Ariel Willson-Gray and Zorah Williams, CBEE undergraduates, participated in the ACS Spring 2025 Conference in San Diego, CA at the end of March. They each presented the innovative research they have been working on while at UMBC.

Ariel Willson-Gray is a Chemical Engineering undergraduate student on the Biotechnology and Bioengineering track who works in Dr. Almodovar’s lab. Ariel’s project explores how a layered surface of collagen and heparin can influence the properties and production of extracellular vesicles from living cells. 

Ariel shared, “Although ACS is a chemistry-focused meeting, I had insightful conversations and connected with amazing researchers in biomedical engineering, who shared valuable insights about research and career paths in the field. I also had the pleasure of meeting Dr. John Macklin, from the University of Washington, whose background is in chemistry. He generously offered thoughtful advice and guidance on navigating STEM as a Black scientist, which I deeply appreciated.”

Zorah Williams is a Chemical Engineering undergraduate student on the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Track. Zorah presented her summer research on behalf of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) which focused on the role of filter-feeding organisms in improving water quality by reducing excess nutrients. 

Zorah shared, “Throughout the conference, I had the chance to connect with students, researchers, and professionals from across the country and the world. It was an amazing experience getting to engage with other researchers, exchange ideas, and gain feedback on my work. I also had the chance to reconnect with a friend from high school who was also presenting, and we had a chance to see each other's work and catch up. This was also my first time visiting San Diego, and I really enjoyed trying local restaurants and exploring the city with other students. This was all made possible by the support of the Meyerhoff Program and UMBC. I highly encourage students to consider attending next year, as it's a valuable chance to grow professionally, make connections, and explore somewhere new!”

Read more about these students’ research below.

Poster Title: Production of Extracellular Vesicles from Mammalian Cells Modulated by a Biomimetic Surface

Authors: Ariel Wilson-Gray, Melanie Nelson, and Jorge Almodovar

Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized compartments secreted by cells as part of cellular signaling. Encased in a lipid bilayer, they carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, making them promising candidates for drug delivery, diagnostics, and immunotherapy. However, conventional isolation methods face challenges due to EV variability. This study compares EV production from three cell types—NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, human Schwann cells, and human mesenchymal stem cells—using two isolation techniques: chemical isolation alone and in combination with centrifuge filtration. Findings show that integrating centrifuge filtration enhances purification, yielding smaller EVs associated with intercellular communication. Additionally, we investigate EV production on a biomimetic surface composed of heparin and collagen. Collagen facilitates sustained miRNA release, potentially improving EV therapeutic applications, while heparin inhibits EV transfer between cells, allowing for accumulation and improved isolation. Leveraging heparin’s affinity may provide an additional purification strategy. Future research will explore a collagen/heparin multilayer surface to further optimize EV isolation and composition, complementing existing methods. These advancements could enhance EV-based therapies, broadening their potential impact in medicine.

Poster Title: Evaluating the Impact of Suspension Feeders on Nutrient Levels in the Chesapeake Bay

Authors: Zorah Williams, Ronita Sequeira, Dr. Eric Schott

Abstract: This study assessed the ability of suspension-feeding communities to reduce chlorophyll levels in Baltimore Harbor by filtering out phytoplankton. The project explored the potential of filter-feeding species and whether these communities could positively impact water quality through phytoplankton uptake. The experimental setup consisted of two rafts: one with nylon straps that became populated by a biofouling community of mussels, barnacles, and other suspension feeders and a control raft with nylon straps but without biofouling. Both rafts were located in a part of Baltimore Harbor with high phytoplankton levels due to nutrient-rich urban runoff. Water samples were collected from within and adjacent to the two rafts, and phytoplankton were filtered onto glass fiber filters. Filters were extracted with ethanol, and chlorophyll levels were measured using fluorometry.

To ensure accuracy in chlorophyll measurements, we compared the performance of two fluorometers—a benchtop device and a handheld model—by analyzing their variance levels. This was achieved through a series of rhodamine standards where multiple samples of varying dilutions were measured in triplicate, and their coefficients of variance were calculated. The handheld fluorometer, with its lower variance, was confirmed to provide reliable readings for assessing chlorophyll readings of Chesapeake Bay samples. The extracted chlorophyll from the biofouling community and control rafts were measured, and the findings were statistically compared.

This research is part of a larger initiative to explore the ecosystem services provided by biofouling communities in urban estuaries. By assessing their role in particulate and nitrogen removal and investigating the potential for composting harvested biofouling organisms, this study creates valuable knowledge that may be used to use nature-based methods to better improve water quality.

On April 16, 2025, over 300 undergraduate students shared their research and achievements through oral presentations, poster presentations, artistic exhibits, performances, films, interactive games, and more in the University Center.

Congratulations to all CBEE students who participated in the event!

Oral Presentations

Evalynn Ellison | Ultrasound-Responsive Phospholipid-Coated Microbubbles for Controlled Drug Delivery Across Mucosa | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Canan Dagdeviren

Poster Presentations

Shashane Anderson | Formal Verification of Thermodynamic Models With Lean 4 | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Tyler Josephson

Alvin Bett | Detecting PFAS in Baltimore Harbor Using Novel Passive Samplers | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Jacob Craft | Measuring the Selectivity Coefficients of 19 PFAS With Four Anion-Exchange Membranes | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Joshua Dayie | Engineering CRBN for Improved Assay and Structural Enablement Using DeNovo Protein Scaffolds | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Nicole LaRonde

Trevor Gibson | Hybrid Anion-Exchange Resins Improve the Uptake and Selectivity for (Ultra)Short-Chain PFAS in Drinking Water | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Elias Gilotte | Uncovering The Relationship Between Oxygen Availability and Energy Sources in Cell-free Protein Synthesis | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Govind Rao

Alexander Haibel | GraphARC: An AI Benchmark for Chemical Reasoning | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Tyler Josephson

Sydney Hofstetter | Sucrose Density Gradient Centrifugation Versus Anion Exchange for Exosome Sample Purification | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Jorge Almodovar

Jasmine Ives | Polychlorinated Biphenyl Monitoring in Maryland Fish | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Upal Ghosh

Tonderai Kodzwa | Effect Of Temperature On Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Ozgur Capraz

Peter Lombardo | Percent Viability Screens To Confirm Integral Cell Wall Signaling Kinases In Aspergillus Nidulans | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Terra Miley | Optimization Of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Bioreactors With the Use of a Fluorescent Magnesium Biosensor | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Govind Rao

Meredith Morse | Characterizing The Aspergillus Nidulans Kinase Deletion Library | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Tithi Prajapati | Noninvasive Wearable Device For Transcutaneous CO2 Based Early Detection Of Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Venkatesh Srinivasan

Matthew Quintanilla | Characterization Of Transmembrane Transporters Linked To Cell Wall Stress Response | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Jessica Slaughter | Suite Of Bioinformatic-Analysis Apps For Better Understanding Dynamic Omics Data | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Maaike Swaters | Measuring Ion-exchange Membrane Properties That Control Nutrient Recovery By Donnan Dialysis | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Greeshma Tarimala | Using Gene Editing And Fluorescent Microscopy To Characterize The PrkA Kinase In Aspergillus Nidulans | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Julia Van Der Marel | Monitoring Of NADH Concentrations In Cell-Free Systems | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Govind Rao

Benjamin Welling | Fabrications Of An Autonomous Chemically Powered Vehicle: (AIChE Chem-E Car) | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Neha Raikar

Zorah Williams | Utilizing Manganese-Oxide As An Electrode Material For Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries. | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Ozgur Capraz

Ariel Wilson-Gray | Production Of Extracellular Vesicles From Mammalian Cells Modulated By A Biomimetic Surface | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Jorge Almodovar

Students from McDonogh High School’s Chemical Engineering class visited the Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering (CBEE) on February 27th. They toured lab spaces, heard from faculty and students about their innovative research, and learned about CBEE’s academic program. They were accompanied by Dr. Melanie Batarseh, an Upper School Science Teacher, and Jennifer Little, an Academic Dean.

The visit began with Dr. Marten, the Chair of CBEE, sharing insights about the department’s academic offerings and research projects. McDonogh students shared about the chemical engineering projects they were working on and asked questions about CBEE. COEIT Advisor, Hailey Turney, joined to give an overview of the application process for the CBEE program. Students enjoyed breakfast and won UMBC swag by answering questions about CBEE.

Then, students toured the laboratories of Dr. Josephson, Dr. Almodovar, and Dr. Hennigan. During the tours, ongoing research projects were discussed, equipment demonstrations were given, and lab samples were passed around to inspire curiosity amongst students.

This visit was a great opportunity for high school students to connect with CBEE faculty and students, explore potential engineering career paths, and better understand the real-world impact of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering.

Chemical Biochemical and Environmental Engineering (CBEE)

Fall 2025 PhD Funding Opportunities

Jorge Almodovar, Ph.D.
Engineering polymeric biomaterials for cell manufacturing, tissue repair, and drug delivery
Website: https://cbee.umbc.edu/faculty/jorge-almodovar/

Özgür Çapraz, Ph.D.
Performance of materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems
Website: https://cbee.umbc.edu/faculty/ozgur-capraz/

Corine Jackman Burden, Ph.D.
Bioinformatics, synthetic biology, microfluidics, vaginal microbiome, infectious disease
Website: https://cbee.umbc.edu/faculty/corine-jackman-burden/

Christopher Hennigan, Ph.D.
Aerosol science, health effects, climate change, atmospheric chemistry
Website: https://cbee.umbc.edu/faculty/christopher-hennigan/

Claire Welty, Ph.D. 
Coupled groundwater/surface water modeling of urban systems. 
Website: https://urbanhydrology.umbc.edu/

Upal Ghosh, Ph.D.
Pollutant fate and bioavailability in soils, sediments, and aquatic environments
Website: https://cbee.umbc.edu/faculty/upal-ghosh/

Lee Blaney, Ph.D.
Occurrence, fate/treatment, and transport of contaminants of emerging concern
Website: https://cbee.umbc.edu/faculty/lee-blaney/

Tyler Josephson, Ph.D.
Develop AI and LLM tools and use molecular simulations to understand chemistry in the environment
Website: https://cbee.umbc.edu/faculty/tyler-josephson/

Application details:

Deadline for Ph.D. programs: January 7
Application fee waivers: available by emailing cbeegrad@umbc.edu
Contacting an potential advisor: Students interested in applying are welcome to reach out directly to the faculty members whose research aligns with your specific research interests. Applicants are not required to secure an advisor prior to applying to the program for Fall admission. Applicants should identify which faculty they would like to work with in your 'Statement of academic goals and research interests'

More details on Application process: https://cbee.umbc.edu/academics/graduate-application/

PhD Stipend

$39K+
($39,900/year for 2025–2026; plus tuition remission and health insurance for full-time PhD students)

Learn more about CBEE's graduate progams:  https://cbee.umbc.edu/grad

The College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) Research Day was held on April 19, 2024. Undergraduate and graduate students across the college presented their research covering a range of topics.

Congratulations to the CBEE students who received COEIT Research Day Poster Awards. Poster presenters are in bold. 

Bachelor Student Poster Awards

Authors: Tithi Prajapati, Mike Tolosa, Venkatesh Srinivasan, and Dr. Govind Rao
Department: Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
Poster Title: Affordable Hand-held Portable Spectroscopy Technology for PAT applications

Authors: Mesha Shajahan, Preety Ahuja, and Dr. Govind Rao
Department: Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
Poster Title: Polymer-Carbon Composite for Wearable Transcutaneous CO₂ Sensor

Doctoral Student Poster Awards

Authors: Revati Kadolkar, Vikash Kumar, Venkatesh Srinivasan, Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain, Dr. Douglas Frey, Dr. Govind Rao
Department: Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
Poster Title: Development of a Novel Analytical Sensor Utilizing Ni-NTA and His-tag Affinity for At-Line Quantitative Analysis of Binding Proteins

Honorable Mention – Student Poster Awards

Authors: Alexander G. Doan, Matthew S. Quintanilla, Jessica E. Schafer, Casey M. Douglas, Meredith E. Morse, Dela-Joshua K. Dayie, Kay T. Latt, Julianna C. Wasiuta, Steven D. Harris, and Dr. Mark R. Marten
Department: Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
Poster Title: Crosstalk Between Aspergillus nidulans CWIS and SIN Pathways Under Cell Wall Stress

Authors: Amir Babaei Gharehbagh, Rose Taylor, Joy Kiguru, Alyssa M. Burns, Ann Marie G. Carlton, and Dr. Christopher J. Hennigan
Department: Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
Poster Title: Effects of Inorganic Salts and pH on the Gas-Aqueous Partitioning of Formic Acid and Acetic Acid

Authors: Elias Gilotte, Chad Sundberg, Hasib Hasan, and Dr. Govind Rao
Department: Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
Poster Title: Developing an Online ATP Sensor for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Monitoring

Judges

Thank you to the Research Day Poster Judges for all their help review of posters, specifically,
Jorge Almodovar (CBEE).

We are now accepting applications for the third cohort of the BEMORE REU program at UMBC. 

Application Deadline:

For best consideration, please submit your applications by March 1, 2024.

The BEMORE REU program prepares students to address knowledge gaps, develop new technologies, and bring unique perspectives to complex problems in biochemical and environmental engineering and science.

Students that join the BEMORE REU Site will gain the interdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and training to address a variety of grand challenges.

Research Topics: 

•  water pollution & treatment
• sustainable plastic replacements
• smart polymers
• urban air quality
• novel biomaterials
• sustainable batteries and more. 

Additional details are available at https://bemore.umbc.edu/

Program details:

• June 3, 2024 to August 9, 2024
• $6000 stipend, travel allowance, and free on-campus housing
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories
• Work with a diverse team of faculty and other students
• Learn about current issues in biochemical and environmental engineering and science
• Enjoy field trips, group activities, and our awards banquet

Eligibility:

• All majors are welcome to apply
• Current student at a two- or four-year college or university
• US citizen or permanent resident

APPLY NOW

Questions can be sent to  bemorereu@umbc.edu