Graduate Students

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Larissa Oprysk (DePamphilis)

Ph.D. Student in Biomedical Engineering

M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

BA.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-depamphilis/

Larissa is a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, and fellow in the NIH PhD Training in Biotechnology at Rutgers University.
Larissa’s current research focuses on computational modeling of cellular mechanisms and cell to cell interactions involved in retinal stem cell transplantation for vision restoration. She uses agent based modeling techniques to uncover unknown mechanisms behind the migration and infiltration of photoreceptor replacement cells with a focus on adhesion mediated mechanisms and morphological changes during transplantation.

Fun Fact: Larissa enjoys spending time with her puppies and playing board games in her free time and is passionate about using science and engineering to help those with disabilities.

Juan Sebastián Peña

Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering
M.Eng. Biomedical Engineering

B.Eng. Biomedical Engineering

Email: juan.s.pena@rutgers.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/juan-sebastián-peña-carvajal-54004481

Juan Sebastián is a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, and fellow in the NIH PhD Training in Biotechnology at Rutgers University. Juan's current research focuses on evaluating the contribution of Muller glia (MG) cells to the integrity and impermeability of the inner blood retinal barrier (iBRB), focusing in the interaction of endothelial cells and MG to form a selective physiological barrier. Currently, Juan's work involves the design and development of a microfluidic device to explore this phenomenon to advance therapies in diabetic retinopathy.

Fun Fact: Juan is an avid art enthusiast. He paints and draws in his free time. Over the years he has created digital illustrations that he incorporates in his scientific publications.

Janell Mason

Ph.D. Student in Biomedical Engineering

B.Sci. Biomedical Engineering

Email: janell.mason@rutgers.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janell-mason/

Janell Mason is a PhD student in biomedical engineering at Rutgers University. Janell’s research examines the morphologies of primary glial cells and endothelial cells, as well as the presence of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) to understand the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy. One day, she wishes to work on a project that links epilepsy with diabetic retinopathy.

Fun Fact: Janell also DJs and enjoys dancing and in her free time, she has a strong passion for leadership as she as a member of the National Society of Black Engineers