Principal Investigator
Hui Chen, PhD
​
With an emphasis on translational research, I hope to develop useful technologies that can make a difference in patients’ lives. I also hope to train the next generation of bioengineers and scientists to work at the forefront of biosensing and bioengineering, and to expand the boundaries of this exciting field.
Dr. Hui Chen is a faculty member at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, in Texas Tech University (TTU).​
Dr. Chen graduated from Shandong University, Jinan, China (BSc) in 2008 with a degree in Biochemistry and Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (ME) in 2011 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Biology from University of Houston in 2017. After receiving postdoctoral trainings in Clinical Chemistry at Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Translational Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, he started his own lab at TTU in 2024. Dr. Chen's lab strives to develop innovative accessible diagnostic tools to address unmet clinical challenges through integrating chemistry/biology/medicine, micro- and nanotechnology, and consumer electronics. His work has been recognized by some of the major news outlets including 360Dx, Medical Imaging Week, and AACC News Letter etc. He has mentored more than 30 postdoctoral research fellows, and undergraduate and graduate students.
The Team
Chen group is an equal opportunity platform and is committed to increasing the diversity of its group members. It welcomes applications from women, members of minority groups, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, as well as from others who would bring additional dimensions to the group’s research missions.
Nazmul Huda Ovi
Research Assistant
Ovi holds a master's degree in Chemistry from the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology.
Open
Postdoc Fellow
Minhao Liu
Graduate student
Minhao holds a master's degree in computational and applied mathematics from the University of Chicago. His past research experience includes application of machine learning algorithms and redesign of syringe injectable Nano mesh. Currently, He is particularly interested in microfluidics and developing the next generation diagnostic technology.
Shamsuttiyeba Shifa
Graduate student
Shamsuttiyeba Shifa completed her B.S. and M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her research interest focuses on Biosensing and Biomedical Engineering. Now, she is working in Microfluidics and striving to design and develop the latest diagnostic tools for the betterment of human life.
Brianna Garcia
Graduate student
Brianna holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Forensic Science with a concentration in Chemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso and Texas Tech University. Her previous research experience is in biosensing and noninvasive sensing for forensic applications. Now, her research interest is focused on using microfluidic technology to develop accessible diagnostic tools for future medical use.
Muhammad Wasim
Graduate student
Muhammad Wasim completed his master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, where he specialized in Raman spectroscopy and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). With a strong background and multiple publications, Muhammad has demonstrated the high sensitivity and selectivity of these techniques in molecular identification and structural analysis. Currently, his research focuses on developing micro bubbling digital assays for disease diagnosis and advancing microfluidic technologies. Through this work, Muhammad aims to gain expertise in advanced analytical techniques to drive innovation in biosensing and diagnostics within the healthcare industry.
Michael Castillo
Research Assistant
Aryan Shinde
Research Assistant
Lauren Lutrice Phillips
Research Assistant
Michael is pursuing a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Chemistry at Texas Tech University. He plans to conduct research of the principles in Cancer-Diagnostics, POC-Testing and Raman Spectroscopy.
Aryan Shinde is a senior at Texas Tech University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Bioengineering and Mathematics. He has developed a strong interest in materials analysis, process optimization, and computational modeling through various research and laboratory experiences. He is eager to apply his knowledge in real-world settings and continue learning from industry professionals after graduation. His long-term goal is to pursue a master’s degree in bioengineering or biotechnology to further his understanding and contribute meaningfully to advancements in the medical field. With skills in Python, MATLAB, and analytical tools, he is committed to continuous growth and using engineering to make a positive impact.
Lauren Lutrice Phillips, an undergraduate at Texas Tech University, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with minors in Mathematics and Forensics. Working under the mentorship of graduate student Minhao Liu, they are dedicated to advancing microfluidic technology for the next generation of diagnostic tools.
Ms. Phillips has been recognized with the Outstanding Award for General Chemistry by Dr. Gregory I Gellene in 2024 and is a recipient of the Gordon & Martha Bellah Endowed Scholarship. With a passion for scientific discovery and a goal of pursuing a pharmacy degree specializing in research, she is committed to contributing to the intersection of chemistry, medicine, and technology.
Hariz Nawaz
Research Assistant
Hariz Nawaz is an undergraduate student currently pursuing a BS in Biochemistry. As a pre-med student, Hariz is passionate about scientific research and its applications to healthcare. He has a specialty in genetics, organic and analytical chemistry, and polymer synthesis. Currently interested and working on quantum sensing and lateral flow assay in relation to Alzheimer's.
Md. Roman Sarkar
Research Assistant
Md. Roman Sarkar, a graduate student at Texas Tech University, is pursuing a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Biology and Chemistry. He completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Manarat International University in Bangladesh.
Roman is committed to addressing the multidisciplinary challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. His current research project focuses on developing an AI-enhanced Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) for cancer diagnosis. This project aims to enhance the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability of point-of-care diagnostic tools. Roman’s research interest is to develop affordable and accessible diagnostic and treatment options for underserved communities.