Meet the Team
Dennis Hao Deng
Postdoc Scholar
I earned my PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where my research focused on the dynamics of gene regulation and the spatiotemporal activation thresholds in enhancer-promoter interactions. My current research interest centers on improving T cell cytotoxicity and proliferative function in immunotherapy via biomaterial-based stimulation strategies. Outside of the lab, I enjoy movies, music, and working out.
Marguerite Johnson
PhD Student
My research focuses on leveraging biomaterials to enhance the expansion and function of CAR-T cells, a promising therapeutic approach for immune-related diseases. Prior to joining the BMES program, I worked as a Senior Scientist on the Cell Therapy team at Johnson & Johnson. I received my MS in Pharmacology and Physiology from Drexel University College of Medicine and my BS in Chemistry from Villanova University. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing with my dogs, reading, and traveling.
Binlong Chen
PhD Student
My research interest focuses on using precision materials engineering to stimulate T cells and gain fundamental understandings about cell signaling. Before joining the program, I obtained my Master's degree from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, where I worked on constructing drug-targeted nano-delivery systems for anti-tumor applications. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, watching movies, and listening to music.
Qinghe Zeng
PhD Student
I propose to use multifunctional biomaterials to “train” T cells to excel in the suppressive environments. Before joining the program, I did my master's thesis in the Chinese Academy of Sciences – Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica from 2018 to 2022, working on cancer metabolisms and targeted therapeutics. In my spare time, I love going on bike rides, watching movies, and tuning into talk shows.
My research interests lie at the intersection of bioinformatics, genomics, and immunology, focusing on understanding the factors that drive CAR-T cell fate decisions through gene regulatory network analysis. Prior to joining the PhD program, I worked as a bioinformatician at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where I contributed to the Giotto tool, an open-source platform for spatial transcriptomics analysis. I also received my BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, cooking, and practicing yoga and pilates.
Xiao Huang
Principal Investigator
Xiao Huang received his PhD degree in Chemistry and Materials at UC Santa Barbara in 2016. There he worked on the spatial control of gene regulation in human embryonic stem cells through light-responsive nanomaterials. He went on to conduct his postdoctoral research at UC San Francisco, working at the interface between biomaterials and immune engineering. One highlight from his work is the development of robust chemistry to surface-functionalize biocompatible materials with exquisite precision for applications in immune modulation. To date, he has published major work in journals including Nat. Nanotechnol., Nat. Protoco., Adv. Mater., ACS Nano, Nano letters, etc.. In 2022, he received the BWF BioInterfaces Rising Star Award.
(2) Tenley Janes
(3) Nishat Tasnim
Nikolai Przybylski
Master student
My research interest involves engineering CAR T cells using light-activated nanoparticles with CRISPR functionalities. As a Biomedical Engineering major, I struggled to find a direction until learning about Immunology. Now, I plan on pursuing a PhD in this field after my undergraduate studies. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, rock climbing, and playing the piano.
Landon Flemming
Undergraduate Student
My research interest is to understand T cell behavior through analysis of single cell RNA sequencing data. I am a computer engineering student that’s fascinated in the intersection of data analysis and immunology. In my free time I enjoy building electronics, playing the cello, and exercising.
Daniel Lao
Summer High School Intern
My research interests lie at the intersection of machine learning and cancer immunotherapy, especially understanding how T cells can be engineered to better recognize and eliminate tumors. I am particularly fascinated by the connection between computational biology and experimental immunology. In the future, I hope to continue exploring personalized immunotherapies and the role of computational approaches in their development. In my free time, I enjoy debate, tennis, cooking, and mentoring younger students in STEM.
Lab alumni
(1) Jiayang Dong – 2025 Leland High School in San Jose, California
(2) Eliot Raynor – 2025 Summer STAR and Co-op internship
(3) Riana Ramani – 2024 Summer STAR program
(4) Eshel Ahmad – 2024 Summer STAR program
(5) Nikolai Przybylski – 2024 Summer STAR and Co-op internship
(6) Omkar Katkade – 2023 Conestoga High School in Philadelphia, now at Johns Hopkins University