Lizzie received their B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Shortly thereafter, Lizzie moved to Boston, MA to work in the biotech industry in research and development, working on numerous organ-on-chip systems utilizing primary human tissues and microfluidics. While working in industry, Lizzie also pursued an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering at Boston University, co-advised by Drs Joyce Wong and Brett Isenberg. Their Master's thesis was focused on understanding how uterine myocytes respond to mechanical strain as an in vitro model to explore mechanisms related to preterm birth. Now, Lizzie is a PhD student at Tufts, pursuing a project focused on how endometrial dysfunction impacts fertility in the Gnecco Lab. Outside of lab, Lizzie loves to spend time outdoors, rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking in the White Mountains!

Gianna is a 3rd year Ph.D. student, studying the endometrial microenvironment and the role that nerve fibers play in endometrial disease progression. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida, with her bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering. During undergrad, she worked on research in biomaterial-cell interactions and the early developmental pathways of embryonic stem cells.

Favorite Hobby: Going to concerts of all kinds (she’s been to 30+ so far!)

Mariana, also known as Mar, holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico City. With four years of research experience spanning biomaterials, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and therapeutics, she has contributed to groundbreaking work in different labs. At the Harvard-MIT Artzi Lab, she focused on biomaterial-based immunotherapy for melanoma and glioblastoma. At UNAM's Hernández-Muñoz Lab, she explored the pharmacological repurposing of an HIV drug. Currently, Mar is the Research Tech in the Gnecco Lab, where she leads a project investigating specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) using the lab's endometrial organoid models to understand their role in resolving chronic inflammation in endometriosis.

Outside the lab, Mar enjoys rock climbing, spending time with her dog Lola, painting, and exploring museums.

Reagan is a second‑year Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering in the Gnecco Lab and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship recipient. She earned her B.S. in Biological Engineering from Purdue University, where she conducted research on vaginal metabolites and their role in hormone signaling, immune response, and host–microbiome interactions, co‑advised by Prof. Douglas Brubaker and Prof. Leopold Green. She also gained industry experience by completing two internships at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, focusing on optimizing therapeutic antibody production and silencing target genes in hematological disease. In the Gnecco Lab, Reagan studies how endometrial‑like tissue invades the peritoneum in superficial peritoneal endometriosis, exploring whether this process is driven by pre‑programmed endometrial cells or a receptive, altered mesothelium (the “seed or soil” theory). She also serves as the lab’s Social Chair. Outside the lab, Reagan enjoys traveling, exploring Boston, trying new coffee shops, and visiting cool museums!

Manavi is an undergraduate student at Tufts University pursuing her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. As a pre-med student, she loves learning more about the human body, and is currently enjoying learning about endometriosis in the Gnecco Lab. Outside of the lab, Manavi loves to dance, read, and crochet!

Brianna has a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Tufts University. During her senior year, she joined the Gnecco Lab, focusing on histology to help analyze samples, as well as studying endometrial lesions. She also worked with the lab as part of her capstone project, where she helped to develop a novel device for reproductive care. Now, Brianna is pursuing her Master's at Tufts again, as a double Jumbo, researching vasculature in the placenta. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching anime, and music.

Manek is currently a junior from Claremont, CA studying Biochemistry. Outside of research, Manek is a part of Tufts Sex Health Representatives and Tufts JumboRaas. In her free time, Manek enjoys spending time with her loved ones, trying new food, crocheting, and watching movies.

 

Krystal received her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from Zhejiang University in China. With a strong interest in understanding women’s health issues, she had two years of experience in researching the correlation between ferroptosis and ovarian insufficiency. Currently, Krystal is a master’s student in the Bioengineering program at Tufts University. Her research focuses on establishing a CRISPR system for genetically engineering endometrial epithelial organoids. In her free time, Krystal loves movies, music, singing, reading, cooking, and hanging out with friends.