Current Lab Members

Current Graduate Students

Xiomara Gonzalez
PhD Candidate in Electrical and Computer EngineeringXiomara joined BMIL in 2021 as a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering. She obtained her B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley. Her research is focused on leveraging machine learning approaches to develop health information tools that enhance patient-provider communications. She is also passionate about DEI initiatives on campus and is part of the Graduates for Underrepresented Minorities (GUM), as well as a mentor through the Society for Advancing Gender Equity in STEM (SAGES) program. Outside of the lab, she enjoys boxing, playing tennis, and searching for the best matcha latte in Austin.
LinkedIn
Athena Lopez
PhD Candidate in Biomedical EngineeringAthena Louise Lopez joined BMIL in Fall 2023. She obtained her Masters of Engineering (M.Eng) with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering from UC Irvine and her B.S. in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley. Her previous experience working in biotechnology startups in research and development roles and working in biomaterials and chemistry research labs have provided Athena with a multifaceted skill set that includes creativity and a keen eye for the user persona. These experiences have propelled her to work on leveraging her interpersonal skills and background in computational methods to help improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients. Her work is focused on the patients' healing experience post-surgery. Her current project is on improving the standards of surgical bras for a positive healing journey by measuring the pressure and thermal characteristics of the surgical bra on and off the patient. Outside the lab, Athena is a Junior research facilitator for the INSPIRE program and actively works with undergraduates as a mentor. She enjoys food physically and spiritually and building her organ resistance by yelping Austin coffee shops.
LinkedIn
Fadeel Sher Khan
PhD Student in Biomedical EngineeringFadeel joined BMIL in Fall 2023 as a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering. He is from Lahore, Pakistan, and completed his B.S. in Bioengineering from Rice University, Houston, TX. His work revolves around building medical technologies that reduce health care disparities. His current project aims to increase access of Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer in underserved populations. Outside of the lab, Fadeel loves to travel and explore different cuisines.
LinkedIn
Andrew Fry
PhD Candidate in Electrical and Computer EngineeringAndrew graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a focus in electromagnetics from Oklahoma State University in 2021. He grew up in Wichita Falls, TX. Andrew is a 4th-year electrical engineering Ph.D. student on the bioECE track co-advised by Emily Porter and Mia Markey. His research currently focuses on designing flexible applicators for microwave ablation, but more generally focuses on medical applications of RF/Microwaves. Andrew is also involved on campus as the president of GREECE, which is an organization that hosts companies and social events for graduate electrical engineering students.
LinkedIn
Charlie (Seungjun) Yi
PhD Student in Biomedical EngineeringCharlie joined BMIL in Spring 2025 as a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering. He grew up in South Korea and completed his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). His research focuses on developing scalable AI systems, particularly large language models (LLMs), to analyze unstructured clinical narratives and biomedical data. He is currently building a fully automated thematic analysis pipeline using multi-agent LLMs to extract gaps in care from patient and family narratives, with applications in congenital heart disease and transplant care. He is co-advised by Professor Ying Ding from the School of Information. Outside of research, Charlie enjoys writing and exploring new coffee shops.
LinkedIn

Current Undergraduate Students

Thao Huynh

Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering

Thao grew up in Vietnam and Texas. She is a 3rd-year Biomedical Engineering student at UT Austin. Her project focuses on conducting a literature analysis on the types of studies published in biomedical engineering field. She is very excited for this project and hoping that it would somehow contribute to future studies, even if it’s a small detail! Outside of lab, Thao loves to dance, binge as many shows as she can, and eat with loved ones.

LinkedIn
Griffin Shelley

Undergraduate Student in Biology

Griffin was born and raised in Texas and is currently a second-year Biology student on a pre-med track at UT Austin. His project centers on developing a model for breast thermoregulation. Outside of the lab, Griffin enjoys playing and watching sports, exploring Austin, and spending time with his loved ones.

LinkedIn

Current Affiliates

Karen M. Bravo Moix
Textiles and Apparel
Having a professional background as an art & design educator and custom specialty garment designer of lingerie and bridal attire, I teach and consult on projects that require close and precise fit on the body that often use specialty fabrics requiring knowledge of industrial construction techniques. My specialties are patternmaking, draping, and construction, with additional experience in garment manufacturing. I also teach courses on art theory, fashion history, and multicultural fashion issues. My research interests include working to improve post breast cancer garments in order to empower women recovering from breast cancer. I believe that thoughtfully designed clothing can comfort an individual and change their mood, which may improve the quality of their life.In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at museums to share textiles and fashion history insights with visitors. I also teach fashion design skills in community spaces to children and adults during the summer.