Ambika is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University. Her interests include targeted drug delivery, bio-electrostatics, protein-based nano-carriers, and modeling of bio-transport and biomechanics, with a specific focus on degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Ambika received her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and also completed her post-doctoral work there focused on developing devices for oral drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract and investigating disease-related changes in mechanics and permeability of mucosal membranes. Previously, she worked as a medical device engineer on development and FDA approval of orthopedic and dental implants. Ambika is a recipient of the US Department of Defense Discovery Award, National Institute of Health Trailblazer Award, 2021 Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator Award, MIT Women of Excellence and Meredith Kamm Memorial Award in Mechanical Engineering. Her laboratory is funded by several translational awards from the NIH and the pharmaceutical industry. She holds a Masters degree from MIT and an undergraduate degree from the University of Delhi, India. Outside of the lab, Ambika loves to spend time with her two year old new boss, oil paint, play chess, cook and travel to faraway lands!

PhD Candidate in Bioengineering | 🇺🇸
mehta.shi@northeastern.edu
Shikhar's research interests include targeted drug delivery, biomechanics and musculoskeletal disease therapy. His work is focused on understanding biological and mechanical changes induced within the joint with onset of osteoarthritis induced by traumatic injuries or aging. He is currently developing a cartilage-targeted drug conjugate for achieving long-term therapeutic benefit with only a single dose. Outside of the lab, Shikhar enjoys traveling to new places, listening to music and volunteering in the community. He is also an avid sports fan who loves playing tennis and basketball.

PhD Student in Bioengineering |🇮🇷
vedadghavami@northeastern.edu
Armin is interested in understanding how the net size, electric charge and its spatial distribution, hydrophobicity, and effects of other binding interactions can affect transport of charged carriers in tissues of varying fixed charge density. He uses this knowledge to design peptide based carriers for targeted delivery of protein drugs to a variety of tissues. In his free time, Armin enjoys cooking, trying new cuisines and going on walks around the city!

PhD Student in Bioengineering |🇨🇳
he.te@northeastern.edu
Tengfei is working on designing cationic protein based drug delivery systems for cartilage targeting and their validation using in-vitro and in-vivo models of osteoarthritis.

PhD Student in Bioengineering |🇨🇳
zhang.chenz@northeastern.edu
Chenzhen is working on designing cationic probes for cartilage imaging for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. He is also involved in devising methods for modulating surface chemistry of cell derived exosomes for targeted drug delivery to tissues and cells. He loves to cook and travel!

MS Student in Bioengineering |🇨🇳
wang.he8@northeastern.edu
He just joined our lab as a masters candidate. He is working on modifying exosome surface to increase its penetrability through mucus for drug delivery. Outside of the lab, He enjoys chorus, soccer and frisbee.

Research Co-op; Bachelors Student in Bioengineering | 🇺🇸
warren.ma@northeastern.edu
Matt is working on designing milk exosomes for oral gene delivery. He is also interested in understanding the effects of highly cationic nanocarriers on the electromechanochemical and biological homeostasis of charged tissues like cartilage.