MICRO Alumni
We invite you to get to know our MICRO program alumni.
Nicholas Layman
I am a math major interested in eventually working on climate change. I have had a few math-focused research projects in the past in various areas of discrete math but these have all been very theoretical. Over the last year I've wanted to do more application-based research and the MICROprogram is my first real chance to do that. Right now I'm working in Dr. Rafael Gomez-Bombarelli's lab with graduate student Somesh Mohapatra on improving the coding side of affinity selection - tandem mass spectrometry, a process heavily used in drug discovery. We're trying to improve the current program's false positivity rate for identifying potential candidates for drug applications. My future goals include getting a PhD and eventually working on climate change in some form. Upon graduating in 2022, Nicholas joined the PhD program in Mathematics at Iowa State University.
Sam Figueroa
Sam Figueroa is originally from Silicon Valley, California, and earned a B.S. in NanoEngineering from the University of California, San Diego in 2022. Upon graduating, Sam was awarded the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, the NDSEG Fellowship, and the MIT Presidential Fellowship. Sam is currently a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at MIT. His research interest encompasses additive manufacturing, metallurgy, and the design of 3D nanoarchitected materials for extreme environments, spanning material property characterization, impact resilience, and bioinspired design.
Outside the lab, Sam enjoys competitive weighted calisthenics and parkour, pursues archaeological studies of the ancient Maya, and critiques films. As a former MICRO Intern (2021–2022), he is excited to give back as a mentor.
Tobi Majekodunmi
Tobi Majekodunmi is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). At UMBC, he is a part of the 31st cohort of Meyerhoff Scholars, and an active member in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). This fall, he is working with Prof. John Hart to model carbon-nanotube-based solid-state batteries for Lamborghini’s electric vehicle. In the future, he plans to earn a PhD in mechanical engineering. He intends to research energy storage solutions for renewables to reduce the global dependence on fossil fuels and ensure a sustainable world for future generations. Furthermore, Tobi aspires to integrate these solutions into society through academic entrepreneurship, which lies at the crossroads between academia and industry. In his free time, Tobi enjoys reading, skateboarding, and singing in UMBC’s gospel choir. In 2023, Tobi graduated and received an NSF Graduate Fellowship to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at MIT.
Anastacia De Gorostiza
Hello! My name is Anastacia De Gorostiza, and I am a third-year studying chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. In my free time, I love to hike, and my current goal is to hit as many national parks as I can this year! Currently, my research interests lie in photovoltaics and photonics. In the future, I would love to continue pursuing a career in material science research through graduate studies. In 2023, Anastacia graduated and received an NSF Graduate Fellowship. She then started her graduate journey as a doctoral student in materials science at ETH Zurich.
Eyobel Haile
Hello! my name is Eyobel Haile and I'm a 3rd year mechanical engineering student at Virginia Tech. Some of my biggest hobbies have always been making things with my hands like woodwork with the CNC mill or CAD prototyping and 3D printing. Once I got my own 3D printer and got to play with it for a bit, I fell in love with its process and wanted to learn more about it. Fortunately, I got the opportunity to explore metallurgy in additive manufacturing, a subject that includes both my passions and hobbies, with very knowledgeable top-of-their-field researchers thanks to MICRO. Since material science is a field I always thought fascinating and maybe a possible career for me to pursue, this program is very helpful in making sure not only that I get a proper introduction into the discipline but also a possibility of establishing a good relationship with a very prominent department that I always dreamt of being a part of. Upon graduating in 2024, Eyobel obtained a GEM fellowship to start his graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Rice University.
Rachel Myers
Rachel Myers is an undergraduate Biochemical Engineering major, Meyerhoff Scholar (M’31), HHMI Research Scholar, and NIGMS/NIH U-RISE Scholar at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (class of 2023). This fall, Rachel is working with Dr. Joelle Straehla in Dr. Paula Hammond’s lab to use nanoPRISM to identify the genomic determinants of nanoparticle trafficking in cells. These determinants can potentially allow for the efficient and specialized design of nanotherapeutics for specific diseases. In the future, Rachel intends to pursue her PhD in biomedical engineering with an emphasis in drug delivery and nanotechnology. Her research interests include the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery therapeutics for breast cancer and other chronic diseases. In her free time, Rachel enjoys watercolor painting, reading, visiting the countryside, and playing with her Pomeranian dog. In 2023, Rachel graduated and received an NSF Graduate Fellowship to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at MIT.
Joshua Chaj Ulloa
Joshua Chaj Ulloa is a First-Generation Hispanic Junior Chemical Engineering major at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His mother and father immigrated from Central America seeking to provide their children with a better opportunity to succeed in life. Joshua currently serves as President for the UTSA Biomedical Engineering Society Chapter, and Vice President of the American Institute for Chemical Engineers Society Chapter. As well is a UTSA ESTEEMED Scholar, RISE Scholar, IES Educational Pathways Fellow, Texas Civic Ambassador, National Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, and a National Barry Goldwater Scholar. At UTSA he conducts biomedical research on the detection of cardiac biomarker using photonic biosensor technology He hopes to pursue a Ph.D. focused on Biomedical Engineering aiding in diminishing the detrimental effects of diseases in patients worldwide. While also aiding in furthering First-Generation student's opportunity presented in K-12 public education to pursue higher education specifically in the STEM Field. I love to read books on philosophy, go hiking, binge new shows, and walk my dog, Snoopy! In 2023, Josh graduated and received a GEM fellowship and an NSF Graduate Fellowship to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Caltech.
Jordan Coney
Jordan Coney is an undergraduate physics major and a math minor at Morehouse College located in Atlanta, Georgia. Jordan is interested in optical and electronic materials. He has had multiple materials-based research experiences in the past and that has gotten him excited for the future in this domain. This fall, he will be working with Dr. Juejun Hu’s lab under a graduate student named Tushar Sanjay Karnik where he will minimize the light loss from curved waveguides using the simulation tool Lumerical. Jordan plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physics and will come into grad school with the knowledge, experience, and skill set that will allow him to excel in his degree. Upon the completion of his graduate program, Jordan will undertake a minimum of one postdoc position. Jordan is most interested in going the academic route of scientific research but is not closed off to other positions as science is not bound to academia. Upon graduating in 2023, Jordan received an NSF Graduate Fellowship and became a PhD student in Physics at UCLA.
Jon-Edward Stokes
Jon-Edward Stokes is a third year physics major and mathematics minor from Chicago, Illinois, and he is a part of the fourth cohort of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program at Howard University in Washington, DC. His prior experience with research includes more physics-oriented experimentation, but he realized that he wanted to explore applied science/engineering. This fall, he is working in the Hart group in partnership with Lamborghini researching 3D solid state batteries for automotive applications. He plans to get a Doctorate degree in either the applied natural sciences or engineering, and wants to research renewable energy usage efficiency and storage to help create a more sustainable future and reduce the impact of fossil fuels on our environment. Furthermore, he wishes to travel the world, reducing the impact of global warming in communities heavily affected by the use of greenhouse gases as well as help make greener alternatives more accessible to these communities. In his free time, he likes to play his bass, read books, write poetry, and stay physically active. Upon graduating in 2024, Jon-Edward received a GEM fellowship and joined the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering as a PhD student.
Temiloluwa Akande
Temiloluwa Akande is a rising junior, chemical engineering major, attending Howard University. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she spent most of her life on West African shores before moving to the United States. It was through her life experiences in Nigeria that she became deeply interested in using engineering to improve people's lives.
Temiloluwa’ s research interest is on the intersection between material science, chemistry, and nanotechnology to design indefectible materials to cater sustainably to the growing population. Her aspiration is to develop research projects as a Principal Investigator. At Howard, she is a member of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program, Howard University’s premier scholarship program for high-achieving students of STEM disciplines. She is committed, hardworking and passionate about the things that matter to her most. Temi graduated with her bachelor degree in 2024.
Bryan Birch
Hello! My name is Bryan Birch, I’m a third year Physics major and math minor at Centre College. Originally from Versailles Kentucky I’m involved in greek life, SPS, and peer tutoring on campus. Having the opportunity to explore materials science my freshman summer, I quickly fell in love with the research and interdisciplinary environment of materials science and engineering. I’m interested in pursuing research in nanotechnology, specifically in devices for memory or sustainability and outside of research I plan to explore entrepreneurship and sustainability efforts. Thanks to MICRO, I have the opportunity to gain a foundation in the MSE curriculum and explore my research interest with incredible faculty and support from the MICRO staff. Bryan graduated in 2025 and is now a graduate student in Applied Physics at the University of Maryland.
Dawn Ford
Dawn Ford is a third-year physics major with a materials science and engineering minor at the University of Virginia. At UVA, she is a Posse Scholar, Echols Scholar, Ron Brown Captain, social chair of the Society of Physics Students, on the executive board of aNoether Physics Club, a participant in the Organization of African Student's Africa Day, and serves as a mentor to underclassmen students. Dawn is also an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the McDonnell and Zangari labs. Her research focuses on synthesizing novel catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. This fall, she will do a concurrent research project with Julian Klien in Dr. Frances Ross's group using machine learning to analyze the effects of electron beams on magnetic materials. In the future, Dawn plans to earn a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering. She intends to pursue a career in energy research with a focus on sustainable methods of energy generation and storage. In her free time, Dawn enjoys cooking, sewing, reading and spending time with loved ones. Upon graduating in 2024, Dawn became a Ph.D. student in Materials Science, NSF Graduate Fellow at Caltech.
Gabrielle Wood
Gabrielle Wood is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a Minor in Spanish. Originally from Atlanta (Conyers), Georgia, Gabrielle is a Karsh STEM Scholar at Howard University. She is a hard working leader on campus, promoting resource conservation and sustainability as the Programs Chair of the Howard University Water and Environment Association. Additionally, she serves as an active member of the International Affairs Center club, Bunche Brigade, and serves as the dance committee Co-Chair for Chango! Afro-Latine and Spanish Society. Along with her commitment to environmental issues, Gabrielle is passionate about bringing international cultural awareness to the community. With the Materials Initiative for Comprehensive Research Opportunity, she looks forward to exploring and working with concepts in materials science and engineering which are vital for improving the sustainability and life cycles of natural resources and materials to combat the climate crisis. Gabrielle plans to continue her studies and research in graduate school and beyond with the goal of solving worldwide environmental challenges. Upon graduating with her BS in 2025, Gabrielle joined Georgia Tech Department of Chemical Engineering as a PhD student.
Griheydi Garcia
Griheydi Garcia is a senior chemistry major with a concentration in applied mathematics and environmental science minor at Manhattan College. She has tried different research throughout her undergraduate path, from geochemistry to material science and engineering. This fall, she’s working with Prof. Wolverton's lab on discovering new materials using high-throughput DFT for energy applications. Griheydi is currently applying for Ph.D. programs in Chemistry, along with Material Science and Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering in hopes of securing a research and development position at a national lab. In her free time, Griheydi enjoys listening to music, reading books, and spending time with friends. Upon graduating with her BS in 2024, GG won an Honorable Mention at the NSF Graduate Fellowship, received a GEM fellowship, and joined Northwestern University Department of Materials Science and Engineering as a PhD student.
Nolan Murphy-Genao
My name is Nolan James Murphy-Genao. I am a fourth-year double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Spanish at the University of Connecticut. At the University of Connecticut, I am a McNair Scholar (ninth cohort) and an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). At this preliminary graduate school career stage, I yearn for exposure. I am eager to diversify my research portfolio by expanding my skill set while discovering and exploring new topics. I believe that the MICRO program will allow me to conduct cutting-edge materials research at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) while concurrently being taught the fundamentals of materials science by knowledgeable faculty. Computational modeling is a viable avenue to elucidate biological & chemical systems by generating simulations across different spatial and temporal parameters that may be infeasible to emulate in a laboratory setting. I have experience with programming; however, never have those skills been applied to a sophisticated research project. I plan on taking full advantage of the MICRO program to enthrall myself in a computational task, decide whether it matches me, and ultimately fortify my arsenal of knowledge. Upon graduating in 2024, Nolan joined the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital as a rsearch assistant.
Pablo Luna Falcon
Pablo Luna Falcon is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student with minors in additive manufacturing and material science at the University of Arizona. He is an Arizona’s Science, Engineering, and Math Scholars, and serves as a mentor for incoming transfer students. Pablo has been increasingly fascinated with the field of additive manufacturing given the seemingly limitless potential to translate any simple or complex 3D model to a physical object. He is curious about implementing material science knowledge to optimize existing manufacturing techniques. He will be working in the Dunand Research Group with Jie Qi creating a machine learning database for casting of high-temperature Al-Ce alloys. Pablo is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. either in mechanical engineering or material science and engineering field to explore additive manufacturing strategies and self-assembly techniques for manufacturing of macro-scale complex structures. Outside of academics, Pablo enjoys spending some time outdoors running or hiking. Upon graduating with his BS in 2025, Pablo joined Oak Ridge National Lab as a research assistant.
Nga (Nerissa) Vu
Nga (Nerissa) Vu is an international student from Vietnam and a junior at Bucknell University majoring in Chemical Engineering working toward Computer Science minor and Material Concentration. Her passion lies in using machine learning and computational programming to develop new materials with properties that meet the world’s unmet needs. Her research at Bucknell was on developing a MATLAB program modeling the kinetic of Secondary Organic Aerosol formed by the oxidation of Monoterpene. In the summer of 2023, Nga worked in Prof. Gomez Bombarelli’s lab to develop a user interface using the Django framework to monitor the output of multiple stages pipeline of high throughput simulations in material discovery. Through MICRO, she is looking forward to develop an automated active learning loop for the prediction of zeolite-osda binding energies. This exploration could lead to the identification of suitable syntheses of new, desired zeolites that have desirable properties for catalyzing sustainable chemical processes. Outside of research and coursework, Nga possesses a passion for leading community-building. She served as Bucknell Engineering Student Board Alumni Committee Chair, Bucknell Research Expo student leader and an active member of Society of Asian Scientist and Engineer as a national volunteer, promoting STEM and Research exposure to individuals and local communities in Vietnam and US. In the Fall 2025, Neri started as a PhD student in Chemical Engineering at the John Hopkins University.
Aavash Budhathoki
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Aavash is a senior at Howard University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He conducts research in Dr. Owolabi’s group, focusing on using additive manufacturing to produce novel materials that display superior mechanical properties. As the president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Howard Chapter, he aims to foster a collaborative learning atmosphere, bringing together students from different backgrounds to build projects on robotics. Interested in developing and characterizing novel materials, he intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Science, aiming to open up new avenues for structural, aerospace, and energy applications. At Northwestern, he is working with Dr. Ian McCue to carry out finite element analysis of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) for designing complex hollow parts using refractory materials. In his free time, Aavash can be found watching soccer, reading One Piece, or enjoying a power nap. Upon graduating in 2025, Aavash joined Georgia Tech Department of Mechanical Engineering as a graduate student.
Taylor Johnson
Taylor Johnson is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Florida with an interest in solar thermochemical and electrochemical energy conversion. She spent the past year interning at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where her work focused on a techno-economic analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic-concentrated solar power system coupled with particle thermal energy storage. Her current work at UF, where she is a research assistant in the Renewable Energy Conversion Laboratory, focuses on the development of a machine-learning model to predict the efficiency of a solar collector, which is used to inform a techno-economic solar industrial process heat model. Taylor will continue researching applications of machine learning in her work with Dr. Yang Shao-Horn at MIT, where she will explore the use of ML algorithms in discovering novel lithium-ion conductors to improve the performance and safety of electrochemical devices like fuel cells and batteries. In her free time, Taylor serves as the design lead for UF’s Engineers Without Borders team, where she works on water quality and distribution projects for Maras-Ayllu, Peru. Upon graduating with her BS in 2025, Taylor received a NSF Graduate Fellowship and became her graduate journey in Chemical Engineering at CU Boulder.
Mel Andrade-Muñoz
Mel Andrade-Muñoz is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, double majoring in Neuroscience and Computer Science. She is a Chancellor’s Science Scholar, Accelerated Research Scholar, Carolina Covenant Scholar, and aspiring physician-scientist. Her research explores the intersection of technology, molecular neuroscience, and clinical applications to transform neurodegenerative disease management. At UNC, her work has focused on developing an AR/VR environment for neurological monitoring during awake craniotomies. She also investigated cochlear neural wiring at Harvard Medical School, where she earned the H. Robert Horvitz Prize for Outstanding Undergraduate Research.
Through the MICRO Program, she collaborated with the Joester Group at Northwestern to create an atlas of incisor cross-sections and integrate microCT data into enamel densification simulations. Beyond the lab, Mel is passionate about mentorship, technology, and advocacy. She enjoys competing in hackathons, volunteering for , and mentoring the future scientists of the world. Committed to equitable healthcare innovation, she hopes to bridge clinical practice with scientific discovery, developing therapies that preserve neurons, regenerate circuits, and redefine neurodegenerative disease treatment. Mel is currently in her senior year with a planned graduation in the Spring 2026.