Pooja Swami
Hello! My name is Pooja and I graded for Professor Minkara in the Fall 2022 for Biomolecular Dynamics and Control. I graduated from Northeastern in 2023 with my Bachelors in Bioengineering. I've worked at Alloy Therapeutics as a Principal Research Associate since graduating, and will be joining New York Medical College in their Integrated Ph.D program starting in the Fall of 2025.
Fun fact: I collect snow globes from everywhere I've travelled!
Helna Mary Baby
Helna is a third-year Ph.D student in the Department of Bioengineering. Her primary research focuses on developing novel drug delivery systems to overcome tissue-specific barriers. Her thesis focuses on designing cationic drug delivery systems to target negatively charged tissues,such as cartilage and the nucleus pulposus. This includes designing cationic polymeric microcarriers for the targeted delivery of protein therapeutics in disc degeneration. Her work also involves engineering exosomes as a non-viral carrier platform for gene therapy in osteoarthritis. Helna relieves her stress and achieves mental peace by cooking her favorite Indian cuisine.
Helna was a teaching assistant for Prof. Minkara during Spring 2024 for the course 'Biomolecular Dynamics and Control.' She also received the 2023-2024 Bioengineering Departmental Ph.D Teaching Award for her outstanding performance as a TA under Prof. Minkara.
Rui Tang
Hello! I'm Rui, a Ph.D student in Bioengineering. I'm passionate about gene therapy and tissue engineering. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to stand-up comedy and creating Miniature model.
Fun fact: I have my own podcast
Ria Thekkethala
Hi! I'm Ria, a Bioengineering and Biochemistry major with a focus on a molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering. My academic and research experiences have centered on early-stage drug screening and innovative drug delivery methods. In the Spring of 2024, I had the opportunity to take Professor Minkara's BIOE 3380 class, which led to my role as her grader in the Fall of 2024. Outside of academics, I love exploring new destinations and watching the sunrise or sunset.
Fun fact: I have been to three of the seven wonders of the world and plan to complete the remaining four post-graduation!
Anne Sigl
Hello! My name is Annie and I joined the team in January 2022 as a teaching assistant for BIOE 3380 Biomolecular Dynamics and Control. I help with visual aspects of lectures, hold office hours, answer student questions, and assist in preparation for class.
I'm currently a fifth-year student at Northeastern, graduating in May 2022 with my Bachelors and Masters in Bioengineering. Following graduation, I'll start full-time work as a Design Quality Engineer at an orthopedic implants company.
Fun fact: I can solve a Rubik's cube in about one minute!
Leonardo Simonelli
Hi all! My name is Leonardo and I joined the team in Spring 2021 as a TA and grader for Biomolecular Dynamics & Control. I focus on grading and providing detailed feedback to help students learn from their mistakes.
I'm currently a 5th year bioengineering student, graduating in May 2022 with my Bachelor and Masters in Bioengineering. Following graduation, I'll attend the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.
Fun fact: I completed my first Ironman Triathlon in September 2021!
Neda Kari Rezapour
Hello! I'm a 2021 graduate of Northeastern University where I studied Bioengineering in cell and tissue concentration. I was Prof. Minkara's Teaching Assistant, grading exams and helping students during office hours.
I helped Mona transition exams from traditional to online format. At the end of each quarter, students would gather in her office for a warm, welcoming environment with fun and learning combined.