Fernando Ontiveros

Fernando Ontiveros is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at St. John Fisher College. His research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches merging bioengineering, microbiology, immunology, and remote sensing. He leads the Ontiveros Lab, which develops affordable tools for biological research and education, including microfluidic devices (PETLs) and 3D bioprinting platforms. His work addresses freshwater bacterial monitoring via satellite imagery and explores nanoparticle applications in drug delivery.

Education:

• Ph.D., M.S., University of Rochester
• B.S., National Autonomous University of Mexico

Research Interests:

• Microfluidics for low-cost research/education
• 3D bioprinting of hydrogel scaffolds
• Remote sensing of microbial populations in freshwater ecosystems
• Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems

His lab collaborates with institutions like the University of Notre Dame and Rochester Institute of Technology, supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, National Geographic Society, and National Biological Honor Society BBB.

Awards:

• National Geographic Explorer (2024)

Teaching includes courses in microbiology, cell biology, and the philosophy of science. The lab's educational tools have been published in Journal of Visualized Experiments and Journal of Nano Education.

Labs/Teams: The Loss Family Research Lab (ISHS Building, Rochester, NY) houses facilities for microfluidics, bioprinting, and microbiology. Ongoing projects include drone-based water sampling and satellite-linked bacterial database development.