Jones Lab Members
Name: Caroline N. Jones, PhD
Title: Principal Investigator, Assistant Professor of UTD Bioengineering
Assistant Professor of UTSW Biomedical Engineering
Contact: Caroline.Jones@UTDallas.edu Caroline.JonesBowen@UTSouthwestern.edu
Affiliations: Biological Sciences, Microbiology
Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health
Genetics, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
I received my B.S. in Biological and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University in 2002, followed by an M.Eng. in the same field from Cornell in 2003, where I worked in the Bioanalytical Microsystems & Biosensors laboratory with Antje Baeumner to develop universal pathogen biosensors. My graduate work focused on engineering cellular microenvironments under the guidance of Alexander Revzin in the Laboratory of Microfabrication and Nanotechnology for Manipulation and Analysis of Cellular Systems, leading to a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, in 2010.
My postdoctoral training in BioMEMS and immune cell migration was conducted with Mehmet Toner and Daniel Irimia at the Center for Engineering in Medicine and BioMEMS Resource Center of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School from 2010 to 2015. In August 2015, I joined Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University as an assistant professor of Biological Sciences, where I continue to advance my research and contribute to the academic community.
Name: Grace K. Chirezi
Title: Lab Manager/Research Associate
Contact: grace.chirezi@utdallas.edu; grace.chirezi@utsouthwestern.edu
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Saint Mary in Nebraska, along with certifications in Phlebotomy and Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Red Cross. Additionally, I serve as an event coordinator for the nonprofit organization EMEMO. Recently, I have developed an interest in learning new languages and writing, and I volunteer as a tutor to help children learn how to read. In my leisure time, I enjoy singing, cooking, spending time in nature, and especially peace and quiet.
Name: Shuai Shao
Title: PhD candidate
Contact: shuai.shao@utdallas.edu; shuai.shao@utsouthwestern.edu
I obtained my B.A. degree in Biological Sciences from Cornell University and my M.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University. In the summer of 2021, I joined the Department of Bioengineering at UT Dallas as a PhD student, where I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of cancer immunotherapy.
My research focuses on the integration of microfluidics, 3D cell culture, and tissue engineering to elucidate the complex role of neutrophils in the solid tumor microenvironment and evaluate novel cancer immunotherapy strategies. Utilizing a microfluidic device, I have uncovered the significant role of direct cell-cell contact in the tumor-promoting mechanisms of human neutrophils and the tumor-suppressive effects of CXCR2 inhibition as a neutrophil-targeting immunotherapy.
Currently, I am developing a vascularized microphysiological system to study neutrophil extravasation into tumor tissue, mimicked by hydrogel-embedded tumor spheroids. This innovative approach aims to provide deeper insights into the interactions within the tumor microenvironment and pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Name: Hossein Razmi Bagtash
Title: PhD Candidate
Contact: hossein.razmibagtash@utdallas.edu hossein.razmibagtash@utsouthwestern.edu
Research Interests: Microfluidics, Innate Immunity, Stem Cells, Sepsis, Tumor Immunology, Medical Diagnosis, Host-Pathogen Interaction, Clinical Research.
As a PhD candidate in Dr. Caroline N. Jones’s lab in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, I am deeply engaged in groundbreaking research on host-pathogen interactions. I earned my master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University in Iran, where I designed and developed a multi-shear stress generator microchip to study the effect of interstitial flow on the alignment and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
My current PhD research focuses on understanding how immune cell migratory decision-making can regulate immune diseases such as sepsis. Through this work, I aim to uncover critical insights that could lead to more effective treatments for these complex conditions.
Outside the lab, I enjoy immersing myself in music, photography, and film. I also love creating educational content and playing soccer. These activities provide a creative outlet and balance to my research endeavors.
Name: Naomie Mirindi Neema
Title: Graduate Research Assistant
Contact: naomiemirindi.neema@utdallas.edu, Naomie.Neema@UTSouthwestern.edu
I completed my master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2022. In the fall of 2023, I joined Dr. Jones’ lab as a graduate research assistant, pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at UT Dallas.
My research focuses on developing a microarray-based microfluidic key for secure access to DNA storage. This innovative technology serves as an automated control mechanism, granting access only to authorized users after authentication and precisely targeting and retrieving specific data. I am particularly interested in the potential applications of this research, as it combines electrochemical and biological systems to tackle the complex challenges of securing DNA data storage in today’s data-driven world. Outside of the lab, I enjoy singing, exploring new cultures, and gardening. These activities provide a balanced and enriching complement to my research work.
Name: Grady Kathondo Mukubwa
Title: PhD Candidate
Contact: grady.mukubwa@utdallas.edu, grady.mukubwa@utsouthwestern.edu
I am a dedicated and passionate researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, with an affiliation at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Université Catholique du Graben, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree with honors in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Kinshasa. I then advanced my studies by obtaining a Master of Science in Chemistry, with a research concentration in Polymer and Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery, from Rhodes University.
My research focuses on Microfluidics, Immunology, and Virology. My current project involves modeling Jeremy Point Virus infection in a microfluidic device to study the trafficking of neutrophils and B cells. This cutting-edge research is funded by the National Institute of Health (5R21AI156546-02) and represents a collaborative effort between the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Florida. I have an impressive academic record, with six publications on my Google Scholar profile, including three first-author papers. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am an avid reader with diverse interests spanning novels, psychology, philosophy, religion, politics, and economics. I have a deep appreciation for music, enjoy reading music sheets, and play classical guitar. In my spare time, I love to spend time with friends, take relaxing walks while listening to classical piano music, and explore new places such as parks and museums. I also engage in various fitness activities to stay energized, including stretching, lifting, and jogging.
Name: Adam Shebindu
Title: PhD Candidate
Contact: heritier.adam@utdallas.edu heritier.adam@utsouthwestern.edu
As a 4th year PhD candidate, my research focuses on developing microfluidics tools to study neuroimmune interactions. I hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a graduate certification in Business Intelligence.
With several years of industry experience as both a mechanical and process engineer, I currently lead Bora Technology, a firm of engineers and scientists dedicated to developing innovative technology in the Congo. In addition to my professional pursuits, I host a leadership podcast called “Unbounded Growth,” which aims to inspire personal growth and cultivate future leaders.
Outside of my research and professional commitments, I dedicate my weekends to volunteering at local churches across the DFW metroplex, striving to give back to the community and make a positive impact.
Research Interest: Drug delivery, Immunotherapy, Microbubbles, Microfluidics, Immunotherapy
I earned my master’s degree in Biotechnology from Banasthali Vidyapith, India. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on bio-desulfurization using genetically modified organisms. I joined the University of Texas at Dallas as a master’s student and became a member of Dr. Caroline N. Jones’s lab in the fall of 2022. My graduate project involves developing polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated ultrasound contrast agents for neutrophil-based immunotherapy. My primary objective is to design a novel formulation (PEI Microbubble), conjugate it with neutrophils, and investigate the migration patterns of the conjugates towards different chemoattractants using microfluidic chips.
When I’m not doing research, I enjoy singing, cooking, and playing badminton.