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:395px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Rachel_Griffin-Cohan_Headshot-scaled-e1687363535258.jpeg 2003w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Rachel_Griffin-Cohan_Headshot-scaled-e1687363535258-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Rachel_Griffin-Cohan_Headshot-scaled-e1687363535258-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Rachel_Griffin-Cohan_Headshot-scaled-e1687363535258-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Rachel_Griffin-Cohan_Headshot-scaled-e1687363535258-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2023\/06\/Rachel_Griffin-Cohan_Headshot-scaled-e1687363535258-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2003px) 100vw, 2003px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8aeacad7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Rachel Griffin-Cohan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Biomedical Engineering<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/02\/img_0070-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5141\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:395px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/02\/img_0070-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/02\/img_0070-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/02\/img_0070-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/02\/img_0070-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/02\/img_0070-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/505\/2026\/02\/img_0070-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8aeacad7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Sergio Escobar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Biomedical Engineering<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-x-large-font-size\">Lab Alumni<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-base-2-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Post Doctoral and Doctoral <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-medium-font-size\">\n<li>Suzanne Lightsey (2025) &#8211; Post-Doctoral Scholar at Stanford<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jessica Aldrich (2024) \u2013 Post-Doctoral Scholar at the University of Oregon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Tolulope Ajayi (2023) \u2014 Program and Portfolio Management at Genentech<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Shreedevi Kumar (2021) \u2014Scientist 1 at Beam Therapeutics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Madison Temples (2021) \u2013 Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Isaac Adjei (2019) \u2014 Assistant Professor at Texas A&amp;M<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Shannon Brown Fedenko (2019) \u2014 Director of Manufacturing at Neobiosis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Master&#8217;s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tomas Clavijo-Garcia \u2013 <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mattie McKenzie \u2013 <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Matthew Rexroad \u2013 Field Service Engineer at Johnson &amp; Johnson MedTech<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Quincy Barton \u2013 Research and Development Scientist at AstraZeneca<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Tiffany Conklin \u2013 Advanced Biomanufacturing Engineer II at Mayo Clinic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Phoebe Nimocks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Khushboo Undavia \u2013 Research Associate at Editas Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Lei Wang \u2013 PhD Candidate in Biomedical Sciences, University of Florida<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Jahnelle Jordan \u2013 Associate Consultant at Red Nucleus&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Vrunda Trivedi \u2013 PhD Candidate in Biomedical Sciences, University of Florida<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Sabyasachu Bandyopadhyay \u2013 PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Heather Gruber (Diffey) \u2013 Senior Supplier Quality Engineer at Medtronic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Bachelors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Angels Vasquez \u2013 Lab Manage at the university of Miami<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Tomas Gayoso- Master\u2019s Student at the University of South Florida&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Benjamin Kaufman \u2013 PhD Student at Rice University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Robert Ovalle Jr \u2013 PhD Student at Boston University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Arjun Panicker \u2013 Medical Student at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Ethan To \u2013 Master\u2019s Student at Boston University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Nahis Cruz-Delgado \u2013 Undergraduate Student at the University of Puerto Rico<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Quinn Hardy \u2013 Master\u2019s Student at University of Florida<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chelsea Rosen \u2013 Medical Student at the University of Florida College of Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Joseph Soto \u2014 Master\u2019s Student at Boston University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Jade White \u2013 PhD Student at University of Oregon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Eunice Nsaam \u2013 PhD Student at Northwestern University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Rafeala Vieira \u2013 JDRF nPOD Investigator Coordinator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Savannah Guyot \u2013Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Alexandria Ozycz \u2013 Field Clinical Representative for Boston Scientific<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Jessica Hornyak \u2013 Field Marketing Manager at Electrophysiology Southeast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Patrick Lehman \u2013 Santa Fe College<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Olivia Liseth \u2013 MD-PhD at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine MSTP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Ryan Jungels \u2013 Quality Engineer for RTI Surgical<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Jake Pistiner \u2013 Founder and CEO of CirculaTech<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Sophia Bou-Ghannam, PhD \u2013 Scientist at Eat Just, Inc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Arron Johnston, M.S. \u2013 Associate Attorney at Troutman Pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Erin Euliano \u2013 PhD Student at Rice University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Tyler Richards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Leo Rhodes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Student Science Training Program<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Nicolas Ossi <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Justin Wu&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Diya Jayram \u2013 University of Miami<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Kelly Tran \u2013 University of Central Florida<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Saagar Patel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Maxwell Rosen \u2013 Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-system-sans-serif-font-family has-medium-font-size\">Noble Patidar \u2013 University of Notre Dame<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Blanka Sharma Dr. Sharma\u2019s research program investigates fundamental material-cell interactions at multiple length scales to guide the development of targeted drug and cell delivery systems for applications in both regenerative medicine and cancer. At this intersection lies the dysfunctional inflammatory mechanisms that propagate tumor development as well as degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. Dr Sharma\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1085,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-section-nav.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-136","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1085"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5149,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/136\/revisions\/5149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sharma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}