Senior Fellows

ANNA BAGNELL
Anna is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the lab of Dr. Charlotte Sumner uses novel in-vivo mouse and in-vitro human blood-brain barrier models to study pathological mechanism underlying an inherited neurological disease, Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 2C. Prior to her graduate training, she received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and neuroscience from the University of South Carolina. Outside of lab, she is also involved in Hopkins Biotech Network running the Mentorship-Match Program, and enjoys walking dogs as a Rover dog sitter.
Favorite Quote: “Science has taught me that everything is more complicated than we first assume, and that being able to derive happiness from discovery is a recipe for a beautiful life.” Hope Jahren

TRACY CHUNG
Tracy Chung is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She conducts her thesis work in the lab of Dr. Peter Searson, focusing on leveraging tissue-engineered models of the blood-brain barrier to study the role of cerebrovasculature in Alzheimer’s disease and other brain diseases. Before beginning her doctoral work at Johns Hopkins, she received her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Yale University. Outside the lab, Tracy is passionate about advocating for women in STEM (having previously served as the president for Women of Whiting), and enjoys cooking, amateur mixology, reading, and writing movie reviews in her free time.
Favorite quote: “Imagination is the only weapon in the war with reality.” Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

TAYLOR EVANS
Taylor Evans is a Ph.D. candidate in the cellular and molecular medicine program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the lab of Dr. Jennifer Erwin focuses on molecular neurogenetics and the dynamics of repetitive elements in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Prior to her graduate training in Dr. Erwin’s Lab, Taylor worked at the School of Medicine researching the molecular genetics of cystic fibrosis. As a scientist, she’s passionate about disease heterogeneity, molecular genetics, creative ideas and innovative solutions. Outside of the lab, Taylor enjoys exploring Baltimore and runs a blog documenting her life at the intersection of style and science.
Favorite Quote: “Creativity and science are internally linked, as the core of both is discovery.”

NATALIE RUTKOWSKI
Natalie is a Ph.D. candidate in the cellular and molecular medicine program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in Dr. Jennifer Elisseeff’s lab seeks to understand the role of the gut microbiota in the immune response to biomaterials. Prior to her graduate training, she received her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Loyola University Chicago and worked on mosquito-borne diseases at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Outside of lab, Natalie enjoys creating content for the Sci’more podcast.

Fellows

GABE AU
Gabe Au is studying biophysics interested in protein characterization and engineering, synthetic biology and patent law. Outside the academy, Gabe researches in Dr. Chuan-Hsiang Huang’s lab, where he helps decipher protein relationships in cancer signaling pathways by performing analysis for a massively multiplexed cell barcoding technique. At the Commercialization Academy, Gabe hopes to gain experience in the patenting side of technology transfer and is excited to learn about and analyze the novel technologies being developed at Hopkins.
Favorite Quote: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Master Oogway

ZACHARY BERNSTEIN
Zachary Bernstein is a Ph.D. candidate in the department of Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His thesis work in the lab of Dr. Jamie Spangler involves designing antibody glycoengineering platforms and investigating the immune biology of de novo cytokines. Prior to Johns Hopkins, he received a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering at Duke University. Outside of lab, Zach enjoys running and trivia throughout Baltimore.
Favorite quote: “The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds the most discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny…’” Isaac Asimov

GRANT BUTSCHECK
Grant Butscheck is a Ph.D. candidate in the molecular microbiology and immunology program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. His thesis work in the lab of Dr. Andrew Pekosz uses fluorescent microscopy and primary cell culture models to study mitochondrial-mediated innate immune signaling during influenza infection. Prior to training at Hopkins, he received a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from the University of Georgia.
Favorite quote: “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” Tanzanian Proverb

HABBEN DESTA
Habben is a Ph.D. candidate in the department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering. Her thesis work in the lab of Professor Konstantinos Konstantopoulos focuses on using molecular biology and microfluidic techniques to understand how physical confinement induces cell dissociations from collectively migrating cancer cells. Prior to her training at Hopkins, Habben received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Polytechnic Institute CNSE in Nanoscale Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics. In her free time, Habben enjoys being active, reading, exploring the Baltimore food scene, and spending time with friends and family. 
Favorite Quote: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it” – Maya Angelou  

ANANYA DEWAN
Ananya is excited to explore the intersection between translation, entrepreneurship, and medicine to advance patient care as a medical student. Previously, Ananya earned a BS in Economics from the Wharton School and BA in Biology from the Vagelos Life Sciences & Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, you might find Ananya enjoying the Great British Bake Off, weightlifting, or attempting to make new culinary creations.
Favorite Quote: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

ALEKSANDRA DRMANOVIC
Sandra is a MD/MBA candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Prior to medical school, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. She spent her first year at the Carey Business School completing her Master of Business Administration in the Analytics, Leadership, and Innovation track. She joined Rock Springs Capital as a Summer Research Associate in 2023 and 2024 where she worked on multiple investment projects in immunotherapies and biotechnology ventures. Sandra is passionate about the intersection of patient care, healthcare administration, and innovation. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, learning new languages, traveling, and trying new bakeries in town.
Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt

LOGAN GEORGE
Logan George is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Pathobiology Program under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Ambinder and Dr. Rena Xians. Logan studies Epstein-Barr Virus cell-free DNA as a biomarker for EBV-associated cancers. His goal is to develop rapid and accessible diagnostic tools for cancer detection in resource-limited settings. Prior to joining Hopkins, Logan received his B.S. in Biology at the College of William & Mary and completed a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the National Institute on Aging.
Favorite Quote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” – Carl Sagan

ANNA GONYE 
Anna is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cellular & Molecular Medicine graduate program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is completing her thesis work in the co-led lab of Ken Pienta and Sarah Amend in the department of urology, focusing on the implication of the epigenome on the maintenance and function of the polyaneuploid cancer cell state in a prostate cancer model. Anna completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond in 2018. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and going to concerts/shows.
Favorite Quote: “…For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” – Walt Whitman

ELIZABETH HARPER
Elizabeth is a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health studying the relationship between aging and melanoma. With her advisor Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, she studies the effect of the aging extracellular matrix on the immune response in the tumor microenvironment, and how these changes can affect response to immunotherapy. Prior to starting her position at Johns Hopkins, she did her PhD in Integrated Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Cancer Biology at the University of Notre Dame, and she did her BA in Biochemistry at Earlham College. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, exploring Baltimore with her dog, and DIY home improvement projects.

ALLISON HORENBERG
Allison Horenberg is a Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the lab of Dr. Warren Grayson focuses on understanding the role of nerves in mediating bone formation in healing and non-healing craniofacial bone defects.Prior to her graduate training, she received her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and mathematics from the University of Virginia. Outside of lab, Allison enjoys volunteering with local high school students in Thread and cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.
Favorite Quote: “Let them see something they’ve never seen before, and when something goes wrong, smile, cause there’s always a next play.” – Ray Lewis.

ERICA LEE
Erica Lee is an M.D. Ph.D. candidate in the Cross Disciplinary Graduate Program in Biological Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the labs of Dr. Sami Tuffaha and Dr. Ahmet Hoke investigates surgical interventions and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for the improvement of functional motor recovery and prevention of chronic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Prior to medical school, Erica received a Combined BS/MS in Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University with a minor in Visual Arts. Outside of the lab, she enjoys traveling and learning new culinary and artistic techniques.
Favorite Quote: “Science for me is very close to art. Scientific discovery is an irrational art. It’s an intuition which turns out to be reality at the end of it – and I see no difference between a scientist developing a marvelous discovery and an artist making a painting” -Carlo Rubbia, Nobel Prize in Physics

ARIEL LEONG
Ariel Leong is a medical student interested in taking part in the conversation of how technology, especially artificial intelligence, is best contributing to medical improvements. She came to Hopkins after five years in sunny California, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in computer science from Stanford University.
Favorite Quote: “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” Vernon Howard

ERIN MIHEALSICK
Erin Mihealsick is a Ph.D. candidate in the graduate program in immunology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in Eileen Scully’s lab involves the understudied role that sex plays in altering HIV transcription. She received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and genetics from Clemson University in 2020. Outside of lab, Erin enjoys volunteering with outreach organizations to introduce science to underrepresented groups and exploring Baltimore’s brewery scene.
Favorite Quote: “And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) Dr. Seuss

IFUNANYA NWOGBAGA
Ifunanya is a Ph.D. candidate at the Program of Molecular Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University. Under his advisor, Dr. Brian Camley, he develops and tests mathematical models that leverage the relationship between cell shape and motion to accurately predict cell behavior. Prior to Johns Hopkins, he received his bachelor’s degree in chemical and biological engineering from Princeton University. As a Commercialization Academy fellow, he’s excited to be able to leverage his technical background to advance the impact that scientific research can have on society at large.
Favorite Quote: “A place where someone still thinks about you is a place you can call home.” Jiraiya, from Naruto

KEVIN NGUYEN 
Kevin Nguyen is an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins studying biomedical engineering, focusing on cell and tissue engineering. A researcher in the Carl Wu lab, he seeks to understand complex gene regulatory networks using single-molecule imaging and computational genomics. He is also heavily involved in the BME Design Team program, where he created a device that increases the accuracy of post-biopsy site localization and a mechanism that increases patient safety and stability during IR procedures. In addition to his studies, Kevin is invested in Vietnamese Student Association and Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, enjoys working out, and advocates for Vietnamese worker health.
Favorite Quote: “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Aristotle

ALEXANDER PESSELL
Alexander Pessell is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is a member of Dr. Peter Searson’s lab, where his research centers on engineering tissue-engineered models of the blood-brain barrier. Specifically, he investigates the role of cerebrovasculature in occlusive and hypertensive states, while additionally investigating the application of therapeutics like hypothermia to reveal microvessel recovery trajectories. Prior to his doctoral studies at Johns Hopkins, Alexander earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Trine University in Angola, Indiana. Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoys playing intramural basketball and softball, watching Cincinnati professional sporting events, and collecting baseball cards.
Favorite Quote: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – John Wooden

WILL RONG 
Will Rong is a M.S. candidate in Engineering Management at Johns Hopkins. He previously received his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Management from Hopkins. Will has a strong interest in renewable energy and sustainable development. Outside of school and work, he enjoys photography and dancing in the JHU Eclectics dance team.
Favorite Quote: “I
t is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eyes.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

RACHEL SHAPIRO
Rachel Shapiro is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Whiting School of Engineering. Her thesis work, in the lab of Laura Ensign at the Center for Nanomedicine, focuses on local drug delivery to mucosal membranes, specifically vaginal drug delivery to prevent preterm birth, alleviate vaginal atrophy and treat other female reproductive tract diseases. Prior to her graduate studies, Rachel received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University and started a science-and-technology-based sleepaway camp for kids in Los Angeles. Outside of the lab, Rachel is a mentor for Womxn Mentoring Whiting, on the e-board of Women of Whiting, and enjoys finding new dogs to pet.
Favorite quote: “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.” Simon Sinek

MARK SCHUWEILER
Mark Schuweiler is an M.D. student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is excited to be working at the intersection of technology and clinical care. Prior to medical school, he worked as a consultant for Optum. There, he worked on projects designing health technology products and optimizing clinical delivery systems. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Business Management from the University of St. Thomas. Away from work, you can find him enjoying the sunshine on a hike, thrift-shopping for books, or taking in a baseball game. 
Favorite Quote: “Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” – Yogi Berra

AMANDA STELLMAN
Amanda Stellman is an MBA candidate at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and is pursuing the Health, Technology, and Innovation pathway. After studying psychology at the University of Maryland, she started a career in Clinical Research Operations. Amanda’s professional experience includes trial management and R&D project management within start-up biotech companies that are working to develop drug and digital therapeutic treatments for neurological and psychological disorders. Amanda is passionate about medical technology and helping products reach the market. She is excited to learn more about commercialization at the Academy.
Favorite Quote: “Ideas have legs.”

JESSICA STELZEL
Jessica is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the labs of Dr. Joshua Doloff and Dr. Hai-Quan Mao investigates how the immune system responds to biomaterials and the mechanisms behind biomaterial-induced tissue remodeling. Prior to beginning her doctoral work, she received her bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Tech. In her free time, Jessica enjoys traveling, waterskiing, bowling, and kayaking.
Favorite Quote: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

LUKE ZHAO
Luke Zhao is a medical student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, he earned bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and in biotechnology. Post-college graduation, he joined Putnam Associates as a life sciences consultant and worked on multiple commercialization projects of immunotherapy and gene therapy products. Outside of school and work, Luke enjoys mixing music, climbing and running his photography Instagram page.
Favorite quote:
Master Oogway: “Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me, nor make it bear fruit before its time… No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.”
Master Shifu: “But a peach cannot defeat Tai Lung!”
Master Oogway: “Maybe it can… If you are willing to guide it, to nurture it. To believe in it.

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Jun received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Public Health and Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. He completed the Commercialization Academy Fellowship in 2022 and prior to rejoining JHTV, Jun worked in corporate development and strategy, mergers and acquisitions, management consulting, and strategic initiatives for Booz Allen Hamilton and MGM Resorts International.

Jun Park

Commercialization Academy Manager