People

ENTCHEVA LAB MEMBERS

 Dr. Emilia Entcheva, PI

Maria R. Pozo, PhD student (2019 - ) 

I first got started in research as an undergraduate at UMD, studying bacterial quorum sensing and electrochemistry. Since joining the Entcheva Lab in 2019 I’ve gotten the chance to learn a lot about advanced imaging modalities and high-throughput assays for cardiac applications. I’m particularly interested in the connection to stem cell technology and how the combination of all those tools can be used for personalized medicine approaches. Outside the lab, my biggest passions are eating and cooking (in that order!).

Morgan Pettebone, PhD student (2023 - )

Hi, I’m Morgan! I’m originally from Baltimore, MD, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2022. My research interests focus on developing high-throughput approaches for optogenetic stimulation of cardiac tissue and exploring how cardiac spheroids and organoids function and behave compared to traditional 2D monolayers. Outside the lab, I love hiking, backpacking and bikepacking, baking cookies, going to concerts, traveling to new places, and (most of all) spending time relaxing with my cat, Junie.

En-Chi (Angel) Lai, PhD student (2026 - )

My name is En-Chi Lai, but most people call me Angel. I’m originally from Taiwan. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at Cardiff University in the UK, and I’ve just finished my master’s degree at Imperial College London, where I focused on regenerative medicine. I’m particularly interested in cardiac physiology and in developing scalable approaches for heart regeneration, which is why I’m very excited to have the opportunity to join Professor Entcheva’s lab. Outside the lab, I also love dancing, hip hop is my strongest style, but I’m always open to exploring others. So if I’m not in the lab, you might just find me in the dance studio!

Chiedza Sibanda, MS Thesis student (2025 - )

My name is Chiedza, and I’m originally from Zimbabwe. I received my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed post-undergraduate research at Boston Medical Center, where I focused on targeted gene manipulation on cardiac cell development. I am currently interested in the intersection of engineering and physiology, with a particular focus on applying optogenetic approaches in cardiac cells. Outside of lab I have grown a love for drawing, painting, pottery, playing the cello, and I would call myself a dedicated plant mom with eleven plants.

Olivia Chesla, Undergraduate student (2025 - )

I am an undergraduate biomedical engineering major who joined in Spring 2025! I am from Bel Air, Maryland, and I also play on the lacrosse team for GW! In the lab, I am primarily focused on cardiac spheroid formation and optimization with different cell types. When I am off of the field or outside of the lab, I love to go on long walks and am into film photography! I intend on pursuing a master’s degree after graduation to further develop my learning!

Jillian O'Kean, Undergraduate student (2025 - )

My name is Jillian and I am an undergraduate student who joined the lab during my sophomore year. My current research project focuses on myofibroblast transition. I am originally from New Jersey, and outside of the lab I enjoy doing crafts, reading, and cooking. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue a career in research and development, with the goal of applying scientific research to solve real-world problems.

• Yuli Heinson, Postdoctoral Fellow (2020 - 2024)

• Weizhen Li, PhD student and Postdoctoral Fellow (2018 - 2024)

• Julie L. Han, PhD student and Postdoctoral Fellow (2017 - 2023)

• Gantt Meridith, PhD student (2020 - 2023)

• Wei Liu, Postdoctoral Fellow (2018 - 2020)

• Michael Pressler, Undergraduate student and research assistant (2018-2022)

• Christianne J. Chua, Undergraduate and MS student (2018-2021)

• Michael Degaga, Undergraduate and MS student (2018-2021)

• Sarah E. Schrup, Physics Honors Thesis undergraduate (2017-2019)

• Aleksandra E. Klimas, PhD student and Postdoctoral Fellow (2012 - 2018)

• Christina M. Ambrosi, Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate (2012 - 2017)

• Cookie Yu, Undergraduate and PhD student (2010 - 2018)

• Zhiheng Jia, PhD student (2007 - 2012)

• Harold Bien, PhD student, Postdoctoral Fellow, Collaborator (2002 - 2018)

• CY Chung, PhD student (2007 - 2012)

• Pei Ye, PhD student (2008 - 2012)

• Lihong Yin, MS Thesis student (2001 - 2004)

• to be completed....