Molly Y. Mollica, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Dr. Mollica (she/her) became faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in August 2023. Her research interests include biomechanics and mechanobiology, hematology, engineering education, and accessibility.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Bloodworks Research Institute
Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of Washington
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering with research distinction in Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University
CONTACT INFORMATION
— GRADUATE STUDENTS —
Mya Merritt
Ph.D. student
Shayan Manuchehrfar
Ph.D. student
Nazanin Saberi
Ph.D. student
Yashraj Singh Chauhan
M.S. student
Trevor Whitfield
M.S. student
— UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS —
Asantewaa Nyanteh
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Donovan Peyton
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Fathima Hasna Abdul Gaffoor
Major: Biological Sciences and Sociology
Ini Olaniyan
Major:Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Jaden Somerville
Major: Mechanical Engineering
— ALUMNI —
Adah Harding, B.S.
Adah Harding graduated in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Adah completed an undergraduate mini-thesis titled, “Protocol: Black Dots as High-Yield, Translatable Methodology to Measure Single-Platelet Forces.” Adah received the UMBC Undergraduate Research Award in 2024 and presented her work at the 2025 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day.
Abel Melese, B.S.
Abel Melese graduated in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Abel completed an undergraduate mini-thesis titled, “Enhancing Stiffness Measurements in Traction Force Microscopy.” Abel is headed to the University of Michigan to complete a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering as a part of the Bridge to Doctorate Program.
Kwesi Halm, B.S.
Kwesi Halm graduated in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Kwesi’s completed an undergraduate mini-thesis titled, “hMSC Cytoskeletal Structure and Forces on Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Surfaces.” Kwesi presented his work at the UMBC Summer Undergraduate Research Fest in 2024.
Tehilla Storch, B.S.
Tehilla Storch graduated in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Tehilla completed an undergraduate mini-thesis titled, “Analysis of Grouped Platelets Indicates Contact Affects Platelet Force Propagation.” Since graduation, Tehilla has transitioned to a role at Longevity Biotech, Inc., a company that seeks to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegeneration diseases.
Matthew Bryman, B.S.
Matthew graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. While Matthew was in the lab, he was honored with the UMBC Undergraduate Presentation Grant and the UMBC Undergraduate Research Award. He presented his work at the 2024 Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting and the 2025 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day.
The alumni listed above include students who were heavily involved in research through their graduation. Other students who also contributed to the lab at various stages of their academic careers include:
Amirah Harrison, 2024-2025
Chris Kelley, 2023