Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Joint Program with Emory University
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Joint Program with Emory University
Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Joint Program with Emory University
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Joint Program with Emory University
The University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
BS in Biomedical Engineering
Engineering Honors, Magna Cum Laude
BS in Biomedical Engineering
Engineering Honors, Magna Cum Laude
Anderson High School – Austin, TX
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Salutatorian
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Salutatorian
Dec. 2021
May 2020
May 2016
June 2012
Postdoctoral Fellow – Rice University
Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Reinhart-King, Department of Bioengineering
Primary Project: Connecting in vitro cell behaviors and mechanical properties with in vivo metastatic phenotypes
Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Reinhart-King, Department of Bioengineering
Primary Project: Connecting in vitro cell behaviors and mechanical properties with in vivo metastatic phenotypes
Postdoctoral Fellow – Vanderbilt University
Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Reinhart-King, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Primary Project: Connecting in vitro cell behaviors and mechanical properties with in vivo metastatic phenotypes
Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Reinhart-King, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Primary Project: Connecting in vitro cell behaviors and mechanical properties with in vivo metastatic phenotypes
Graduate Research Assistant – Georgia Institute of Technology
Advisor: Dr. Todd Sulchek, School of Mechanical Engineering
Dissertation: Relating Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome to Investigate Metastasis
Advisor: Dr. Todd Sulchek, School of Mechanical Engineering
Dissertation: Relating Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome to Investigate Metastasis
Undergraduate Research Assistant – The University of Texas
Advisor: Dr. Amy Brock, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Honors Thesis: Effect of Lysyl Oxidase Overexpression on the Invasiveness of Male Mammary Tumor Cells
Advisor: Dr. Amy Brock, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Honors Thesis: Effect of Lysyl Oxidase Overexpression on the Invasiveness of Male Mammary Tumor Cells
Jul. 2024 - Present
Mar. 2022 - Jun. 2024
Aug. 2016 - Dec. 2021
Jun. 2013 - Jun. 2016
Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award Recipient – NIH F32 Grant
National Cancer Institute
Impact Score: 18; Percentile: 6.0
National Cancer Institute
Impact Score: 18; Percentile: 6.0
Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award Recipient – NIH F31 Grant
National Cancer Institute
Impact Score: 30; Percentile: 25.0
National Cancer Institute
Impact Score: 30; Percentile: 25.0
$226, 480
Jul. 2023 – Jul. 2026
Jul. 2023 – Jul. 2026
$111,159
Jul. 2019 – Dec. 2021
Jul. 2019 – Dec. 2021
PUBLICATIONS
h index = 10
See Publications page
See Publications page
PRESENTATIONS
National Conference Oral Presentations
1. KM Young, X Gallart, M Acikel, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Advantages and disadvantages of breast cancer cell size and stiffness during the metastatic cascade. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Diego, CA, Oct. 11, 2025.
2. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic sorting of breast cancer cells reveals increased strain energy leads to reduced metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Baltimore, MD, Oct. 24, 2024.
3. KM Young, L Sestito, Lauren, J Le Doux, CA Reinhart-King. Developing Curriculum to Help Biomedical Engineers Connect Systemic Racism to Cancer Health Disparities. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Seattle, WA, Oct. 13, 2023.
4. KM Young, C Xu, K Ahkee, R Mezencev, S Swingle, T Yu, A Paikeday, C Kim, J McDonald, P Qiu, T Sulchek. Correlating mechanical and gene expression data on the single cell level to investigate metastatic phenotypes. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Seattle, WA, Oct. 12, 2023.
5. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, C Reinhart-King, T Sulchek. Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout System to Explore Genomechanical Relationship in Metastatic Cells. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Antonio, TX, Oct. 13, 2022.
6. KM Young, C Xu, K Ahkee, R Mezencev, P Qiu, T Sulchek. Correlating Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on the Single Cell Level to Investigate Metastasis. Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society, San Diego, CA, Feb. 15-19, 2020.
7. KM Young, C Landry, C Forrest, J McDonald, T Sulchek. Correlating Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on Single Cell Level to Investigate Metastasis. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 17-20, 2018.
National Conference Poster Presentations
1. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Multi-omic comparison reveals bone organotropic signature in large and stiff metastatic breast cancer cells. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Diego, CA, Oct. 10, 2025.
2. KM Young, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Stiffness-Based Cell Sorting Microfluidic Device to Examine Stability and Heritability of Cancer Cell Mechanotypes. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Seattle, WA, Oct. 13, 2023.
3. KM Young, P Shankles, J Dahlman, T Sulchek. Enabling Genome-Wide CRISPR KnockOut Mechanical Screen through Parallelized Microfluidic Device. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Orlando, FL, Oct. 6-9, 2021.
4. KM Young, T Bongiorno, J McDonald, T Sulchek. A New Method to Combine Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on Single Cell Level. Cell and Molecular Bioengineering BMES Conference, Key Largo, FL, Jan. 2-6, 2018.
5. KM Young, R Ho, A Brock. Lysyl Oxidase Inhibitor Beta-aminopropionitrile Reduces Invasiveness of Male Mammary Tumor Cells. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Antonio, TX, Oct. 22-25, 2014.
Local Symposium Oral Presentations
1. KM Young. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate the Role of Cancer Cell Mechanics in Metastasis. Bioengineering Departmental Retreat, Rice University, Houston, TX, Apr. 4, 2025.
2. KM Young, L Smith, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Microfluidic Size and Stiffness Based Sorting of Breast Cancer Cells to Study Role of Mechanics in Metastasis. 23rd Annual Retreat for Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, Nov. 10, 2023.
3. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Investigating Stability and Heritability of Metastatic Cell Mechanical Properties. 20th Annual Cell and Developmental Biology Retreat, Nashville, TN, Apr. 14, 2023.
4. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout System to Explore Genomechanical Relationships in Metastatic Cells. 22nd Annual Retreat for Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, Dec. 5, 2022.
5. KM Young. Effect of Lysyl Oxidase Overexpression on the Invasiveness of Male Mammary Tumor Cells. University of Texas Engineering Honors Thesis Symposium, Austin, TX, May 2016.
Local Symposium Poster Presentations
1. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Multi-omic comparison reveals bone organotropic signature in large and stiff metastatic breast cancer cells. Bioengineering Departmental Research Symposium, Rice University, Houston, TX, Sep. 19, 2025
2. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, X Gallart, M Acikel, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic sorting of breast cancer cells reveals increased strain energy leads to reduced metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model. Bioengineering Departmental Retreat, Rice University, Houston, TX, Apr. 4, 2025.
3. KM Young, L Smith, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Size and Stiffness-Based Microfluidic Sorting of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells to Examine Mechanotype Stability and Heritability. 17th Annual Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Symposium, Nashville, TN, Nov. 17, 2023.
4. KM Young, L Smith, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Microfluidic Sorting of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells by Stiffness to Examine Stability and Heritability of Mechanotypes. Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology 2nd Annual Retreat, Nashville, TN, Aug. 15, 2023.
5. KM Young, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Microfluidic Sorting of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells by Stiffness to Examine Stability and Heritability of Mechanotypes. Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Scientific Retreat, Nashville, TN, May 23, 2023.
6. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Scaling Microfluidic Throughput for Mechanotypic Genome-Scale CRISPR Knockout Screen. Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering 22nd Annual Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Forum NanoDay, Nashville, TN, Nov. 4, 2022.
7. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout Screen of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Cells. Vanderbilt University 2022 Biomaterials Day, Nashville, TN, Oct. 28, 2022.
8. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout Screen of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Cells. 16th Annual Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Symposium, Nashville, TN, Oct. 27, 2022.
9. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout Screen of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Cells. Inaugural Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology Retreat, Nashville, TN, Aug. 15, 2022.
10. KM Young, T Bongiorno, T Sulchek. A New Method to Combine Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on Single Cell Level. Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute Distinguished Lecture Poster Session, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 12, 2017.
1. KM Young, X Gallart, M Acikel, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Advantages and disadvantages of breast cancer cell size and stiffness during the metastatic cascade. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Diego, CA, Oct. 11, 2025.
2. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic sorting of breast cancer cells reveals increased strain energy leads to reduced metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Baltimore, MD, Oct. 24, 2024.
3. KM Young, L Sestito, Lauren, J Le Doux, CA Reinhart-King. Developing Curriculum to Help Biomedical Engineers Connect Systemic Racism to Cancer Health Disparities. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Seattle, WA, Oct. 13, 2023.
4. KM Young, C Xu, K Ahkee, R Mezencev, S Swingle, T Yu, A Paikeday, C Kim, J McDonald, P Qiu, T Sulchek. Correlating mechanical and gene expression data on the single cell level to investigate metastatic phenotypes. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Seattle, WA, Oct. 12, 2023.
5. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, C Reinhart-King, T Sulchek. Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout System to Explore Genomechanical Relationship in Metastatic Cells. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Antonio, TX, Oct. 13, 2022.
6. KM Young, C Xu, K Ahkee, R Mezencev, P Qiu, T Sulchek. Correlating Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on the Single Cell Level to Investigate Metastasis. Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society, San Diego, CA, Feb. 15-19, 2020.
7. KM Young, C Landry, C Forrest, J McDonald, T Sulchek. Correlating Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on Single Cell Level to Investigate Metastasis. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 17-20, 2018.
National Conference Poster Presentations
1. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Multi-omic comparison reveals bone organotropic signature in large and stiff metastatic breast cancer cells. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Diego, CA, Oct. 10, 2025.
2. KM Young, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Stiffness-Based Cell Sorting Microfluidic Device to Examine Stability and Heritability of Cancer Cell Mechanotypes. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Seattle, WA, Oct. 13, 2023.
3. KM Young, P Shankles, J Dahlman, T Sulchek. Enabling Genome-Wide CRISPR KnockOut Mechanical Screen through Parallelized Microfluidic Device. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Orlando, FL, Oct. 6-9, 2021.
4. KM Young, T Bongiorno, J McDonald, T Sulchek. A New Method to Combine Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on Single Cell Level. Cell and Molecular Bioengineering BMES Conference, Key Largo, FL, Jan. 2-6, 2018.
5. KM Young, R Ho, A Brock. Lysyl Oxidase Inhibitor Beta-aminopropionitrile Reduces Invasiveness of Male Mammary Tumor Cells. Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society, San Antonio, TX, Oct. 22-25, 2014.
Local Symposium Oral Presentations
1. KM Young. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate the Role of Cancer Cell Mechanics in Metastasis. Bioengineering Departmental Retreat, Rice University, Houston, TX, Apr. 4, 2025.
2. KM Young, L Smith, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Microfluidic Size and Stiffness Based Sorting of Breast Cancer Cells to Study Role of Mechanics in Metastasis. 23rd Annual Retreat for Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, Nov. 10, 2023.
3. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Investigating Stability and Heritability of Metastatic Cell Mechanical Properties. 20th Annual Cell and Developmental Biology Retreat, Nashville, TN, Apr. 14, 2023.
4. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout System to Explore Genomechanical Relationships in Metastatic Cells. 22nd Annual Retreat for Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, Dec. 5, 2022.
5. KM Young. Effect of Lysyl Oxidase Overexpression on the Invasiveness of Male Mammary Tumor Cells. University of Texas Engineering Honors Thesis Symposium, Austin, TX, May 2016.
Local Symposium Poster Presentations
1. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Multi-omic comparison reveals bone organotropic signature in large and stiff metastatic breast cancer cells. Bioengineering Departmental Research Symposium, Rice University, Houston, TX, Sep. 19, 2025
2. KM Young, A Valz, B Knowles, R Zurcher, X Gallart, M Acikel, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic sorting of breast cancer cells reveals increased strain energy leads to reduced metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model. Bioengineering Departmental Retreat, Rice University, Houston, TX, Apr. 4, 2025.
3. KM Young, L Smith, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Size and Stiffness-Based Microfluidic Sorting of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells to Examine Mechanotype Stability and Heritability. 17th Annual Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Symposium, Nashville, TN, Nov. 17, 2023.
4. KM Young, L Smith, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Microfluidic Sorting of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells by Stiffness to Examine Stability and Heritability of Mechanotypes. Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology 2nd Annual Retreat, Nashville, TN, Aug. 15, 2023.
5. KM Young, B Knowles, A Valz, R Zurcher, CA Reinhart-King. Microfluidic Sorting of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells by Stiffness to Examine Stability and Heritability of Mechanotypes. Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Scientific Retreat, Nashville, TN, May 23, 2023.
6. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Scaling Microfluidic Throughput for Mechanotypic Genome-Scale CRISPR Knockout Screen. Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering 22nd Annual Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Forum NanoDay, Nashville, TN, Nov. 4, 2022.
7. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout Screen of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Cells. Vanderbilt University 2022 Biomaterials Day, Nashville, TN, Oct. 28, 2022.
8. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout Screen of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Cells. 16th Annual Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Symposium, Nashville, TN, Oct. 27, 2022.
9. KM Young, P Shankles, C Dobrowolski, J Dahlman, T Sulchek, CA Reinhart-King. Mechanotypic Genome-scale CRISPR Knockout Screen of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Cells. Inaugural Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology Retreat, Nashville, TN, Aug. 15, 2022.
10. KM Young, T Bongiorno, T Sulchek. A New Method to Combine Mechanical and Gene Expression Data on Single Cell Level. Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute Distinguished Lecture Poster Session, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 12, 2017.
Tech to Teaching Certificate Recipient
Georgia Tech Center for Teaching and Learning
- Multi-semester program for preparing future faculty with pedagogical training and practice
- Developed and taught workshop series on cancer and health equity
Georgia Tech Center for Teaching and Learning
- Multi-semester program for preparing future faculty with pedagogical training and practice
- Developed and taught workshop series on cancer and health equity
Summer Science Camp Instructor and Curriculum Developer BioIgnite, Nonprofit Organization, Atlanta, GA
- Taught weekly summer camp to middle school students
- Developed new cancer biology curriculum for camp module
- Taught weekly summer camp to middle school students
- Developed new cancer biology curriculum for camp module
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Introduction to Biomechanics
Dr. Wei Sun, Biomedical Engineering Department, Georgia Tech
- Lectured during weekly recitation sections
- Developed exam questions and graded quizzes, homework and exams
Dr. Wei Sun, Biomedical Engineering Department, Georgia Tech
- Lectured during weekly recitation sections
- Developed exam questions and graded quizzes, homework and exams
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Design
Martin Jacobson, Biomedical Engineering Department, Georgia Tech
- Led team of undergraduate TAs in running design lab course
- Mentored student groups and graded group work
Martin Jacobson, Biomedical Engineering Department, Georgia Tech
- Led team of undergraduate TAs in running design lab course
- Mentored student groups and graded group work
Undergraduate Learning Assistant for Study Abroad Program – Transport Phenomena in Living Systems
Dr. Kenneth Diller, Biomedical Engineering Maymester, Cambridge, UK
- Assist in teaching 20 sophomore and junior students
- Hosted daily office hours and created chapter and test review material
Dr. Kenneth Diller, Biomedical Engineering Maymester, Cambridge, UK
- Assist in teaching 20 sophomore and junior students
- Hosted daily office hours and created chapter and test review material
Undergraduate Learning Assistant – Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Design
Dr. Stephen Marek, Biomedical Engineering Department, UT Austin
- Assist in teaching 20 freshmen students in design lab
- Maintain cell lines for junior level lab course
Dr. Stephen Marek, Biomedical Engineering Department, UT Austin
- Assist in teaching 20 freshmen students in design lab
- Maintain cell lines for junior level lab course
Aug. 2020 - Apr. 2021
May 2018 - Aug. 2020
Jan. 2018 - May 2018
Aug. 2017 - Dec. 2017
May 2016 - Jun. 2016
Aug. 2015 - May 2016
Invited Lectures
1. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate the Role of Cancer Cell Mechanics in Metastasis. BioE Seminar Course, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, Feb. 16, 2024, and Feb. 21, 2025.
2. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Disparities in Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. George Washington University, Washington, DC, Feb. 9, 2024.
3. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate Metastasis by Linking Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome. Future Leaders in Mechanobiology Seminar Series, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, Dec. 13, 2023.
4. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Cancer Epidemiology and Environmental Racism. Vanderbilt School of Medicine Advanced Concepts in Cancer Biology Course, Nashville, TN, Dec. 2, 2022, and Dec. 6, 2023.
5. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate the Role of Cancer Cell Mechanics in Metastasis. FIRST Future Faculty Symposium, University of Texas Southwestern and University of Texas Dallas, Dallas, TX, Nov. 6, 2023.
6. Racial Health Disparities: Learning through the Lens of a Cancer Researcher. University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, Jul. 11, 2023.
7. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate Metastatic Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome. University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, Jul. 10, 2023.
8. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Disparities in Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Program for Talented Youth Mentor Immersion Experience: Biomedical Engineering Approaches to Cancer, Nashville, TN, May 4, 2022, and Nov. 30, 2022.
9. Racial Health Disparities: Learning through the Lens of a Cancer Researcher. Vanderbilt University 2022 Biomaterials Day, Nashville, TN, Oct. 28, 2022.
10. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate Metastatic Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome. Quantitative Systems Biology Center Seminar Series, Nashville, TN, Aug. 31, 2022.
11. Microfluidic Platform for High-Throughput Stiffness Based Cell Sorting. Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Short Course: Microfluidic Device Fabrication, Nashville, TN, Jun. 17, 2022.
12. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Disparities in Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, Apr. 25, 2022.
13. Relating mechanical and genetic data at single cell level across the genome to investigate metastasis. University of Texas, Austin, TX, Feb. 18, 2022.
14. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities Workshop. Three-Lecture Series for Faculty, Students, and Staff in Atlanta, GA, Feb. 25/Mar. 25/Apr. 29, 2021.
1. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate the Role of Cancer Cell Mechanics in Metastasis. BioE Seminar Course, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, Feb. 16, 2024, and Feb. 21, 2025.
2. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Disparities in Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. George Washington University, Washington, DC, Feb. 9, 2024.
3. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate Metastasis by Linking Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome. Future Leaders in Mechanobiology Seminar Series, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, Dec. 13, 2023.
4. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Cancer Epidemiology and Environmental Racism. Vanderbilt School of Medicine Advanced Concepts in Cancer Biology Course, Nashville, TN, Dec. 2, 2022, and Dec. 6, 2023.
5. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate the Role of Cancer Cell Mechanics in Metastasis. FIRST Future Faculty Symposium, University of Texas Southwestern and University of Texas Dallas, Dallas, TX, Nov. 6, 2023.
6. Racial Health Disparities: Learning through the Lens of a Cancer Researcher. University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, Jul. 11, 2023.
7. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate Metastatic Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome. University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, Jul. 10, 2023.
8. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Disparities in Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Program for Talented Youth Mentor Immersion Experience: Biomedical Engineering Approaches to Cancer, Nashville, TN, May 4, 2022, and Nov. 30, 2022.
9. Racial Health Disparities: Learning through the Lens of a Cancer Researcher. Vanderbilt University 2022 Biomaterials Day, Nashville, TN, Oct. 28, 2022.
10. Expanding the Genomechanics Toolbox: New Techniques to Investigate Metastatic Mechanical and Genetic Data at Single Cell Level across the Genome. Quantitative Systems Biology Center Seminar Series, Nashville, TN, Aug. 31, 2022.
11. Microfluidic Platform for High-Throughput Stiffness Based Cell Sorting. Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Short Course: Microfluidic Device Fabrication, Nashville, TN, Jun. 17, 2022.
12. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities: Disparities in Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, Apr. 25, 2022.
13. Relating mechanical and genetic data at single cell level across the genome to investigate metastasis. University of Texas, Austin, TX, Feb. 18, 2022.
14. Cancer and Racial Health Disparities Workshop. Three-Lecture Series for Faculty, Students, and Staff in Atlanta, GA, Feb. 25/Mar. 25/Apr. 29, 2021.
Students Mentored
1. Varun Tulpule – Rice BioE Master’s student
2. Mehmet Acikel – Rice Biochem Undergraduate
Co-author on 1 publication, 2 publications in preparation, and 2 presentations
Co-author on 1 publication, 2 publications in preparation, and 2 presentations
3. Xavi Gallart – Rice BioE Undergraduate
Co-author on 1 publication, 2 publications in preparation, and 2 presentations; 1 first-author publication in preparation
Co-author on 1 publication, 2 publications in preparation, and 2 presentations; 1 first-author publication in preparation
4. Avery Valz – Vanderbilt BME Undergraduate
Co-author on 2 publications in preparation and 11 presentations; Presented own work as a poster at national conference
Co-author on 2 publications in preparation and 11 presentations; Presented own work as a poster at national conference
5. Bryne Knowles – Vanderbilt BME Undergraduate
Co-author on 2 publications in preparation and 11 presentations
Co-author on 2 publications in preparation and 11 presentations
6. Ryan Zurcher – Vanderbilt MHS Undergraduate
Co-author on 2 publications in preparation and 11 presentations
Co-author on 2 publications in preparation and 11 presentations
7. Nicole Latka – Georgia Tech Bio Undergraduate
Co-author on 1 publication
Co-author on 1 publication
8. Sydney Bules – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
Co-author on 1 publication; Recipient of Presidential Undergraduate Research Award
Co-author on 1 publication; Recipient of Presidential Undergraduate Research Award
9. Kelly Ahkee – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
Co-author on 2 publications and 2 presentations
Co-author on 2 publications and 2 presentations
10. Mariana Holguin-Lopez – GSU Neurosci Undergraduate
Petit Undergraduate Research Scholar
Petit Undergraduate Research Scholar
11. Saif Kabariti – Georgia Tech MechE Undergraduate
Co-author on 1 publication
Co-author on 1 publication
12. Jimmy Hankish – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
13. Alex Chapman – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
14. Kyle Turbyfield – Georgia Tech MSE Undergraduate
Kimberly Clark collaboration
Kimberly Clark collaboration
15. Lilly King – Georgia Tech ChBE Undergraduate
Petit Undergraduate Research Scholar; Co-author on 1 publication in preparation
Petit Undergraduate Research Scholar; Co-author on 1 publication in preparation
16. Eric Biederman – Georgia Tech MechE Undergraduate
Kimberly Clark collaboration
Kimberly Clark collaboration
17. Nathan Palmer – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
Kimberly Clark collaboration
Kimberly Clark collaboration
18. Varun Rajagopal – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
Kimberly Clark collaboration
Kimberly Clark collaboration
19. Vaishnavi Andra – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
Co-author on 1 publication
Co-author on 1 publication
20. Maureen McGough – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
Kimberly Clark collaboration
Kimberly Clark collaboration
21. Jill Ortner – Georgia Tech BME Undergraduate
Co-author on 1 publication
Co-author on 1 publication
Aug. 2025 - Present
Nov. 2024 - Present
Aug. 2024 - Present
Aug. 2022 - May 2024
Dec. 2022 - Dec. 2023
Dec. 2022 - Oct. 2023
Jan. 2020 - May 2021
Aug. 2019 - May 2021
Sep. 2018 - May 2021
Jan. 2020 - Dec. 2020
Aug. 2018 - Dec. 2020
Aug. 2019 - Nov. 2020
Aug. 2019 - May 2020
Jun. 2018 - Jan. 2020
Jan. 2019 - Dec. 2019
Jan. 2018 - Dec. 2019
May 2017 - May 2019
Jan. 2017 - Jun. 2018
Aug. 2017 - May 2018
Jan. 2017 - Dec. 2017
Sep. 2016 - Dec. 2017
NextProf Nexus Conference Invitee
Selected to participate in 4 day conference to strengthen and diversify the next generation of academic leaders in engineering
Selected to participate in 4 day conference to strengthen and diversify the next generation of academic leaders in engineering
Cancer Biology Retreat Best Postdoctoral Presentation
Selected for best postdoctoral presentation at annual cancer biology department retreat
Selected for best postdoctoral presentation at annual cancer biology department retreat
Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association (VPA) Symposium Poster Competition Winner
Selected as one of top three poster presentations of annual VPA symposium
Selected as one of top three poster presentations of annual VPA symposium
Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology (VCOM) Poster Competition Winner
Third place in poster competition at inaugural VCOM Retreat
Third place in poster competition at inaugural VCOM Retreat
Burroughs Wellcome Young Investigator Award
Recognition of talented early career Postdoctoral Fellows with highest-ranked general abstracts for 2022 BMES Conference
Recognition of talented early career Postdoctoral Fellows with highest-ranked general abstracts for 2022 BMES Conference
Aug. 2024
Dec. 2022
Oct. 2022
Aug. 2022
Aug. 2022
Graduate Awards
IBB Above and Beyond Award
Annual graduate student award from the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB)
Annual graduate student award from the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB)
Ford Foundation Fellowship Honorable Mentions
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine dissertation fellowship competition
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine dissertation fellowship competition
NCI Graduate Student Recruitment Program
Selective program to recruit outstanding students to postdoctoral positions at the National Cancer Institute
Selective program to recruit outstanding students to postdoctoral positions at the National Cancer Institute
BME Outstanding Departmental Service Award
Annual graduate student award from Georgia Tech BME Department
Annual graduate student award from Georgia Tech BME Department
BME Outstanding Community Service Award
Annual graduate student award from Georgia Tech BME Department
Annual graduate student award from Georgia Tech BME Department
Ford Foundation Fellowship Honorable Mentions
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine predoctoral fellowship competition
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine predoctoral fellowship competition
Hertz Fellowship Semifinalist
Prestigious merit-based fellowship from The Hertz Foundation
Prestigious merit-based fellowship from The Hertz Foundation
Dec. 2021
Mar. 2021
Mar. 2021
Apr. 2019
Apr. 2018
Mar. 2018
Dec. 2016
Cockrell School of Engineering Honors Program
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin
Neal Kocurek St. David’s Scholarship
St. David’s Foundation
St. David’s Foundation
ARCS Foundation Scholar Northside Hospital Award
ARCS Foundation Atlanta
ARCS Foundation Atlanta
President’s Fellowship
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology
Collaborative Research Proposal Award
Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology
Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology
Collaborative Research Proposal Award
Rice Bioengineering Department
Rice Bioengineering Department
$40,000
Aug. 2012 – May 2016
Aug. 2012 – May 2016
$30,000
Aug. 2012 – Aug. 2020
Aug. 2012 – Aug. 2020
$25,500
Aug. 2019 – Aug. 2021
Aug. 2019 – Aug. 2021
$22,000
Aug. 2016 – Aug. 2020
Aug. 2016 – Aug. 2020
$15,000
Jun. 2023 – Jun. 2024
Jun. 2023 – Jun. 2024
$2,500
Jul. 2025 – Jul. 2026
Jul. 2025 – Jul. 2026
Rice Postdoctoral Association President
Rice University
Rice University
BMES Session Chair
Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting - Biomechanics in Cell and Tissue Engineering Track
Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting - Biomechanics in Cell and Tissue Engineering Track
Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Vice President
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt Employee Housing Working Group
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University
VCOM Session Chair
Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology Annual Retreat
Vanderbilt Center on Mechanobiology Annual Retreat
College of Engineering Graduate Advisory Council Member
Georgia Institute of Technology College of Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology College of Engineering
Graduate Student Advocacy Board Secretary
Georgia Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering Department
Georgia Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering Department
Graduate Student Advocacy Board President
Georgia Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering Department
Georgia Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering Department
Jun. 2025 - Present
Oct. 2025
Oct. 2024
Oct. 2022
Oct. 2024
Oct. 2022
Jul. 2023 - Jul. 2024
Nov. 2022 - May 2023
Aug. 2022
Sep. 2019 - May 2021
May 2019 - May 2020
Aug. 2017 - May 2019