Kayal Balachander
High School Researcher
I’m fascinated with creating and solving, especially through exploration in the crosspaths of synthetic biology and engineering. I’m passionate about helping people and experiencing novel ideas take shape. I hope my learnings here can help fully realize what I want to do in life. As always, I am excited for the journey, and not just the destination.
Dev Bhatt
PhD Student
I’m deeply interested in engineering microbes to communicate with electronic devices and vice versa. I dream of microbe integrated machines that use biological and electronic feedback control techniques to create next generation systems.
Victoria Boguslavskaya
Undergraduate
I am interested in both microbiology and engineering, and the research at the el Microbial Integration Group seamlessly combines both of these fields in a way that has a meaningful impact on medicine, which is another interest of mine.
Yazmin Camacho
Research Fellow
I’ve always been fascinated by synthetic biology and leveraging it to solve real-world challenges! Joining elMig gives me the opportunity to continue to foster this interest and develop microbial biosensors to address women’s healthcare.
Allyson Criswell
Masters Student
I am interested in helping bridge the gap between engineering and life sciences. My excitement centers on synthetic biology and its potential to transform how we study, design, and interact with living systems. I am excited to develop biosensors and devices that can positively impact the world.
Sahbra Eldosougi
PhD Student
I am passionate about using biomedical engineering to create technology that improves lives and is good for the planet. As part of an multidisciplinary and innovative team, I am excited to apply synthetic microbial systems in nontraditional applications.
Pressley Frazier
Undergraduate
I am passionate about combining engineering principles with biology to improve solutions for real-world problems. I enjoy learning, designing and exploring new ideas. I am most inspired by meaningful innovations that create positive impact.
Miguel Jimenez
Principal Investigator
I am constantly in awe of the biological machines in our bodies and my passion is to integrate them into electronics. I lead el Microbial Integration Group at Boston University where I train others how to be scientists and engineers.
Kelsey Crawford
PhD Student
I am passionate about conducting research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical engineering to address issues in the area of women’s health. Through interdisciplinary research, I hope to contribute to more equitable, accessible, and effective healthcare solutions that cater to the needs of women across diverse populations.
Anum Kotecha
Undergraduate
My name is Anum Kotecha, and I’m a Sophomore studying BME on the Pre-Health track. I have always found deep joy in engineering from cardboard crafts as a kid to now, engineering novel bio-materials. I am looking forward to delving deeper into microbial devices from a mechanical and biological standpoint.
Arden Lee
PhD Student
I’m excited about exploring the intersection between synthetic biology and bioinformatics, with the goal of creating tools to assist with the development of novel biosensor platforms. I aspire to develop sensors that can be used to probe or modulate microbiomes, with applications from soil science to human health.
Trinity Olander
Undergraduate
I am passionate about translating science into real-world impact, particularly through innovation in synthetic biology. I strongly believe in the power of combining scientific insight with creative, interdisciplinary approaches to build solutions that extend far beyond the lab walls. By leveraging biology as a design platform, I am interested in driving meaningful change across sectors, from sustainability and agriculture to health, biotechnology, and beyond, transforming complex challenges into impactful innovations.
Robert Ovalle Jr.
PhD Student
I am passionate about improving quality of life and longevity through biomedical innovation. My research focuses on the integration of synthetic biology, electronics, and device development for biomedical applications. I am very excited to work towards the advancement of microbial devices with this group.
Dimitri Profis
High School Researcher
I’m excited by the intersection of biomedical engineering and human health/performance. As an aspiring biomedical engineer, I am particularly interested in the application of wearable technologies and biosensors to help patients, specifically those with disabilities.
Avani Rebbi
Undergraduate
I am interested in integrating hardware with cells. Whether that living interface is on a microscopic or macroscopic level. I am particularly passionate about interfaces that can improve everyday life.
Juan Jose Robayo Yepes
PhD Student
I love to create, explore the world with curiosity, and help people. My passion is integrating nanotechnology, electronics, and biomedical technology to discover new ways to benefit humanity. Innovating and designing new technology is my dream and motivation.
Sally Stronge
Undergraduate
I am excited about integrating engineering design with biology to develop devices that address real world problems. I have always enjoyed learning new skills and exploring innovative concepts. I am passionate about working technology to improve everyday life.
Alec Tan
Undergraduate
I am excited to utilize my experiences in biomedical engineering for real world applications that can help change people’s lives for the better. I enjoy discovering new knowledge and filling the gaps of the scientific world, and I hope to continue doing so in the future.
Yueying Yang
PhD Student
I am curious about how to monitor and manipulate microbes in confined spaces. I work on microfluidic devices at el Microbial Integration Group.
Alumni
Raven Coffer
Undergraduate
2026
Meritxell Ortodo
Undergraduate
2026
Nandita Ganesh
Undergraduate
2026
Greg Wu
PhD rotation student
2026
Logan Tohline
PhD rotation student
2026
Brett Kahman
PhD rotation student
2026
Luca Pungan
Undergraduate
2025
Woud Alsadoun
Undergraduate
2025
Isabella Balian
Undergraduate
2025
Kaavya Akula
MS student
2025
Andrés A. Quiñones-Molina
PhD rotation student
2025
Lily Fenton
PhD rotation student
2025
Paige Stocker
PhD rotation student
2025
Maya Bartels
PhD rotation student
2025
el Microbial Integration Group 