Mechanobiology &
Soft Materials
Laboratory
Balalabers
The team behind the cool science
The OG BBB (Balalab Big Boss)
Dr. Kartik Balachandran
Professor & Graduate Program Coordinator
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.
Official Balalab Handylady
Amanda Walls, MSc.
Doctoral Researcher
Nasal Airway-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Ph.D. Candidate
NSF Graduate Fellow
Biomedical Engineering Program
MSc. in Biomedical Engineering﹣ University of Arkansas (2022) 🇺🇸
B.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering﹣ Harding University (2020) 🇺🇸
In the past two decades organ-on-chip technology has proven to be a valuable tool in respiratory research, but when modeling such a highly complex human system, there is always room for improvement! That's where my research comes in - my goal has been to develop a nasal airway-on-chip device that can simulate the unique dynamics of breathing and uncover how airflow affects the development and function of both healthy and diseased airway cells. Ultimately, this work will help inform future researchers about the aspects of airway models that are most important for recapitulating a physiologically relevant environment in vitro. Better in vitro airway models = a deeper understanding of diseases and therapeutics. On a typical day in the lab you may find me picking noses or fixing broken equipment, but it's NOT all that bad ;) Outside of my nosey research, I am incredibly passionate about engineering education and empowering young students through STEM. I've led two years of our lab's summer camp days for high school students, researched and published on the benefits of entrepreneurship in undergraduate engineering courses, and taught (as an adjunct instructor) a semester of Fundamentals of Chemistry at John Brown University. When I'm not researching or teaching, I enjoy ice skating, doing too many DIY projects at once, and hiking the trails around NWA with my husband and our two rescue pups, Oakley and Silas.
Stem Cells Whisperer
Laís Andrade Ferreira, MSc.
Doctoral Researcher
BBB-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Ph.D. Candidate
Fulbright Scholar
Cell & Molecular Biology Program
MSc. in Cell & Developmental Biology ﹣ Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (2020) 🇧🇷
BSc. in Biotechnology ﹣ Universidade Federal de Pelotas (2017) 🇧🇷
I’m a Biotechnologist and got a master’s degree in Cell & Developmental Biology in Brazil, my home country, before joining the lab to pursue a Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology. After finding a passion for cell biology both in the classroom and the lab early in college, I decided to focus on stem cells research and started this journey studying the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells from different sources, specifically targeting the central nervous system. Under Dr. B.’s guidance, I had the opportunity to take on a new challenge applying my background in stem cells and neuroscience towards disease modeling. I currently lead the blood-brain barrier on-chip project, focusing on the development of an isogenic iPSC-derived multicellular neurovasculature compatible with traumatic brain injury modeling. What moves me as scientist is taking advantage of my position to investigate the overlooked particularities of women’s physiology and pathophysiology while shining a light on the underlying social issues that impact women’s health. Through my work I hope to start discussions about the social biases in research and contribute to shrinking this knowledge gap fed over generations by research practices consistently considering males the default organism. I’m also very passionate about scientific communication and data visualization and will happily spend hours working on figures and diagrams or presentations. I do absolutely everything listening to music and podcasts are my favorite for cell culture work. In my free time you’ll probably find me playing with my cats Woozy & Lu Dort, cooking Brazilian food or watching a NBA game with my partner. Usually initiating or involved in all lab shenanigans.
The Grant Hunter
Lexi Applequist
Doctoral Researcher
Heart-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Ph.D. Student
NSF Graduate ResearchFellow
Biomedical Engineering Program
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering﹣ University of Arkansas (2021) 🇺🇸
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of heart failure. The most common treatment for DCM is cardiac resynchronization therapy (pacemaker). There are very few benchtop technologies that can be used to study key mechanisms which may play a role in cellular response to pacemakers. I am working to develop a novel co-cultured cardiomyocyte-on-chip platform (Coco Chip) to mimic a healthy and DCM heart to evaluate response to pacemakers in patient groups of varying ethnicities. This information will be used to fill clinical data gaps and guide further treatment. Coco Chip can also be used for drug screening in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in the clinical setting as a diagnostic tool and platform for personalization of medicine.
apappleq@uark.edu
The Night Owl
Gustavo Vaca Diez
Doctoral Researcher
Heart Valve-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Ph.D. Student
P.K. Kuroda Graduate Fellow
Biomedical Engineering Program
B.Eng. in Bioengineering ï¹£ 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.
Automation Guru
Lance Cordes
Graduate Researcher
Heart-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
MSc. Student
Biomedical Engineering Program
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering ﹣University of Arkansas (2023) 🇺🇸
I have been researching the properties of a piezoelectric copolymer for use of incorporating the material into the cardiomyocyte-on-chip platform with Lexi. Our aim is to create a multipurpose platform that can be used to study any kind of myocyte and mimic the cellular microenvironment for more physiologically relevant results. Using the Coco chip Lexi and I create, I will be studying the effects of alcoholic myopathy, a prevalent muscular disease caused by the overconsumption of alcohol. I am a coffee and coding enthusiast that is working on automating monotonous tasks around the lab. I also love the outdoors where I go biking, hiking, and running around Fayetteville in my free time.
The Nosey One
Adrienne Vaughan
Doctoral Researcher
Nasal Airway-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Ph.D. Student
Distinguished Doctoral Fellow
Biomedical Engineering Program
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.
Connor Robinson
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Heart Valve-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Junior 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.
Mara Mindrup
Undergraduate Research Intern
BBB-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Junior 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 Lais 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.
Chloe Smith
Undergraduate Research Intern
Heart-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Biomedical Engineering Program
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected - 2027) 🇺🇸
I just recently joined the Balalab because I was fascinated with the concept of the organ on chip. I have been researching under Lance and Lexi to study the proper requirements needed to create a successful heart-on-chip. Our goal is 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!
Russell Key
Undergraduate Research Intern
Heart Valve-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Biology Program
Minor in Spanish
Honors Student
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.
Ngun Par
Undergraduate Research Intern
Heart-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Biomedical Engineering Program
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 Lance and 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!
Samira Radjabova
Undergraduate Research Intern
Heart-on-Chip Project
Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Biomedical Engineering Program
Minors in Chinese and Mathematics
Honors Student
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering﹣ University of Arkansas (Expected - 2027) 🇺🇸
I work with Lexi and Lance on the co-cultured cardiomyocyte-on-chip (Coco Chip) helping them with mini 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!