Chris Lemmon, PhD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Lemmon is the Inez Caudill, Jr. Distinguished Professor in Biomedical Engineering. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University, his M.S. from the University of Wisconsin in Mechanical Engineering, and his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He joined VCU Biomedical Engineering in 2012 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the Duke University Medical Center. His research has focused on extracellular matrix assembly, mechanobiology, and cell-matrix signaling. 

GRADUATE STUDENTS

KRISTin kim
​(Phd CANDIDATE)

B.S. Biomedical Engineering,
​VCU 2020
Research Summary: Renal fibrosis is a major characteristic of chronic kidney disease, which affects almost 1 in 10 people in the US alone. I am interested in studying the dynamic interactions between cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix that induce renal fibrosis. I use a combination of in silico and in vitro techniques to study renal fibrosis in a 3D spheroid model. This will provide a novel tool for future research in the field. 
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Clubs: Biomedical Graduate Student Council/ EPIC (Engineering Practice in Colors) / BME Society Member/ ASMB Student Member

mayzie espey
​(phd student)

B.S. Material Science and Engineering, BSU 2021

​Research Summary:
Hobbies: I enjoy wood working, doing puzzles, book binding, playing video games, reading, legos, and snowboarding.
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aimee straka
​(phd student)

B.S. Biomedical Engineering, 
​Virginia Tech 2024​

​Research Summary: 
Hobbies: I recently completed my first marathon hope to do an ultra one day. I also started rock climbing about 2 years ago. When I'm not feeling sporty, I enjoy writing free verse poetry or diving into a good novel.
Clubs: VCU Cross Country and Track Club, VCU Society of Women Engineers

wesam elhawabri (pHd Student)

B.S. Biomedical Engineering,
​VCU 2022​

​Research Summary:
Hobbies:
Clubs:

prerak thakkar
​(ms student)

B.S. Biomedical Engineering,
​VCU 2024​

​Research Summary:
Hobbies:
Clubs:

undergraduate students

abby brooks

BS, Biomedical Engineering (Anticipated Spring 2025)

mahwish khan

B.S., Biomedical Engineering (Anticipated Spring 2027)​

drew rich

B.S., Biomedical Engineering (Anticipated Spring 2027)

out and about