A materials scientist who uses characterization and synthesis to understand why materials behave the way they do, currently at Argonne National Laboratory working on hydrocarbon-based polymer membranes for fuel cells.
My research at Argonne National Laboratory investigates how different functional groups and polymer compositions in hydrocarbon-based proton exchange membranes influence proton conductivity. The goal is to develop membranes that operate at high temperatures and low humidity, reducing reliance on PFAS-based materials.
My PhD at Michigan State University focused on the mechanism of electrocatalytic ammonia oxidation for energy conversion (nitrogen economy). Through multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and synthesis, I published my findings as first author in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and Inorganic Chemistry.
During a summer internship at KLA, I applied my organic synthesis background to an industry setting, where I synthesized rhodamine-based photoswitchable dyes for inspection technology development and characterized their optical properties using UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.
From mechanistic catalysis to membrane engineering, my research centers on the chemistry behind materials properties and clean energy applications. 13 peer-reviewed publications, 3 conference presentations, and a pending patent, spanning materials synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and electrochemical methods.
My training across synthesis, characterization, and electrochemistry taught me to approach materials problems from first principles. I'm looking to bring that thinking to broader R&D applications in materials and energy.
Connecting characterization data to material performance, from tracking reaction intermediates by NMR to tracing how the composition of polymer membranes affects conductivity.
Collaborating with NMR specialists, computational chemists, synchrotron scientists, and industry partners to tackle research problems that cross disciplinary boundaries.
Identifying the right experiment to resolve an open question, from settling a disputed reaction mechanism to diagnosing a reproducibility problem in polymer synthesis.
Built through over a decade of research.
Choosing and applying the right analytical technique to answer a specific chemical or materials question, from identifying reaction intermediates to evaluating membrane properties.
Electrochemical characterization of materials and membranes to evaluate electrocatalytic performance and ionic transport.
Designing and adapting synthetic routes across organic molecules, inorganic complexes, and polymer membranes to achieve targeted structures, introduce functional groups, and tune material properties.
Analyzing and visualizing data across NMR, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy experiments, turning raw data into scientific results and publications.
Setting up lab workflows, safety protocols, and synthesis procedures.
13 peer-reviewed publications; 3 conference presentations; 1 patent application pending. Full list on Google Scholar. Selected publications and presentations below:
Always happy to connect — whether for research discussions, collaborations, or R&D opportunities.