Technical Staff and Research Scientists

Dr. Balcells is a Principal Research Scientist at the MIT Institute for Medical Engineering and Science. Her research in tissue engineering has shown how endothelial cell states are critical to tissue response to injury.  The invitro models she has developed have helped understand the response of human cells in tissues to mechanical, biological and chemical insults.  At the CCTR she leads the Cell Shop where tests to characterize device-cell interaction  are carried out. She is also leverages her expertise providing biosafety level 2 training for all CCTR users. Mercedes obtained her PhD in Macromolecular Chemistry characterizing protein adsorption on biomaterials at RWTH Aachen in Germany.

Gabriel earned his Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering and Spanish through the International Engineering Program at the University of Rhode Island. Having worked on a team to develop an augmented reality game centered around hip replacement patients and their progress through physical therapy, Gabriel possesses skills in CAD, computer coding, and cross-system integration. While working as a research assistant, he managed biospecimens, medical equipment, and cognitive assessments on research participants. At the CCTR, Gabriel looks forward to facilitating the use of the vast array of equipment and resources available to those pursuing research with our team.

A Research Scientist in the Institute for Medical Engineering & Science at MIT, Shawn’s current research focuses on laser ultrasound and design of novel instrumentation and methods to non-intrusively quantify and track human health over time. Shawn received his Ph.D. and Master’s from MIT in Mechanical Engineering with research focusing laser ultrasound and ultrasound tomography. Through multiple translational research projects and collaborations, Shawn has knowledge and experience in designing, manufacturing, and testing of novel medical devices and instrumentation, from benchtop validation in the lab to human subject testing at the CCTR.