People

Born and raised in Xi’an, China, Qinhan graduated from Xi’an Jiaotong University and received a BS in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics in 2018. He has participated in undergraduate research programs and studied pattern avoidance problems and ODE-based epidemic models throughout his undergraduate career. This research experience benefited him in developing an interest in mathematical modeling and its application in medicine. Furthermore, it led him to pursue a PhD in BME. Qinhan is investigating the anisotropic biomechanical properties of vaginal tissue via planar biaxial testing. His favorite animal is an owl!

Mari is from Mililani, Hawai’i. She graduated with her BS in Bioengineering from Oregon State University and her MS in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University. Mari is part of the murine reproductive health team, primarily focusing on the mechanics of the cervix and uterus. She currently serves as the workshop chair for the ASME-BED Student Leadership Committee. Outside of work, she enjoys watching sports, Disney, and cooking.

Lily is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2021, she received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Union College in Schenectady, New York. Lily is part of the murine reproductive health team, primarily focusing on the vagina. Outside of research, her focus has primarily been on STEM education through Boys and Girls Clubs. Her hobbies change every six months, including painting, crocheting, and beach reading. 

Fatemeh is from Tabriz, Iran, and graduated with a BSc in Materials Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in 2023. Her undergraduate research centered on the biomechanical properties of PLA-Mg composite scaffolds, fabricated using the FDM technique. This project sparked her passion for biomechanics, which she is now pursuing in further studies. Outside of academia, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and discovering new experiences.

Annika completed her previous studies at the University of Washington—Seattle. Her research experience has intersected basic sciences, clinical, and public/global health work. Through the Miller and Pence lab, she aims to gain a deeper understanding of female reproductive organs, with a specific emphasis on changes during the perinatal period and pregnancy-associated outcomes.

Deepa is an undergraduate student at UTD pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering with a minor in biology. She joined the BG&R lab in Spring 2023 to further explore her interest in women’s reproductive health. She plans on working as a physician. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and reading.

Sugkirthy is from McKinney, TX. She majors in biomedical engineering and aspires to work in the medical devices industry upon graduation. Her research interest stems from her aspirations of developing medical devices to treat various conditions, specifically those related to women’s reproductive health.