TEAM

Xinyao Miao

Postdoctoral Fellow

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I am a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Lan’s lab at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. I obtained my doctoral degree in forensic medicine from Xi’an Jiaotong University, where I specialized in genomics, forensics, and bioinformatics. Currently, I am working on single-cell sequencing technology for microbial genomes, focusing on novel methodology development and its applications. When not working, I enjoy reading, traveling around the world, and spending time with my two beloved cats.

Jann Aldrin Gamboa

Graduate Student

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I am a PhD student at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at University of Toronto. I obtained my undergraduate degree also from University of Toronto, where I pursued a double major in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. My research interests and goals are in understanding and manipulating the gut microbiome using ultrahigh-throughput experimentation for therapeutic and other applications. Outside of research, I enjoy hiking, online gaming, and reading Filipino novels!

Tereza Blahova

Graduate Student

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I am an MASc student in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. During my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto studying Pharmacology and Global Health, I developed an interest in interdisciplinary research which led me to pursue graduate studies in biomedical engineering. My research is focused on developing ultrahigh-throughput microfluidics approaches for single cell genomic sequencing to help us characterize and understand microbial populations. Outside of the lab, I love playing volleyball and ultimate frisbee, playing the violin, and painting.

Tien Nguyen

Graduate Student

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

This quote resonates with me deeply, as it aligns with my main ambition. My love for engineering ignited when I was in grade 3. However, this passion truly blossomed during my Master's degree at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, shaping who I am today. After spending some time working as a former application scientist team member at Dolomite Microfluidic, I had the chance to learn and work with some of the most cutting-edge technologies available. However, as the saying goes, any party must come to an end. Now pursue my passion in Professor Freeman’s lab studying the latest microfluidic-related technologies and their real-life applications.

Kenny (Jiayi) Man

Graduate Student

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I am a PhD student at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto, with a minor in Bioengineering. My research interests focus on integrating droplet microfluidics and computational tools to improve clinical diagnostics, such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). I am especially drawn to translational technologies that can move beyond the lab and make a direct difference in patient care. Outside of research, I enjoy playing tennis in the summer, skiing in the winter, and painting year-round.

Yuheng Chang

Undergraduate Researcher

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I am a second year Engineering Science student at the University of Toronto with a focus on major in biomedical engineering. In the lab, I am currently working with Xinyao to help her with projects. I am driven by the usage of mathematical modeling to decode biological complexity and also the molecular biology. Outside of academics, I am keen on playing badminton, watching movies and tabletop role-playing games, where I enjoy fantastic world-building.

Chris Cao

Volunteer Student

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I'm a volunteer student at the Lan Lab at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. I pursued physiology and human biology at U of T for my undergraduate degree and am currently in M.Eng. I'm working on clinical microfluidic AST and the integrated machine learning platform. Outside of the lab, I like painting, watching musicals, and traveling with my dog.

Manaf Saidi

Volunteer Student

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I'm a volunteer student at the Lan Lab at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. I hold undergraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering and International Development Studies from York University, and I’m currently pursuing my MASc in Mechanical Engineering where my thesis focuses on separating spheroids from complex suspensions for drug testing assays. At the Lan Lab, I work on microfluidic bacterial AST and photolabile hydrogel bead applications. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring the world and have a keen interest in high horology and fine watchmaking.

Zhengyang Li

Volunteer Student

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

I am interested in exploring the applications of AI, especially in the biological sciences. I enjoy asking questions like “why” and “what’s next” during research, which helps me think more deeply about problems and future directions. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and chatting with others.