Our Team

Aaron H. Morris, Ph.D.

Mary Dickenson

 Mary joined the PRIME lab in 2022. She attended the University of Virginia for a BS in Biomedical Engineering before joining the PhD program at UM. Mary's interests include developing new biomaterials that will advance the tissue engineering and immunoengineering fields. Outside the lab, Mary enjoys hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and cooking new foods. 

Gabi Garza

Gabi joined the PRIME lab as a PhD student in 2022. She received a BS in Bioengineering from Oregon State University in 2020 before going to work at Oregon Health & Science University. Gabi's interests include autoimmunity and immune regulation using tools of synthetic biology and biomaterials. Outside of lab, she can be found exploring new restaurants, nature trails, and crochet patterns .

Sydney Wheeler

 Sydney joined the PRIME lab in 2022. She attended the University of South Carolina for a BS in Biomedical Engineering before joining the PhD program at UM. Sydney’s interests include using biomaterials for monitoring and modulating the immune system. Outside the lab, Sydney likes to read, crochet, and run an Etsy shop (@SydCrafted). 

Sonja Danon

 Sonja joined the PRIME lab in 2023. She received a BS from Seattle University in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She worked at Fred Hutch prior to joining the MD/PhD program at University of Michigan in 2020. Sonja’s interests include using synthetic biology to develop novel disease detection systems and therapeutics. Outside of lab, Sonja likes to read, write poetry, and sleep. 

Leon Wagner

 Leon Wagner joined the PRIME lab in 2023. He received a BS from the University of Michigan in Cellular and Molecular Biomedical Science. He is pursuing his Master's in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Leon’s interests include immunology and biomaterial design. Outside the lab, Leon enjoys live music, exploring the outdoors, and reading. 

Sami Lukpat

 Sami joined the PRIME lab in 2023. She is studying biomedical engineering and public policy. Sami’s interests include pathology and biomaterials. Outside the lab, Sami likes crocheting, cooking, baking, and making Spotify playlists. 

Arunika Shee

 Arunika is currently a junior attending the University of Michigan, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Arunika’s research interests include the development of biomaterials, and using them to monitor the immune system. Outside of the lab, she likes to paint, travel, and solve crosswords. 

Natalie Wright

  Natalie graduated with an associates of science degree before transferring to Michigan to pursue a degree in Biochemistry. She joined the PRIME lab in 2023. Natalie’s academic interests surround technological application that makes use of biological systems. Outside of the lab, Natalie likes to read, spend time outdoors, and run long distances. 

Jonathan Wuchter

 Jonathan joined the PRIME Lab in 2023.  He is studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan. His research interests include developing biomaterials. Outside the lab, Jonathan enjoys writing, as well as traveling and backpacking 

Rosie

Rosie the LABradoodle attended Puppy 1 at Petco before leaving to pursue other passions. Her interests include anything that stinks, squirrels, wearing sweaters, and belly rubs.