Thomas Lab
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Education

  • Ph.D. The Johns Hopkins University, 2008
  • B.S. cum laude, University of California, Los Angeles, 2003

Teaching Interests

Professor Thomas' teaching emphasizes core mechanical engineering subjects at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including transport phenomena, fluid mechanics, and materials science. Her approach integrates fundamental principles with practical applications to prepare students for diverse engineering challenges. She is committed to fostering student engagement and critical thinking through interactive learning and problem-solving methodologies.

Research Interests

Professor Thomas' research investigates flow effects on biological processes relevant to human health. Her work encompasses experimental studies leveraging engineered microfluidics platforms and biomaterials aimed at advancing understanding of complex interactions in biological systems. Her research actively involves highly interdisciplinary collaboration with students and graduate trainees to develop innovative health technologies.

Recent Publications

  • Y Alapan, SN Thomas, Interfacial T cell engineering, Nature Reviews Bioengineering, 2025.
  • Kim, J., Francis, D.M., Sestito, L.F., Archer, P., Manspeaker, M.P., O’Melia, M.J., Thomas, S.N., Thermosensitive hydrogel releasing nitric oxide donor and anti-CTLA-4 micelles for anti-tumor immunotherapy. Nature Communications. 2022.
  • Camargo, C., Muhuri, A., Alapan, Y., Sestito, L.F., Kholsa, M.¥, Manspeaker, M.P., Smith, A., Paulos, C.M., Thomas, S.N., Adhesion analysis for enrichment of CD8+ T cells with enhanced tumor homing capability for adoptive cell therapy. Cell Reports, 2023.
  • SN Lucas, PA Archer, TH Yoon, MP Manspeaker, M Levitan, J Kim, ..., Thermosensitive Hydrogel Sustaining the Release of Lymph-Draining Oligonucleotide Adjuvant Polyplex Micelles Improves Systemic Cancer Immunotherapy, ACS nano, 2025.
  • Francis, D.M., Manspeaker, M., Schudel, A., Sestito, L.F., O’Melia, M., Kissick, H., Pollack, B.P., Waller, E.K., Thomas, S.N., Blockade of immune checkpoints in lymph nodes through locoregional delivery augments cancer immunotherapy. Science Translational Medicine, 2020.