• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellow, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California / University of Delaware
• Ph.D., NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Research Scholar, University of Toronto, Canada
• M.Sc. Medical Science (Specialization in Bone and Joint Health), University of Calgary, Canada

I have always been intrigued by the structure-function relationship in cells; specifically, how the organization of actin within cells can determine the way cells behave. The actin cytoskeleton was once thought to be difficult to target in disease. But with the increasing understanding of the diversity of actin networks targeting the actin cytoskeleton is now possible. In the lab, we are focussed on targetting the actin cytoskeleton to prevent and treat diseases such as Osteoarthritis and Cataracts.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy early mornings at Lil’ Bob, discovering new coffee shops,
playing and watching basketball, and most importantly spending time with my family and dog.

B.Eng. Mechanical  Engineering, University of Delaware

Hello, my name is Thomas, and I completed my Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Biomechanics here at the University of Delaware.

In the Parreno Lab, I am currently investigating the use of 3D bioprinting as a method to create bioengineered cartilage with zonal organization. In addition, I work to utilize 3D printing as a method to develop novel devices to mechanically stimulate cells/tissues.

Hi, my name is Stephanie and I am a PhD student with a concentration in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of San Diego in biochemistry while focusing on organometallic research. Once I got out into the workforce I fell in love with the idea of combining chemistry and biology and applied to the University of Delawares biology program. My current research in the Parreno lab focuses on developing an in vitro model of human cartilage to use in drug screening for personalized medicine against Osteoarthritis.

Hello! My name is Rylee King, and I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology/Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science from Loyola University of Maryland in 2023.
I am super excited to join Parreno Lab again. In the summer of 2022, I joined Team Lens through the Delaware INBRE program. I look forward to continuing my research on the lens and how the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in cataracts.
I enjoy going to the beach, boating, and playing with my adopted dog Benny in my free time.

Hi! My name is Marin and I graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelors in
Biological Science in the spring of 2023. I am thrilled to be working towards my Masters here at
UD and joining the Parreno Lab as part of Team Cartilage.
Under Team Cartilage, I will be using a DMM model to study how F-actin destabilization leads to
cartilage degeneration and cell apoptosis contributing to the progression of post-traumatic
osteoarthritis.
Outside of the lab I enjoy going to concerts, traveling/exploring new places, and riding my
horses.

Carlos Benito was born and raised in New Jersey where he grew up with his three sisters. He is majoring in Biology with minors in Spanish for Healthcare and Entrepreneurship. He is currently working on pursuing an undergraduate thesis in the lab. His current research focuses on different structures within the eye and with a focus on presbyopia and age-related loss of vision. Outside of the lab, he enjoys gardening, repairing antique houses and working as Chief Business officer of Sia Precision Education.

Hello! My name is Mark Arranguez and I am a second-year Human Physiology major on the pre-med track at the University of Delaware.

In Parreno Lab, I proudly represent Team Cartilage as I research and explore the cartilage degeneration and death loops caused by F-actin destabilization.

Outside of the lab, I hold the Public Relations position for the Filipino Student Association on the 2023-2024 Executive Board. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, traveling, and thrift shopping.

Hello! My name is Kaelyn Owen and I am an undergraduate student majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in biochemical engineering. My research focuses on assessing the relationship between mechanical loading, the actin cytoskeleton, and gene regulation of tenocytes. Outside of the lab, I am heavily involved with the UD Cheer Team as a student athlete and with Tau Beta Pi as the Treasurer. I also enjoy spending time with my sisters in Phi Sigma Sigma.

My name is Ashna Patel, and I am a first-year honors student at the
University of Delaware. I am currently majoring in Psychology (BA) on
a pre-medicine track!

Working alongside Stephanie, I am excited to be studying an in vitro
bioengineered articular cartilage model to use for personalized
medicine against osteoarthritis.

Outside of the lab, I am involved with Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership,
where I am the Director of Programs and a facilitator for Delaware’s
seminar, Delmarva Spine and Pain Clinic, where I am a volunteer
Medical Assistant, and Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society. In addition,
I enjoy volunteering at the hospital, Club tennis, baking, and
spending time with my family and friends!

Hi, my name is Lilly Smull and I am a sophomore at the University of Delaware in the honors college. I am majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in cell and molecular biology and genetics and a minor in forensic science.
In the lab, I work alongside Thomas researching the optimization of superficial zone chondrocyte expansion and redifferentiation, ultimately working towards developing better superficial zone repair tissue.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy photography and have gotten involved with photography club and UDress magazine as a photographer. I love being outside, hiking, and playing rugby for the university’s women’s club team.

My name is Winston. I ruff walks.

I chase chickens.

*No relation to Max Schofield*

We are entre’paw’neurs like our dad

My name is Max, I collaborate with the ‘Paw’reno lab and I am the Parreno-Fowler lab relations officer.