Sara McBride-Gagyi, PhD
McBride-Gagyi.1@osu.edu, She/Her/Hers
BS: Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University
MS: Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
PhD: Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
Post-Doc: Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis
Dr. McBride-Gagyi leads the McBride-Gagyi Lab. She has a long-standing interest in teaching and helping others, which prompted her switch from mechanical engineering to biomedical when pursuing graduate school. She is especially passionate about increasing diversity in STEMM, which roots itself in very early life. As young as early elementary a divergence can already be detected leading to a long term loss of talented individuals from minority groups. To this end she regularly participates in panels and community outreach events to engage women, underrepresented minorities, and underserved populations from Pre-K to graduate school. In parallel, she consciously strives to promote minoritized individuals for leadership positions and speaking engagements.
Since starting her academic career in 2005, her research has mainly focused on genetic and environmental determinates of bone structure and strength as well as bone regeneration. Of the two, bone repair is of particular personal import. She has worked on the entire spectrum of bone repair from stress fracture to complete fracture to critical-sized defects. Losing limb function following trauma, infection, or tumor removal greatly affects an individual’s life. Not only are mobility and independence greatly limited, but there are usually detriments in ability to work, financial status, and psychological wellbeing too. While her current work is mainly focused on how to improve segmental bone defect repair via Masquelet’s Induced Membrane Technique, she hopes the biological mechanisms uncovered in this extreme situation can be applied to other anabolic bone scenarios like fracture non-union treatment, spinal fusions, or joint implant integration.
When not trying to make the world a slightly better place, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, two children, and extended friends and family. Most weekends she can be found enjoying the great outdoors, cooking something tasty, learning something new at a museum, or watching football (Go Tigers and Buckeyes!).
Research Assistants
Kell Sprangel
Sprangel.1@osu.edu
Kell is from Westminster, Maryland and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a B.S. in Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering.
Kell is the research assistant for the McBride-Gagyi Lab and assists in conducting research experiments, data analysis, and performing rodent surgery as well as managing and maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies.
In her spare time, she can be found engaging in a multitude of various hobbies including reading, painting, kayaking, learning about bees and beekeeping, or playing clarinet in the Columbus Pride Band.
Graduate Researchers
Benjamin Brooks
Brooks.1376@osu.edu
Ben is a Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering working in the McBride-Gagyi lab. Originally from Kensington, Maryland, Ben graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in the spring of 2024 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering and honors college certificate and has returned to the lab after his original experience through the BUCKEYE REU in the summer of 2023.Ben has a research background in additive manufacturing and biomechanics and is currently working on mechanical testing procedures for rodent bones. He also has four semesters of teaching experience and a CIRTL associate certificate from his undergraduate institution. In his free time, Ben enjoys learning about a variety of disciplines and playing tabletop RPGs and video games with his friends. After graduating from OSU, Ben hopes to become a professor and pass down his knowledge to the next generation of engineers.
Cimney.1@osu.edu
Allison Smith
Smith.14127@osu.edu
Allison is from Champion, Ohio and graduated from Ohio State in May of 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. During her undergraduate career, Allison was a captain of the varsity softball team and was honored to be part of the freshman All-Big 10 team, second team Big 10, third team All-Region, and third team All-Academic. Allison was also involved in a leadership group called Lead Like a Buckeye led by Gene Smith and was involved with church groups on campus.
Allison has joined an OSU master’s program and returned to the McBride-Gagyi Lab as a graduate researcher. Her role in the lab is to create an implant to maintain a segmental defect in the rat femur, along with creating surgical guides, and other tools to aid in the surgery process.
Allison became interested in biomedical engineering due to her cousin being born with multiple cardiac anomalies and enduring multiple experimental procedures that saved his life. The exposure to cutting edge research that saved his life showed to her a great way to have an impact on people’s lives.
Undergraduate Researchers
Jacob Barnes
Barnes.1104@osu.edu
Jacob is from Bucyrus, Ohio. He is studying Biomedical Engineering with an expected graduation in the Spring of 2025.
Outside of the lab, Jacob works at Ohio At Home, a local healthcare agency that provides support to people with disabilities. He is also involved in the OSU chapter of the Accessible Prosthetics Initiative as a member of the education and networking teams. Jacob’s favorite activities are watching sports (especially football and golf), building LEGO cars, and spending time with his family and dog.
Jacob was fascinated with his STEM courses throughout school which led to his studies of biomedical engineering. After completing his undergraduate degree, Jacob plans to continue his education by attending medical school. He confirmed his interest in medicine while working as an inpatient Certified Pharmacy Technician at Avita Health System, a rural hospital system in his hometown.
Bennett.1572@osu.edu
Megan is from Akron, Ohio and is currently pursuing her B.S in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Humanitarian Engineering. She is expected to graduate in May 2026. Megan is an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Society of Women Engineers, and CRU Ohio State. She currently serves as Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Director of Public Relations where she manages her chapter’s social media accounts and designs merchandise. In her free time, Megan enjoys playing on her intramural soccer team at OSU and working on the Cardiac Design Team with the Biomedical Engineering Society.
Megan’s current role in the lab consists of conducting a retrospective chart review to determine if patient characteristics/demographics, injuries, or treatment regime alterations affect successful bone defect reconstruction using Masquelet’s Induced Membrane Technique (MIMT).
Adam Kling
Kling.67@osu.edu
Adam is from Cincinnati, Ohio and pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering as well as a minor in Business (expected graduation May 2025). Adam is currently working on designing and fabricating rodent implants, surgical guides, and other custom lab tools.
Outside of research, he spends his time as a teaching assistant for the first-year honors engineering program, serving on the executive board for his fraternity Tau Epsilon Phi and getting involved with the Jewish community on campus. He enjoys following his favorite sports teams in the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Reds and of course the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He has developed an interest in orthopedics and biomedical technology through unfortunate sports injuries to his ACL and labrum. He is interested in pursuing an industry career in the biomechanics field and expanding upon the incredible research and opportunities within the biomedical field.
Anna Le
Le.646@osu.edu
Anna, a driven student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science Information and is expected to graduate in May 2026. As a tutor in the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center (MSLC), Anna provides valuable assistance to her peers in their Math courses. Additionally, she is an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society.
Anna’s current role in the lab involves developing microfluidic and in vivo methods to study, optimize, and validate a groundbreaking post-mortem contrast agent. This contrast agent utilizes highly radiopaque nanoparticles suspended in an alginate gel carrier system, which enables vascular imaging. The contrast agent’s high attenuation surpasses bone, making it possible to assess bone and vessel architecture in 3D with a single microCT scan.
Devin Medved
Medved.13@osu.edu
She has spent her previous summers working as part of the crew at the CM Ranch, a dude ranch located in Dubois, Wyoming. During this time, she gained valuable insights into the significance of teamwork and diligence, which has fueled her eagerness to apply her abilities in a more technically oriented environment. After completing her degree, Devin is looking forward to pursuing a master’s degree and furthering her industry experience in biomechanics and orthopedics.
Peri.16@osu.edu
Jacob is from Cincinnati, OH, and is a Biomedical Engineering major, graduating in May 2025. He is currently learning all about histology within the lab. He plans to go to medical school after he completes his undergraduate degree. He aspires to one day become a pediatric surgeon. Outside of school, Jacob is the President and Captain of the Club Handball Team at OSU. He also enjoys watching sports. He especially enjoys cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Heat.Jacob lived in Israel for four years in his early life. Being an Israeli citizen and a member of the Jewish community is a big part of his life. Jacob enjoys traveling to Israel, as well as other places around the globe. His dream destinations include Africa, Australia and Argentina.
CJ Replogle
Replogle.17@osu.edu
Lab Alumni
Trinity Dort, Undergraduate Researcher 2022-2024
Trinity is from Linden, New Jersey, and graduated in May of 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. During her time as an undergraduate, Trinity was a mentor for Empower Mentoring, where she educated Columbus City School District high schoolers on college readiness and financial literacy. She was also an African American Heritage Festival sub-committee member.
In the lab, Trinity developed microCT, conducted rodent care, and performed mechanical testing of bone skills to improve segmental bone defect repair via Masquelet’s Induced Membrane Technique.
Trinity has always had an interest in problem-solving and the bridge between medicine and engineering. Following graduation, Trinity plans to get a master’s degree and continue research in orthopedics and biomechanics.
Aidan Isler, Undergraduate Researcher 2022-2023
Aidan is from Granville, Ohio. He is pursuing a B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering and set to graduate spring of 2025. Aidan worked in the lab on micro-CT analysis and mechanical testing of bones and rodent care to try and improve segmental bone defect repair via Masquelet’s Induced Membrane Technique.
Outside of research, Aidan enjoys the outdoors, anything from hiking to hunting to skiing. He is a member of the OSU Bass Fishing Team. He is a member of the professional development committee in the Ohio State Chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society. He participated in intramural sports and the premed club at Ohio State. Aidan enjoys watching and participating in all kinds of sports, and especially cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Aidan has always had an interest in math and science but became interested in orthopedics after undergoing two knee surgeries, including a microfracture surgery. He would like to attend medical school after graduating with his B.S. degree with an interest in orthopedic surgery.
Maddie Lyon, Undergraduate Researcher 2022-2024
Maddie graduated in May of 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. She is originally from Marengo, OH, and is proud to be a third-generation buckeye!
In addition to working in the McBride-Gagyi Research Lab on biological experimental techniques, she worked as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in the BME department and as a Student Research Assistant at Thompson Library to work undergraduate students to help them achieve academic success.
After graduation, Maddie joined a Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Part of what makes being an engineer so special to Maddie is having the opportunity to improve the lives of others through advancements in healthcare.
Robert Smallwood, Undergraduate Researcher 2022-2024
Robert is from Canfield, Ohio and graduated in May of 2024 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Bobby was a member of the OSU Medical Innovations Club, where he was a project leader for the club’s 3D printing project. He was also a member of the OSU Running Club.
Within the lab, he worked on developing mechanical testing and microCT analysis skills as well as gaining rodent handling and surgical skills.
Following graduation, he plans on continuing his education in medical school.
Allison Zarling, Undergraduate Researcher 2022-2023
A St. Paul, Minnesota native, Allison graduated in December of 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Allison was developing bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing workflows within the lab.
In addition to working on research she was involved in Block O as a member of the Football Committee and held a chair position in the Society of Women Engineers.
Following graduation, Allison was hired at Medtronic as a Product Engineer.