Northeastern University College of Engineering

Graduate Student Proposal/Fellowship Writing Hours: CommLab Drop-In Hours
2025-07-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Graduate students, are you looking for support in writing your research or fellowship proposal? Join the CommLab virtual drop-in writing hours any Tuesday between 10 am -12 pm ET and stay for a short time or the whole two hours. A CommLab Fellow will be available to help you set writing goals and provide feedback on your writing. Join this drop-in workshop through Zoom.

Graduate Student Writing: CommLab Drop-In Writing Hours
2025-07-29 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-22 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-15 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-24 09:00 - 11:00
Graduate students, are you looking for a time for focused research writing? Join the CommLab drop-in writing hours any Tuesday between 9 -11 am ET. Drop in any Tuesday and stay for a short time or two hours. A CommLab Fellow will be available to provide feedback on your writing. We will be meeting virtually on Teams.

SUNY Buffalo Graduate School Fair
2025-07-25 16:00 - 18:00
Join COE Graduate Admissions at the 2025 SUNY Buffalo Graduate School Fair in Buffalo, New York! Ask your questions about our graduate engineering programs across the U.S. and Canada during the fair on July 25th from 4pm-6pm. We look forward to meeting you there!

ChE MS Thesis Defense: Julie Penn
2025-07-24 10:00 - 12:00
Name: Julie Penn
Title: Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of SWIR Emitting QD Imaging Tools
Date: 07/24/2025
Time: 10:00:00 AM
Committee Members:
Prof. Allison Dennis (Advisor)
Prof. Bryan James
Prof. Ryan Koppes
Prof. Bryan Spring
Location: Shillman Hall 315
Abstract:
Shelf-stable fluorescent imaging references are commercially available. However, they are only available in the visible range (380-700 nm) and the near infrared I range (NIR I, 700-900 nm). These references are not available within the shortwave infrared range (SWIR, 1000-1700 nm). SWIR emitting semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have a tunable emission spectrum and are used in a range of SWIR imaging applications. In addition to their adjustable spectrum, QDs, particularly lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide (PbS/CdS) core/shell QDs, are incredibly photostable. This quality makes them optimal fluorophores for SWIR fluorescent imaging references. When the PbS/CdS QDs are embedded in epoxy, the QDs are contained in a permanent, shelf stable, oxygen-free environment. Thus, a SWIR fluorescent imaging sample is created. By changing the form factor of these objects, researchers can investigate SWIR imaging at depth, multiplexed imaging for spectral demixing using a baseline fluorescence intensity measurement. The performance of each tool was evaluated based on the photostability, the florescence intensity at depth, and the emission spectrum of the QDs contained within each type of florescence imaging tool.

Julie Penn is currently a 2nd year master’s student studying chemical engineering at Northeastern University. She is studying under the guidance of Dr. Allison Dennis, and her thesis is on Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of SWIR Emitting QD Imaging Tools. Outside of the laboratory, Julie is a proud and active member of the Boston section of Society of Women Engineers. In 2019 Julie graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical Engineering with a concentration in chemistry and began working at 908 Devices, a mass spectrometry manufacturer based in Boston, MA. As a member of the Customer Experience Team, Julie supported the R&D, manufacturing, quality, and sales departments, but most importantly the customers by repairing internal and customer-returned mass spectrometers, answering technical support phone calls, and traveling around the world to train users on their equipment. She was awarded the 2022 Customer Service Person of the Year for her outstanding support of the 908 Devices sales team. Upon the completion of her degree, Julie is looking to rejoin the workforce as a materials engineer. She is very excited to start this next journey of her career.

Scientific Oral Communication : CommLab Drop-In Workshops
2025-07-23 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00
The NU CommLab is hosting a weekly hybrid Scientific Oral Communication Drop-in practice for graduate students. Drop-in virtually or in-person any week to practice for your upcoming oral exams, proposals, thesis, dissertation or talks. Receive and implement feedback on your verbal and non-verbal public speaking skills. Meet any Wednesday from 1-2pm in 306 Egan or on Zoom. Note on June 4th the workshop will be in 206 Egan.

LinkedIn, CV, Resume: CommLab Drop-In Hours
2025-07-22 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-17 11:00 - 12:00
Graduate students, do you need to increase your on-line presence or update your CV or Resume? Join the CommLab’s LinkedIn, CV, and Resume drop-in workshops every other Tuesday from 11 pm to 12 pm ET. This collaborative space offers valuable advice and peer feedback to enhance your online profile and professional presence. Join this drop-in workshop through Zoom.

ChE PhD Dissertation Defense: William Doherty
2025-07-21 14:00 - 16:00 | 420 Shillman Hall, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Name: William Doherty
Title: Stimulating Excitable Cells with Optosomes: Development of a Non-viral Cell Derived Vesicle Capable of Stimulating Excitable Cells in Response to Light Stimulus
Date: 07/21/2025
Time: 2:00:00 PM
Committee Members:
Prof. Ryan Koppes (Advisor)
Prof. Abigail Koppes
Prof. Benjamin Woolston
Prof. Rebecca Shansky
Location: Shillman Hall 420
Abstract:
For years, researchers have studied and developed neuromodulation techniques meant to stimulate and/or inhibit excitable cells both in research and clinical settings. A method to excite cells with light, termed Optogenetics, has been researched extensively since its discovery in the early 2000’s. A major constraint of Optogenetics is the expression of the necessary light-gated ion channels most often achieved using a viral vector. While this is not overly concerning in research settings, clinical applications of optogenetics have been slow to develop as the use of viral vectors in humans presents challenges regarding safety. Additionally, foreign opsin genes are believed to be a permanent addition to the transfected cells.
This dissertation aimed to develop Optosomes; a cell-derived vesicle containing excitatory opsin that couples with excitable cells via Gap-Junctions that conduct the stimulus current from the opsin into the cell. Initial production of Optosomes followed established protocols for producing Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicles (GPMVs) in which small volumes of cytoplasm are encapsulated in a piece of the cell’s plasma membrane. The number of GPMVs produced varied with pH, cell confluency, and base medium having a noticeable impact on the number of GPMVs generated. Optosome production required the creation of a stable cell line expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and connexin-43 (Cx43) proteins required to form Gap-Junctions. Two separate transfections in the series generated a ChR2-Cx43 Hek293 cell line capable of producing Optosomes at a high concentration. Finally, a mathematical model was built to simulate Optosome stimulation of excitable cells and how changes in the size of Optosomes and cells affect the strength of stimulus generated. The result of these simulations and attempts to stimulate neonatal Cardiomyocytes (CM) in vitro confirmed that the majority of Optosomes produced were too small to generate a stimulus capable of exciting CMs. Production of Optosomes with larger diameters or the use of a different strand of ChR2 is needed to increase the number of Optosomes able to stimulate CMs will be needed moving forward.
The results of this dissertation provide the foundation for developing Optosomes as an alternative approach to stimulating excitable cells with light.

William Doherty Northeastern University-Department of Chemical Engineering After spending nearly two years working on the development of a new automated Biomanufacturing system in the Love Lab, Bill was accepted and enrolled in the PhD program for Chemical Engineering. After finding his home for the next 7 years in the Koppes Lab, he got to work both on forming his thesis and integrating into the community at Northeastern. In pursuing his Ph. D, he had started to appreciate how applying mathematical modeling techniques to biological systems offers a whole new perspective when trying to understand the complex innerworkings of the human body. It offered a nice juxtaposition to the time spent in lab running hands on experiments that are less about math and academic prowess and more about technique, adaptability, and problem solving in real time. Bill has sed the better part of his twenties working in Research and its why he was so eager to pursue a Ph D as he hopes to work his way into scientist positions overseeing research and development projects. Still residing in Boston, he hopes to find a position in the New England Area after submitting his Dissertation; staying close to family and friends in the area.

ChE PhD Dissertation Defense: Yang Hu
2025-07-17 12:00 - 14:00
Name: Yang Hu
Title: Sex-Based Difference in Schwann Cell Migration in Response to Topography, Laminin-derived Peptide and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 as in vitro Models for Peripheral Nerve Repair
Date: 07/17/2025
Time: 12:00:00 PM
Committee Members:
Prof. Rebecca Willits (Advisor)
Prof. Matthew Becker
Prof. Ryan Koppes
Prof. Eno Ebong
Location: 220 Shillman
Abstract:
Peripheral nerve repair highly relies on Schwann cell migration within the nerve gap. Repairing a critical-sized nerve gap (~3-4 cm in humans) remains a significant challenge for satisfactory recover outcomes. Facilitating Schwann cell migration for accelerating nerve regeneration has attracted great research interest. This dissertation explores the individual and synergistic effects of different types of external cues: topography, uniform and gradient of biochemical cues.
First, this dissertation found that female cells moved faster, while male cells were more persistent on glass surfaces, indicating an innate sex-based difference in motility responses. This difference was additionally regulated in both a sex- and diameter-dependent manner by three distinct fiber diameter (0.9, 1.2 and 1.8 µm) provided by Dr. Becker’s lab (Duke University). The smaller fibers attenuated innate motility differences, while they reappeared on the largest fiber.
The second part of this dissertation harnessed the finding that 1.2 µm fibers did not induce migration differences, with YIGSR, a peptide derived from laminin β1 chain, which can facilitate Schwann cell proliferation and directionally guide cell migration. YIGSR-tethered fiber scaffolds in different profiles were characterized and provided (Dr. Becker’s lab) for conducting migration studies. We found that cells responded in both sex- and concentration-dependent manner to uniform concentrations. Directional cell migration only occurred at specific locations along the steepest gradient, indicating a competing effect of contact guidance and tethered YIGSR.
The third part of this dissertation discovered the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in defined profiles on Schwann cell migration. We found that uniform TGF-β1 concentrations enhanced Schwann cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner, while no directional migration was observed under TGF-β1 gradients. Understanding how TGF-β1 modulates Schwann cell migration provides insights for developing therapeutic strategies and biomaterials that seek to promote nerve regeneration.

Women in Engineering Book Club
2025-07-14 16:30 - 18:00
Join the Women in Engineering Book Club!
When: 2nd of Monday of every month at 4:30pm
Where: Snell Library’s Research & Teaching Hub (SL 215)
What we are reading: Women in Engineering Book Club – Book List

ChE PhD Dissertation Defense: Yujia Wang
2025-06-20 10:30 - 12:30
Name:
Yujia Wang
Title:
Machine Learning and Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy for Controlled Synthesis and Novel Phenomena Discovery in Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide
Date:
06/20/2024
Time:
10:30:00 AM
Committee Members:
Prof. Swastik Kar (Advisor)
Prof. Joshua Gallaway
Prof. Steve Lustig
Prof. Francisco Hung
Location:
Burlington Campus: Building 5, Room C
Abstract:
Two-dimensional (2D) materials, particularly transition metal dichalcogenides like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), represent a promising platform for next-generation semiconductor technologies due to their atomic-thin structure, tunable electronic properties, and unique optical characteristics. However, realizing their full potential is hindered by two important challenges: the time-consuming, trial-and-error nature of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis optimization, and the difficulty in accurately characterizing spatially inhomogeneous material properties. In this dissertation defense, I will present detailed investigations into the development of new methods for addressing these challenges through the integration of machine learning-guided synthesis and high-resolution spatially resolved optical characterization techniques.
First, I developed an experimental “hyperspace” design system that serves as an interface that adapts synthesis parameters to machine learning frameworks. The machine learning algorithms were developed through collaborations with Prof. Xiaoning (Sarah) Jin’s group (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering). The algorithms efficiently identify pathways towards synthesis optimization in complex multidimensional experimental hyperspaces, accelerating the synthesis towards the highest sample quality. Our results showed up to 85% reduction (two months instead of 1 year) in trial-and-error efforts, and rapid optimization of the ideal synthesis conditions.
Second, I established a spatially resolved optical spectroscopy platform for characterizing the as-grown 2D materials by combining Raman and photoluminescence (PL) mapping at micrometer resolution. Going much beyond traditional mapping techniques, this technique enables simultaneous extraction of strain, doping, and excitonic properties across individual flakes, revealing growth-intrinsic mechanisms for controlled engineering of electronic and optical properties. Through systematically varied CVD conditions, I demonstrated deterministic control over both orbital bandgaps and spin-orbit coupling, achieving the first purely optical experimental observation of strain-tunable spin-orbit splitting in as-grown monolayer MoS2.
Finally, I applied this integrated platform to explore iron-doped MoS2 – to further elucidate the role of doping in 2D semiconductors. This work established valuable synthesis protocols and identified distinctive optical signatures that serve as indicators of dopant incorporation in 2D materials.
My research demonstrates how coupling experimental design and scanning-based characterization approaches with advanced computational methods can substantially accelerate materials discovery and establish new pathways for deterministic property engineering in 2D semiconductors, with implications extending to quantum technologies, optoelectronics, and spintronic applications.
