People
SELECT: Nasim Annabi | Members
Members
LABORATORY MANAGER

Ronak Afshari
Dr. Ronak Afshari received her B.Sc. in Chemistry from Tehran University (2010); M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Amirkabir University of Technology (2013) and Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry from Shahid Beheshti University (2019), Tehran-Iran, for studies concerning functionalization of carbonaceous nanomaterials as well as metal/polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery and catalysis. Meanwhile, she has been awarded the best researcher of 2019 among Ph.D. students at Shahid Beheshti University. She also pursued a postdoctoral course in the Department of Physics at the Sharif University of Technology with a focus on the synthesis and functionalization of nanobubbles as neoteric medicinal platforms. She has over 25 papers, reviews and science books and made over 5 announcements at international scientific conferences. Her current research interests lie in designing novel organic synthetic routes for the functionalization of nanomaterials including carbon nanostructures and biopolymers, in developing multifaceted and stimuli-responsive biomaterials. Her hobbies include reading, traveling and spending time with her friends/family.
POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARS

Tess De Maeseneer
Dr. Tess De Maeseneer joined the Annabi lab in March 2024. She obtained a B. Sc. degree in Engineering Sciences from KU Leuven (Belgium) in 2017. Afterwards, she enrolled in a M. SC. program in Chemical Engineering at KU Leuven (Belgium). In 2019, she decided to join the Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology lab (KU Leuven,Belgium) as a PhD student. Her PhD work was centered around the development of a novel breast reconstruction method in close collaboration with UGent (Belgium), VUB (Belgium) and UZGent (Belgium). Her main research focus was on the structural characterization of injectable hydrogels intended to be used as scaffold materials. She currently works for the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and the Department of Medicine at UCLA under joint mentorship of Dr. Nasim Annabi and Dr. Renea Sturm. The main focus of her work is on the use of advanced fabrication methods for the regeneration of a hierarchical blood vessel network in urological tissues. In her free time, she likes to do sports, meet with friends and travel to the world’s most famous surf spots.
GRADUATE STUDENTS

Fang Zhou
Fang joined Professor Annabi’s lab as a Master student in Fall 2023 and upgraded to the Ph.D. program in Spring 2025. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Soochow University in 2019, where she conducted her undergraduate research on the photo-induced self-assembly polymerization of biodegradable polyesters. Following graduation, she worked as a research assistant at a scientific corporation, gaining hands-on experience with polymer-stabilized metallic nanoparticles and their biomedical applications. Her current research interests focus on the development of electroconductive biomaterials for myocardial infarction repair, 3D bioprinting of hierarchical structure and vascularization. Outside of the lab, Fang enjoys hiking, watching anime and singing.

Marian Olewine
Marian Joined Dr.Annabi’s lab in 2024 as a PhD student of Chemical Engineering. She received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Her research is focused on cancer therapies using microRNA loaded nanoparticles and tissue regeneration using hydrogels. When she is not in the lab she enjoys cooking, traveling, and hanging out with her cats and friends.

Min-Hsuan lin
Jessie joined Dr. Annabi’s lab in 2023 as a PhD student of Chemical Engineering. She received her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from National Taiwan University (NTU) (2020). She then worked in Dr. Ying-Chih Chang’s lab at Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan, in which she helped develop an in vitro drug screening system for circulating tumor cells (CTCs). After that, she came back to NTU to study for her master’s degree with Dr. Jiashing Yu, focusing on the research of conductive biomaterials for tissue engineering. She is now interested in exploring biomaterials that have multifaceted applications and unlocking their potential to solve pressing real-world challenges. In her free time, Jessie enjoys watching comedies and animes and spending time with friends.

Zhanpeng (Jim) Liu
Jim joined Professor Annabi’s lab as a Ph.D. student in the fall of 2023. He received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China (2023). For his undergraduate research, he focused on developing the microbially induced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surface modification approach and investigating the unique mechanics of the generated structure, as well as fabricating the novel drug delivery system which could be used for bone regeneration. He is now researching on the biomaterials system for tissue homeostasis regulation, especially targeting ocular tissue. In his free time, Jim likes doing wildlife photography, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

Yuting Zheng
Yuting began her research in Professor Annabi’s lab as a PhD student at UCLA in the Fall of 2020. She received her bachelor’s degree with a major of Chemistry from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and received her master’s degree from University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Chemical Engineering. During her master’s degree, she worked in Prof. Phillip Messersmith’s lab as a student researcher. Her research fields mainly focus on developing functional biomaterials with tunable mechanics, self-healing properties and stimuli-responsive behaviors for a wide range of biomedical applications such as tissue regeneration, tumor therapy, wound healing, immunomodulation, etc. She aspires to develop these therapies to improve the quality of healthcare around the world by engineering smart hydrogels and nanocomposites for drug/cell delivery and dynamically crosslinked materials that suit their drug cargo and delivery needs on a molecular level. Yuting also worked as a full-time analytical assistant in Estee Lauder R&D center for half a year. In her free time, Yuting likes to travel, planting and enjoy her time with the family!

Saumya Jain
Saumya received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Seattle University in the spring of 2020. Three years of her undergraduate studies were dedicated to carbohydrate chemistry research in the lab of Dr. Joseph Langenhan. She worked on developing a novel synthetic route to produce a glycosylated asparagine residue that is vital in post-translational cellular modifications and, therefore, in many areas of drug development. Among various technical skills she has learned during undergraduate research, Saumaya most enjoys synthesis, analysis by NMR, and recombinant gene expression using PCR. Saumya joined Dr. Nasim Annabi’s lab in the fall of 2020 as she pursues her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at UCLA. Outside of the sciences, Saumaya loves listening to music, learning new songs on the guitar, hiking, teaching new crafts to her younger sister, and spending time with friends.

HANH NGUYEN

Tiffany Jean
Tiffany graduated from UCLA in June 2024 with a B.S. in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. She returned to UCLA to continue her research with Dr. Annabi in the Annabi Lab as a graduate student in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. Her research interests focus on functional biomaterials, specifically gene and drug delivery. She is passionate about the intersection of chemical engineering and healthcare. Outside of her academic pursuits, Tiffany enjoys spending time with friends, camping, snowboarding, and going to the beach.

Steven Vo
Graduating from UCLA in June of 2023 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Steven returned to his alma mater to continue his research with Dr. Annabi in the Annabi Lab as a graduate student in chemical engineering. His time as an undergraduate in the Annabi Lab primarily consisted of tough hydrogel optimization and characterization for ocular drug delivery and wound healing. As a graduate student, his focus has shifted into exploring tough hydrogels capable of supporting tissue growth. More specifically, he is working on utilizing hydrogels for creating neovaginas to assist in male to female bottom gender reassignment surgery. Outside of the lab, Steven’s hobbies include cooking new recipes around the world, playing competitive online games, spending time with family, and listening to music.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Gilda Naraghi
Gilda is a third-year Biochemistry student with an interest in the intersection between polymers, nanoparticles, and regenerative medicine. She is planning to pursue a career in plastic and restorative surgery and is interested in increasing accessibility of healthcare to underprivileged communities. In her free time, she enjoys learning languages, tutoring kids, and photography.

Namdar Pouradib
I am a third-year undergraduate at UCLA studying neuroscience. I am interested in tissue regeneration, particularly neuro-regenerative materials, and I am pursuing a career in healthcare and medical research. Outside an academic setting, I love rock climbing, cooking, and watching old sitcoms.

Giacomo Berti
My name is Giacomo, and I’m currently a freshman at UCLA with a major in Biochemistry. I was originally born in Milan, Italy, where I lived for six years before my dad’s work brought my family to the bay area. We eventually settled in San Diego, which is where I attended high school and where my family continues to live. From a young age, my biggest passions have been playing music and learning about anything science-related. Though I’m new to research, I’m most interested in studying pharmaceuticals and other medical applications of chemistry and chemical engineering. I’m really excited for the opportunity to be in and contribute to a community that shares my same passions!

Rayane Koubaa
My name is Rayane Koubaa. I’m Tunisian and French from Dubai, currently in my 3rd year of studying Chemical Engineering at UCLA with a Biomolecular concentration and a Teach Breadth in Materials Science Engineering. I joined the Annabi Lab in October 2024 and am currently under the supervision of Yuting and Marian on the Bioinspired Microneedle-Based Barrier Tunneling for Advanced Ocular Drug Delivery Project here in the Annabi Lab. I am super excited to start working within the Lab and eager to achieve groundbreaking results! Catch me in Lab, enjoying coffee, running outside or at the beach swimming!

Jodi Del Villar
Jodi is a 2nd year undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in biomolecular engineering. With an interest in biomaterials and polymers, she is currently working with Saumya Jain on her hydrogels project for lung cancer. Outside of the lab, she enjoys visiting cafes and playing tennis.

Alisha Bhat
Alisha is a second-year bioengineering student interested in developing cancer therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. She is working with Marian to produce cancer therapies using nanoparticles. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and watching cat videos on Instagram.

Jun Moon
Jun is a 4th year Chemical Engineering student with a biomolecular concentration, from South Korea. Under the supervision of Dr, Tess De Maesseneer, he is working on tissue engineering and plans to pursue graduate studies in pharmaceutical sciences. Outside the lab, he enjoys solving puzzles like Wordle and spending time with friends.

Conrad Kistler
Conrad is a fourth-year Chemical Engineering student who joined the Annabi lab in April, 2025. He is interested in developing the design and characteristics of biomaterials to create medical products. As such, he is working with Jessie to develop a 3D printable microgel bioink for dental applications. In his spare time, Conrad enjoys playing video games, sailing, and camping.

Anusha Lingampally
Anusha earned her bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from UCLA in June 2025 and is returning for a one-year master’s program. Her interests include using tissue engineering to replicate human cell behavior and developing biomaterials that promote wound healing. She is particularly fascinated by the cardiovascular system and is excited to work with Fang on bioprinting cardiac scaffolds. Outside of academics, she enjoys watching movies, spending time outdoors, and engaging in creative activities like scrapbooking.

ISABEL LIN
Isabel is a second-year Physiological Science student interested in biomaterial design, particularly hydrogel applications as biosealants, bioadhesives, and for drug delivery. Outside the lab, she enjoys drawing and playing video games.

MOHID FAWAD
Mohid Fawad is a 4th year MCDB student researcher supervised under Dr. Tess. His interests are in the overlap between engineering and molecular biology that can help solve many medical related problems using both aspects and fields
ALUMNI
Postdocs
Arpita Roy, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Yavuz Oz, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Rizwan Subhani, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Avijit Baidya, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Mahsa Ghovvati, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Reza Moonesirad, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Jharana Dhal, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Shima Gholizadeh, Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA
Roberto Portillo Lara, Postdoctoral Fellow, Monterey Tech University (Mexico)
Iman Noshadi, Postdoctoral Scholar, Northeastern University
PhD
Hossein Montazerian, PhD, graduated from UCLA
Jonathan Soucy, PhD Student, graduated from Northeastern University
Ehsan Shirzaei Sani, PhD Student, graduated at UCLA
Brian Walker, PhD Student, graduated from UCLA
Andrew Spencer, PhD Student, graduated at Northeastern University
Ebrahim Mostafavi, PhD Student, Northeastern University (transferred to another PI after my move to UCLA)
Bahram Saleh, PhD Student, Northeastern University (transferred to another PI after my move to UCLA)
MS
Gayatri Patel, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Zhonghong Kong, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Nanditaa Balachander, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Yimin Gu, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Annabella Budiman, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Albert Lee, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Yadi Huo, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Saumya Jain, MS student, graduated at UCLA, Transferred to PhD
Hamed Nilchi, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Daniel Booth, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Sevana Baghdasarian, MS student, graduated at UCLA
Gokberk Unal, Master’s Student, graduated at UCLA
Yangcheng Liu, M.S. Student, graduated at UCLA
Chen Xi, M.S Student, graduated at UCLA
Brijesh Hirani, Master Student, graduated at Northeastern University
Zheng Cao, Master Student, graduated at Northeastern University
Devyesh Rana, Master Student, graduated at Northeastern University
Jinzhao Fu, Master Student, graduated at Northeastern University
Visiting
Daren Zhou, Visitinig PhD student, University of Syndney, Australia.
Sabooh-ul-Ain, Visiting PhD student, Bahudin Zakirya University Multan, Pakistan.
Zijian Zhong, Visiting Master student, Johns Hopkins University
Mahtab Bayani, Visiting MD, Internal Medicine Residency, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (Iran)
Azadeh Mostafavi, Visiting PhD student, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Pradeep Sharma, Visiting Scholar, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, India
Mustafa Nakipoglu, Visiting Scholar, Middle East Technical University (Turkey)
Senne Seneca, Visiting Scholar, University of Hasselt (Belgium)
Marianna Cosentino, Visiting Scholar, University of Rome (Italy)
Sinziana Popescu, Visiting Scholar, Romanian Academy (Romania)
Islam Khalil, Visiting Scholar, University for Science and Technology (Egypt)
Abolfazl Akbarzadeh, Visiting Professor, Tabriz University (Iran)
Jakub Erben, Visiting PhD Student, Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic)
Dina Mohsen, Visiting Master Student, The American University of Cairo (Egypt)
Nooshin Zandi, Visiting PhD Student, Sharif University (Iran)
Gustavo Hernánde, Visiting PhD student, Monterey Tech University (Mexico)
Paula Rodrigues Moraes, Visiting PhD Student, Sao Paulo University (Brazil)
Eulalie Leroux, Visiting Undergraduate Student, University Paris Descartes, (France)
Benjamin Houang, Visiting Master Student, Grenoble (France)
Soundarapandian Kannan, Visiting Professor, Periyar University (India)
Mingzhi Dai, Visiting Professor, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (China)
Mohammad Fares, Visiting Professor, Jordan University of Science and Technology (Jordan)
David Villiard, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Bastien Delaly, Visiting Master Student, Northeastern University
Nicholas Duva, Visiting Undergraduate Research Assistant, Northeastern University
Rhayza Oliveira, Visiting Undergraduate Research Assistant, Federal University of Sao Carlos (Brazil)
Mohammad Reza Aziziyan, Visiting PhD student, University of Sherbrooke (Canada)
Jamal Ashrafi, Visiting PhD Student, Tehran University (Iran)
Research Assistant
Shivani Kottantharayil, Undergraduate Student, University of Washington, Seattle
Sophia Lopez, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Edrees Mahmood, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Enza Nikolic, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Cindy Wang, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Ketan Yadav, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Cristopher Navarro, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Iris Qi, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Ethan Mai, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Lakshmi Mohan, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Chu-Hsiang Yu, Research Assistant, Brandeis University Undergraduate
Raha Jajali, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Heather Griffiths, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Cathy Lu, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Diya Kapur, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Nina Ofitserova, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Shea Zenker, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Lorin Danielsen, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Thomas Ho, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Esha Sharma, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Kaimana Lum, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Karina Bender, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Boyi Wang, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Edrees Mahmood, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Steven Vo, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Jose Chevalier, Undergraduate, UCLA
Emily Dunn, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Shameek Mitra, Undergraduate Student, UCLA
Mitchell Nguyen, Undergraduate, UCLA
Hojin Choi, Undergraduate, UCLA
Jessii Chun, Undergraduate, UCLA
Nicole Prusty, Undergraduate, UCLA
Yizhen Guan (Yvonne), Undergraduate, UCLA
Gabriela Djuhadi, Undergraduate, UCLA
Ashley Dickman, Undergraduate, UCLA
Ziqing Wang, Undergraduate, Central South University China (China)
Brenden Lee, Undergraduate, UCLA
Andrea Winslow, Undergraduate, UCLA
Hailey Konisky, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Shannon Joyce, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Jaiden Cruger, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Spencer Lake Jacobs-Skolik, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Shashank Madhu, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Bradley Priem, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Divya Vijayakumar, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Amy Sevigny, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
William Kimball, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Navin Jayaswal, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Asel Primbetova, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Jessie Gifford, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Amanda Bretti, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Fayez Ghazi, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Sophia Maciel, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Andi Shehu, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Jennifer Silva, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
David Villiard, Undergraduate Student, Northeastern University
Lauren Tips, Undergraduate, Northeastern University
Wendy Yu, Undergraduate, Vanderbilt University
Hannah McFetridge, Undergraduate, Cornell University
Nayara Gomes, Undergraduate, New Mexico State University (Brazil)
Felipe Dias, Undergraduate, New Mexico State University (Brazil)