Balalabers

The team behind the cool science

10417_Kartik_Balachandran_Lab_Stock-22-2

The OG BBB (Balalab Big Boss)

Dr. Kartik Balachandran

Interim Associate Dean for Research in Engineering

College of Engineering - University of Arkansas

Professor

Department of Biomedical Engineering - University of Arkansas

Principal Investigator

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Postdoctoral Fellow ﹣ Harvard University (2012) 🇺🇸

Ph.D. in Bioengineering ﹣ Georgia Institute of Technology (2010) 🇺🇸

MSc. in Mechanical Engineering ﹣ Georgia Institute of Technology (2008) 🇺🇸

B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering ﹣ National Universe of Singapore (2001) 🇸🇬

I am interested in the role of mechanical forces on physiology, function and disease. I am especially fascinated by the interaction between structure and mechanics in regulating biological responses at different length-scales. My team utilizes organ-on-chip engineering, tissue engineering, biomaterials and imaging approaches to answer questions in the areas of cardiac valve calcification, cardiac disease, blood-brain barrier dysfunction due to traumatic brain injury, and nasal epithelial dysfunction. Knowledge gained from these studies will help guide the development of future medical interventions and regenerative therapies.

kbalacha@uark.edu

The Grant Hunter

Lexi Applequist

Doctoral Researcher

Heart-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Ph.D. Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Doctoral Academy Fellow, P.E.O. Scholar, Graduate Entrepreneurial Fellow, Kaneaster & Ruth Hodges Fellow, Community & Student Engagement Fellow

M.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (2025) 🇺🇸

Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship ﹣ University of Arkansas (2025) 🇺🇸

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (2021) 🇺🇸

In the lab, I am working to develop a novel Co-cultured Cardiomyocyte-on-Chip Platform (CoCo Chip) and Non-invasive Contractility Evaluation Chip (NICE Chip). These platforms, used to culture cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) and skeletal muscle, automatically and continuously collect contractility throughout culture, giving insights into disease state and response to stimuli (i.e. alcohol, exercise, drug compounds, etc). These models are ultimately used for studying disease progression, screening new pharmaceutical drug compounds, and serving as a diagnostic tool in clinical settings.

I'm currently serving as Cofounder and CEO of Humimic Biosystems LLC, a company created with the goal of commercializing the Balalab's organ model platforms for pharmaceutical use.

To date, I've secured over $500K in research and business development funding.

Outside of the lab, you can find me at the park with my dogs or exploring local flea markets and antique shops :)

apappleq@uark.edu

The RNA Wizard

Gustavo Vaca Diez

Doctoral Researcher

Heart Valve-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Ph.D. Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

AHA Predoctoral Fellow, P.K. Kuroda Graduate Fellow

M.S. in Biomedical Engineering﹣ University of Arkansas (2025) 🇺🇸

B.Eng. in Bioengineering ﹣ Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (2017) 🇦🇷

My research focuses on investigating the relationship between hypertension and the onset of aortic valve disease using organ-on-chip platforms. Specifically, I am paying attention on the influence of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) on valve interstitial cell signaling. A key player I am focusing in is the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in mitigating the pathological effects of RAS, potentially serving as an intrinsic self-defense mechanism. Understanding these processes holds promise for the development of targeted interventions aimed at preventing hypertension-induced aortic valve disease. Our valve-on-chip platform provides physiologically relevant conditions for in vitro co-culture of valve interstitial cells (VICs) and valve endothelial cells (VECs). By mimicking extracellular matrix components, applying cyclical mechanical stretching, and simulating endothelial flow, this device may provide significant insights into valve disease progression.

gustavov@uark.edu

The Nosey One

Adrienne Vaughan

Doctoral Researcher

Nasal Airway-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Ph.D. Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

Distinguished Doctoral Fellow

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (2024) 🇺🇸

I became familiar with the Balalab through an internship with Global Reach Bionics and quickly became fascinated with their innovative organ-on-chip research. By providing more accurate, ethical, and cost-effective pharmaceutical testing models, OOC research is revolutionizing the disease modeling and therapeutic development landscape. My research focuses on advancing the physiological relevance of the nasal airway-on-chip (a.k.a. the coolest chip! :) and applying it to study the effects of urban particulate matter on healthy and diseased human nasal airway systems. When I’m not in the lab, I love watching Razorback basketball, running, and drinking coffee.

asvaugha@uark.edu

SolidWorks Commander

Connor Robinson

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Heart Valve-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

Honors College

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2026) 🇺🇸

I work with Gustavo on the heart valve-on-chip (VOC) platform. My work in Balalab is primarily focused on fabricating, testing, and prototyping design alterations to the VOC. In addition to my work on the VOC platform, I aim to develop a new biaxial stretch platform, which I will use to investigate the effects of different levels of biaxial strain on aortic valve endothelial cells (VECs). I will be completing this project for my honors thesis, and I hope that the new biaxial platform can serve as a useful basis for future studies on the effects of biaxial strain on VECs. Outside of the lab, I enjoy gaming with friends, hiking, and playing my favorite instrument, the bass guitar.

cmr069@uark.edu

The Stretching Coach

Mara Mindrup

Undergraduate Research Assistant

BBB-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

Minors in Business and Mathematics

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2026) 🇺🇸

In the lab I am working with on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) project, where I focus on differentiating iPSC-derived neurovascular cells and helping with BBB-on-chip manufacturing. This is my first time working in a research lab, and it’s been an exciting way to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world health solutions. I’m especially interested in how engineering can bridge the gap between innovation and practical medical applications, and I hope to work in product engineering or medical device sales in the future. Outside the lab, you can usually find me reading, trying out new coffee shops, or spending time with friends.

mmindrup@uark.edu

Biomaterials Medic

Chloe Smith

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Heart-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

Honors College

Pre-medical

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2027) 🇺🇸

I just joined the Balalab because I was fascinated with the concept of the organ on chip. I have been researching under Lexi to study the proper requirements needed to create a successful heart-on-chip. Our goal is to create a chip that will be able to analyze the effects of different diseases on the contractility of the heart. My personal goal is to apply this knowledge one day when I become a doctor, and this project specifically has grown my interest in becoming a pediatric cardiologist. A few other things I love besides being a member of this lab is dancing, being with my family and friends, and trying new things!

crs051@uark.edu

The Silent Pipetter

Russell Key

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Heart Valve-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biology Program

Honors College

Minor in Spanish

B.S. in Biology ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2027) 🇺🇸

I am an undergrad currently working in the Heart Valve-on-Chip project, helping Gustavo with processes such as IHCs, PCR, RNA extraction, and more. I have not started my own research yet, but I will start planning it very soon. This is my first time working in a research lab, and it is very exciting to be working on something with real-world applications, as I hope to make to make an impact on the future. Outside of the lab, I am either watching TV or hanging with friends.

russellk@uark.edu

The Overachiever

Ngun Par

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Heart-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

Honors College

Pre-medical

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2027) 🇺🇸

As technology continues to advance, engineering is shaping the future of nearly every field, including medicine. Researching under Lexi has given me the opportunity to see the integration of engineering and medicine firsthand through the heart-on-chip device. The production of this technology and the results of our research will offer a solution to bridging the gap between animal and human testing, allowing for more accurate and reliable drug testing while bringing us closer to personalized, effective treatments. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to continue my education in medical school and combine the technical knowledge from this lab with hands-on patient care experience. Beyond my academic pursuits, you can probably find me trying new foods, reading, or spending time with family, friends, and my cat, Coco!

npar@uark.edu

The Coder

Samira Radjabova

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Heart-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

Honors College

Minors in Chinese and Mathematics

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2027) 🇺🇸

I work with Lexi and on the Co-cultured Cardiomyocytes-on-Chip (Coco Chip), helping them with tasks surrounding the chip such as laser cutting, making PDMS, spin coating, using the stereoscope and much more. I have a niche surrounding the innovation of biomedical devices and am eager to start my own projects, hoping to explore and apply immunology on the chip as well as develop skills such as modeling and coding. Outside of the lab, I love to listen to music, craft, paint, and go on walks with my dog, Neo!

samirar@uark.edu

The Trend Setter

Madhav Nair

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Nasal Airway-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biology Program

Pre-medical

B.S. in Biology ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2027) 🇺🇸

I am part of the Mechanobiology and Soft Materials Laboratory at Balalab, where I work on the Nasal Airway-on-Chip Project. My focus is on the cell culture aspect of the lab, using airway-on-chip models to study how cellular responses can help us better understand diseases and their mechanisms. I’m especially interested in applying research to show how everyday common aspects of our health can affect the nasal pathway that we might not think of. Outside the lab, I enjoy watching and playing soccer and exploring new ideas that connect science with practical applications.

mnair@uark.edu

The New Gal

Grace Rothey

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Nasal Airway-on-Chip Project

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program

Honors College

Pre-med

Minor in Spanish

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected 2028) 🇺🇸

In the lab I am working on the nasal airway project, where I am learning all about the different conditions that can affect nasal cells through the NAC chip (nasal airway clip-on chip) or the AirLOC. This is my first time working in a research lab, and I’m so excited to learn more about the research process and innovation present in this experiment. After my training, I’ll be working on the RNA extraction, PCR, and transcriptomics part of the research. I’m especially interested in the mechanics of the project and how we can more accurately engineer synthetic environments similar to biological systems present in the body to get the best results. Outside the lab, you can usually find me watching and playing soccer, listening to music, and trying new foods.