Email: nicole.angel@duke.edu

Nikki is in her 4th year in Shyni Varghese’s and Brent Hoffman’s labs. Her research focuses on understanding the interplay between biomechanics and inflammation on the regulation of fibroblast activity in the context of pulmonary fibrosis. As president of BEPSA, she is excited to work to help give BME students a voice within the department and further build community while getting the opportunity to work with all the other amazing members of BEPSA. When she’s not in lab, she enjoys running, spending time with her cats, and hanging out with friends.

Email: daniel.p.marshall@duke.edu

Daniel is a third-year PhD student in the Grill Lab. His research focuses on developing novel methods for modeling peripheral nerve stimulation, with the goal of advancing our understanding of neural responses to electrical stimulation and designing improved neuromodulation therapies. As vice president of BEPSA, he is excited to contribute to the resources and opportunities that BEPSA creates, and work with faculty to meet the needs of students. Outside of work, he enjoys playing volleyball, producing music, cooking, and playing board games.

Email: clare.cook@duke.edu

Clare Cook is a 4th year PhD student in the Computational Optics Lab. Her research focuses on high-speed, 3D imaging techniques for mesoscale samples. Her primary duty as CFO is to aid the rest of the executive board and the committee chairs in realizing their goals by acquiring and approving funding.Outside of lab, she enjoys running, rock-climbing, and eating ice cream.

Email: julia.foust@duke.edu

Julia is a 4th year PhD student in the Horstmeyer and Toth labs. Her research explores biomedical optical imaging problems - especially related to ophthalmology - such as optimal focusing for long-range optical coherence tomography (OCT) and helping create a next-generation microscope-integrated OCT device for intraoperative use. As CTO, her main role is to oversee the BEPSA website and social media, making sure that available resources are up-to-date. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, being in nature, and hanging out with family & friends (including her ~2 year old Siberian cat!).

Email: lauren.onweller@duke.edu

Lauren is a third-year PhD student in the Reker lab. In her research, she aims to use active machine learning to engineer nanoparticles for combination therapy applications. Her primary role as Co-Events chair is to plan events for the BME department such as socials, food events, and more with Sophie and Derek as well as support the rest of the executive board. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, crocheting, and spending time with her orange tabby cats. 

Email: derek.pang@duke.edu

Derek is a second year PhD student in the Luck Injury Biomechanics Lab, studying the injury risks and mechanisms of traumatic brain injury, concussion, and loading of the head/neck from head-supported masses such as helmets and night vision goggles. Outside of the office, he enjoys backpacking or camping, caffeinated drinks, and things that go boom!

Email: sophie.shi@duke.edu

Sophie is a second year PhD student in T.Dunn Lab. Her research focuses on behavioral study in motor-related neural diseases. She uses deep-learning tools to quantitatively assess behavioral deficits in stroke, enabling sensitive and high-throughput investigation of preclinical treatment. Her role as an event co-chairs is to hold fun events and help organize the recruitment for the department. Outside of work, she really enjoys rock-climbing, crafting, baking, making vlogs, exploring good food… – anything that is fun and refreshing!

Email: kathryn.turk@duke.edu

Kat is a second year PhD student in the Grill Lab, studying peripheral nerve stimulation. Her research includes human, animal and computational studies to understand on and off target trade offs and design more effective therapies. Her role as outreach chair involves organizing community-centered events including blood drives, collaboration with local community centers, and educational opportunities with local educational groups. When not in the lab, she enjoys gardening, camping, live music and knitting.

Email: trina.nguyentu@duke.edu

Trina is a second-year PhD student in Josh Huang's lab. Her research focuses on developing molecular brain tools within programmable RNA-sensing technology to detect and manipulate neuronal cell types. Her role as outreach chair involves organizing STEM and community service outreach events for the department. When not in the lab, she enjoys rock climbing, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends.