arhall[at]wakehealth.edu

BS Physics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2002)

PhD Applied and Materials Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2007)

Postdoc, Technische Universiteit Delft, The Netherlands (2007-2010)

melaguec[at]wakehealth.edu

I was born and raised in Tunisia. In 2023, I earned my Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where I developed my expertise in the field of solid-state nanopore technology.
In September 2023, I became a part of the Hall Lab. My research here is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding by utilizing solid-state nanopore platforms. My work involves developing transitional approaches for the detection of biomarkers, as well as facilitating epigenetic labeling and quantification using solid-state nanopores.
Outside the lab, I find joy in simple pleasures, including reading, cooking, and taking leisurely walks.

derxlebe[at]wakehealth.edu

I grew up in North Carolina and was lucky to spend part of my childhood in Germany, where much of my family still lives. I earned my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from NC State University in 2015. I then worked in the pharmaceutical industry in formulation research and development before joining the Hall lab as a graduate student in 2020. I completed my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering in 2025 and am excited to now continue my work here as a postdoc. I look forward to seeing how our research on glycans continues to unfold! In my free time, you'll find me riding my bike, listening to music, crafting and cooking.

spoddar[at]wakehealth.edu

I was born and brought up in Kolkata, India. I received a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), Varanasi, India where I tried to develop various functional three-dimensional microscale structures using microfluidics, surface micropatterning, freeze-drying, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and electrospinning. I then worked as a postdoctoral scholar in the Nanoscience Technology Center at the University of Central Florida, Orlando where I worked on a NIH funded project to address overdose and acute and chronic efficacy of opioids using a multi-organ human-on-a-chip system. I joined the Hall Lab in December 2022 where my role is to improve the extraction process of hyaluronic acid from the currently existing protocols. When not working I enjoy watching movies, cooking Indian food, making food reels/shorts and exploring new places, restaurants, attractions and reviewing them.

atharv.dixit[at]wfusm.edu

Born in Michigan and raised in Pune, India, I moved to Raleigh, NC in 2018 for my B.S. in Biological Engineering from NC State University. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on research projects across various biological systems from poultry infectious disease diagnostics to growing blue-green algae for biofuel. I worked in a waste management lab where I synthesized biochar-based magnetic nanoparticles investigating biomedical applications for sustainability in medicine. I am fascinated by the interconnectedness and harmony of various biological systems and how humans impact them and adapt to them. This has inspired my interests in circular bioeconomy, sustainability, and translational medicine. At the Hall Lab, I work on solid state nanopores and the characterization of hyaluronan as a biomarker. Outside the lab, I enjoy Indian classical music, playing tennis, and cooking.

haddie.frost[at]wfusm.edu

I was born and raised in Vero Beach, FL and received my BS in Biomedical Engineering at Florida State University in 2023 with a concentration in Biomaterials and Biopolymers. During my undergraduate degree, I did research on stem cell therapy optimization. I am now working towards my PhD in Biomedical Engineering in the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (SBES) under Dr. Hall. My research interests are in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy pool or beach days, live theater, and trying new restaurants.

Damian.Hutchins[at]wfusm.edu

I grew up in Shelby, North Carolina. I received a BS in biomedical science from Gardner-Webb University. I then moved to Winston-Salem to get my MS in biomedical science at Wake Forest University. My interests in research started at a young age. Having been born without a pituitary gland, I spent many days of my youth in the hospital. There I got to learn all about my condition and how the different medications I take work. This early experience around the healthcare field allowed me to get a glimpse of the current limitations of medical treatment. I have now become devoted to finding new ways of improving medical care through translational science research. I am currently a PhD student studying physiology and pharmacology. My current project focuses on the use of patient immune cells to fight cancer. We utilize a microfluidic chip to train t cells to recognize tumor antigens in the hopes of increasing their tumor cytotoxicity. Outside of the lab, I enjoy singing as well as playing both video and board games with friends.

Maxwell.Lee[at]wfusm.edu

I am originally from Northern Virginia and received my bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2022. I am working towards a PhD through the Virginia-Tech Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (SBES) under Dr. Hall. My work in the Hall Lab consists of DNA sequencing using nanopores as well as hyaluronic acid analysis. Outside the lab, I enjoy building computers, reading, cooking, as well as play the cello and guitar.

Dariya.Lizanets[at]wfusm.edu

I was born in Ukraine and came to New Jersey when I was a year old. I have lived in New Jersey pretty much my entire life so I am fairly new to North Carolina, but I am very excited to be in a new place. I graduated from Rutgers University in 2021 with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and I worked in a lab aiming to find a novel approach for the prevention of trauma-induced heterotopic ossification utilizing biomaterial scaffolds. I am now pursuing my PhD in Biomedical Engineering in SBES and am hoping to also do a concentration in regenerative medicine. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are extremely fascinating to me and I have always been interested in research involving the study of disease. My current project involves using biomimetic organoid systems to study the effects of radiation on human lung tissue. Outside of the lab, I love cooking, hiking, and exploring new places.

noor.refaqat[at]wfusm.edu

I was born in Chicago, IL and raised in the Chicago suburbs. I received my bachelor’s in Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2024 with a concentration in Therapeutics. In my undergraduate degree, I became interested in tissue engineering and worked in a lab to synthesize biomaterial scaffolds for directed cellular migration. I am now pursuing my Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering through the Wake Forest-Virginia Tech School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. My research interests lie in regenerative medicine and utilizing 3D culture platforms. Outside of lab, I enjoy reading, crocheting, gardening, and hiking.

Lauren.Washco[at]wfusm.edu

I am from Stafford, New Jersey and grew up at the Jersey Shore. In 2024, I graduated from Muhlenberg College with my BS in Biochemistry. My undergraduate research investigated plant epigenetics and its regulatory role in cold stress. I am working towards my PhD in Molecular Medicine and Translational Science at Wake Forest University School of Medicine under Dr. Hall. My current research aims to utilize solid-state nanopores to look at various levels of DNA damage to measure radiation exposure. Outside of lab I enjoy kayaking, swimming, hiking and golf.

ganni24[at]wfu.edu

I am from Cary, North Carolina, and an undergraduate student at Wake Forest University. My current plan is to major in Psychology with minors in Health Policy & Administration and Neuroscience. In Dr. Hall’s lab, I am working to optimize solid-state nanopore detection to explore microRNA biomarkers for the early detection of cancer. My future aspiration is to attend medical school and specialize in neonatology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing, painting, baking, and playing pickleball.

garram22[at]wfu.edu

I am from Baltimore Maryland and am a second year student at Wake Forest University majoring in both Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Health and Exercise Science. In the Hall lab, I am working on the lung-on-a-chip project with integrated TEER and my research interests include organoids and regenerative medicine. My future aspirations are to attend medical school and enter the field of orthopedics and sports medicine. Outside of the lab I love listening to all genres of music and playing beach and indoor volleyball.