Current Students
Cheolmin Ahn
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Diran Apelian
Research Focus: Advanced Thermal Management for Metal Molds.
B.S. in Marine Equipment Engineering from National Korea Maritime and Ocean University
M.S. in Material Engineering from National Korea Maritime and Ocean University
Sakshi Bajpai
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Diran Apelian
Research Focus: Effect of Processing Phenomena and Kinetics on the Evolution of Microstructure in High Entropy Alloys.
B.T. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur
Marquez Balingit
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: William Bowman
Research Focus: Improving functional properties of thin film electrodes for energy storage applications such as supercapacitors. Interested in exploring how to integrate biomass-derived materials into energy storage devices to minimize carbon footprint.
B.S in Nanoengineering from University of California, San Diego
Ziyang Ban
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor:
Research Focus:
B.E. in Polymer Materials and Engineering from South China University of Technology
Calvin H. Belcher
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Diran Apelian
Research Focus: Processing and Synthesis of Magnetic Metal Alloys.
B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Eshana J. Bethur
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Stacy Copp
Research Focus: Studying the structure-property relationship of DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters to understand how these materials can be tuned for various nanotechnology applications.
B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Rutgers University
Isabella Chu
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Lorenzo Valdevit
Research Focus: Synthesis of metal/ceramic composites with spinodal topology via bijel templated materials.
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona
Justin Cortez
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Julie Schoenung
Research Focus: Processing-structure-property relationships of High Entropy Oxides, with specific focus on mechanical behavior.
B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from University of California, Riverside
Cameron M. Crook
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Lorenzo Valdevit
Research Focus: Scalable Nanomanufacturing, Mechanical Metamaterials, and Effects of Oxidation on Cold Spray Powders.
B.E. in Robotics and Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Tingwei Deng
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Jered Haun
Research Focus: Nano materials, biomedical and fluorescent diagnosis.
B.E. in Poly Materials and Engineering from South China University of Technology
M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University
Chaojie Du
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Xiaoqing Pan
Research Focus: Atomic structure of the ferroelectric materials.
B.E. in Material Science and Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Salma A. El-Azab
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Julie Schoenung
Research Focus: Additive manufacturing of WC-Co via laser engineered net shaping.
B.S. in Materials Engineering from Purdue University - West Lafayette
Brandon Fields
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisors: Lorenzo Valdevit and Diran Apelian
Research Focus: Additive manufacturing of metals for energy absorption applications.
B.S. in Physics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Xin Fu
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Albert Yee
Research Focus: Development of sustained drug delivery system for ocular diseases.
B.E. in Macromolecule Materials & Engineering from Beijing Institute of Technology
M.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of California, San Diego
Christopher Glaubensklee
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor: Julie Schoenung
Research Focus: Economic and Environmental Impacts of Feedstock Alternatives.
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Alyse R. Gonthier
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisors: Ali Mohraz and Elliot Botvinick
Research Focus: Use of morphologically unique bijel-templated materials in subcutaneous biomedical devices and study the impact of those materials on cell response, physically and computationally.
B.S. in BioEngineering/Materials Science and Engineering from University of California, Berkeley
Anna Gonzalez Rosell
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Stacy Copp
Research Focus: Structure and photophysical properties of DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters.
B.S. in Chemistry from Universitat Ramon Llull
Chloe Groome
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Regina Ragan
Research Focus: Investigating the effects of molecular-scale electronic and magnetic fields on chemical reactions supported by engineered surfaces for sensing and catalysis applications.
B.S. in Physics from University of California, Los Angeles
Sierra-Elainna J. Gross
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Ali Mohraz
Research Focus: Energy storage technologies and the effects of morphology and chemistry on performance.
B.E. in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Huiming Guo
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Thesis Advisor: William Bowman
Research Focus: Electrode/electrolyte interface mechanism of all solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with electrochemical analysis and advanced TEM technique.
B.E. in Materials Chemistry from Changzhou University
Francisco Guzman
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Xiaoqing Pan
Research Focus:
B.S. in Applied Physics from California State University, San Bernardino
Taige Hao
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor: David Kisailus
Research Focus: Currently focused bi-continuous particle synthesis and impact resistant coatings.
B.S. in Nanoengineering from University of California, San Diego
Ethan J. Heffernan
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Shane Ardo
Research Focus: Designing porous materials to convert alternating electronic polarization into net ionic transport for water desalination.
B.A. in Physics from Occidental College
Esther Hessong
Degree Objective:
Advisor: Timothy Rupert
Research Focus: Tailoring the internal structure of amorphous complexions.
B.S. in Chemistry from University of California, Berkeley
M.S. in Chemistry from University of California, Irvine
Ying Huang
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Iryna Zenyuk
Research Focus: X-ray imaging on battery, Platinum group metal-free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.
B.E. in Materials Science and Engineering from South China University of Technology
M.S. in Materials Science & NanoEngineering from Rice University
Huaixun Huyan
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Xiaoqing Pan
Research Focus: Study of topological structures in oxide thin films.
B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from Purdue University - West Lafayette
M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from University of Southern California
Jared Jetter
Degree Objective: M.S.
Research Focus:
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach
Austin Jew
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor:
Research Focus:
B.S. in Materials Physics from University of California, San Diego
Kaustubh B. Khedekar
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Iryna Zenyuk
Research Focus: Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells for automotive applications.
B.E. in Polymer Engineering from Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune University
Geemin Kim
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Matt Law
Research Focus: Designing quantum dot superlattice structure through surface chemistry and structure analysis.
B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Inha University, Incheon
M.S. in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering from Inha University, Incheon
Hauna Krekemeyer
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Jered Haun
Research Focus: Develop a comprehensive breast cancer diagnostic imaging library utilizing nanotech probes and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM).
B.S. in Nano Engineering from University of California, San Diego
Devashish S. Kulkarni
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Iryna Zenyuk
Research Focus: Understanding the transport processes and other phenomena in PEM electrolyzers by using X-ray computed tomography and electrochemical characterization to engineer high performance electrolysis for sustainable hydrogen production.
B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Pune
Tom Lee
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Xiaoqing Pan
Research Focus: Study of Lithium/Sodium-ion battery anode materials.
B.S. in Chemical Biology from University of California, Berkeley
M.S. in Material Science & NanoEngineering from Rice University
Ao Li
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: James Earthman
Research Focus: After treatment with Nanobubble.
B.E. in Polymer Materials and Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology
M.S. in Materials Science from University of Southern California
Edward Li
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Timothy Rupert
Research Focus: Structure and mechanics of linear complexions.
B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Pennsylvania State University
M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Pennsylvania State University
Kengyuan Li
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor:
Research Focus:
B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Zhaoxu Li
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Kumar Wickramasinghe
Research Focus: In situ detection and measurement of biomolecules using photo-induced force microscopy.
Bachelor of Medicine from Chongqing Medical University
Panyiming Liu
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Alon Gorodetsky
Research Focus: Bioinspired large-area thermoregulatory and camouflage composites.
B.E. in Polymer Materials and Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology
B.S. in Materials Physics from University of Science and Technology of China
Yujia Liu
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisors: Marc Madou and Plamen Atanassov
Research Focus: Carbon electrodes for biomedical applications.
B.E. in Materials Science and Engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University
Alvin Ly
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Plamen Atanassov
Research Focus: Advanced Platinum-based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.
B.S. in Geology/Paleobiology from University of California, Los Angeles
Elliot Makhani
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Jered Haun
Research Focus: I am interested in nanoparticle adhesion dynamics simulation research. By tweaking a verifiable set of parameters including but not limited to antibody type, size and shape of nanoparticles, variable bond strength using molecular shock absorbers, and internalization rate into cells, Active Multifunctional Nanoparticles (AMNs) become superselective drug carrier and diagnostic agents unique to each disease.
B.S. in Applied Physics from University of California, Santa Cruz
Chad L. Manson
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor:
Research Focus: Microscopy study of High Entropy Materials and their boundaries.
B.S. in Physics from University of California, San Diego
Naomy Marrufo
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Allon Hochbaum
Research Focus: Electronic properties of conductive protein nanowires.
B.S. in Physics from California State University, Long Beach
Jenny Martinez
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: William Bowman
Research Focus:
B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona
Peter M. Mastracco
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Stacy Copp
Research Focus: Use of Machine Learning for the Predictive Design of Materials.
B.S. in Physics from SUNY at Binghamton
Arturo A. Meza
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Julie Schoenung
Research Focus: High entropy ceramics, with emphasis on the electrical properties and its potential applications in energy conversion and storage devices.
B.S. in Electronic Technology Engineering from Universidad de Sonora
M.S. in Nanotechnology from Universidad de Sonora
Nadjia Motley
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Martha Mecartney
Research Focus: Development of high entropy and multiphase ceramics for use in extreme environments with an emphasis on how grain boundaries and interfaces control thermal properties of ceramics.
B.S. in BioEngineering from University of Maryland
Justin T. Mulvey
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Joe Patterson
Research Focus:
B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from University of California, Davis
Jacob Norman
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Julie Schoenung
Research Focus:
B.E. in Chemical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona
Hector Pascual Herrero
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Regina Ragan
Research Focus: Investigating new nanogap chemistries for biosensor applications.
B.S. in Engineering Physics from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Ethan Peng
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor: Alon Gorodetsky
Research Focus: Scale-up synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for organic electronic applications.
B.S. in Chemistry from University of California, Irvine
Nhi Vu-Y Quach
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Yoonjin Won
Research Focus: Defects in thin films and the effect of fluid flow through these defects.
B.S. in Material Science & Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Malak Rafik
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor: Stacy Copp
Research Focus: Stabilize DNA-silver nanoclusters in physiological conditions for drug delivery and imaging applications.
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Denver
Roberto Rivera
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: David Kisailus
Research Focus: My research focus is on utilizing electrospun nanowires to provide metal/ metal oxide nanoparticle growth within a carbon matrix for high-capacity anodes in lithium-ion batteries.
B.S. in Chemistry from University of California, Santa Cruz
Peter J. Santiago
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Regina Ragan
Research Focus: Synthesis of earth abundant novel catalysts with applications in catalysis in energy devices.
B.S. in Physics from California State University, Long Beach
Shrivatsav Shankar
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Diran Apelian
Research Focus: Researching novel composition ranges for Al alloys that prioritize increased amounts of secondary materials to cast an alloy that meets the performance metrics of primary Al alloys.
B.S. in Material Science & Engineering from University of California, Riverside
Jie Shen
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: James Earthman
Research Focus: Finite Element Analysis.
B.E. in Materials Science & Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Taiki Shirai
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Diran Apelian
Research Focus: Wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).
B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Caden Stippich
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Xiaoqing Pan
Research Focus: Characterization of materials for battery application.
Bachelors of Physics from Saint Norbert College
Baiyu Sun
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor: Xiaoqing Pan
Research Focus:
B.E. in Nanomaterials and Technology from Minzu University of China
Raphael P. Thiraux
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Lorenzo Vadevit
Research Focus: Direct Ink Writing of ceramic and ceramic matrix composite architected materials.
B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Grenoble INP-PHELMA
M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Grenoble INP-PHELMA
Vivek Tyagi
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisors: Douglas Tobias and Regina Ragan
Research Focus:
B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from University of Washington
Hasti Vahidi
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: William Bowman
Research Focus: Understanding the interfacial behavior of electroceramic materials for energy applications using advanced electron microscopy techniques.
B.S. in Materials Engineering - Ceramics from Iran University of Science and Technology
Taifeng Wang
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: David Kisailus
Research Focus: Biomineralization of iron oxide in mollusk teeth.
B.S. in Material Science and Engineering from Zhejiang University of Technology
M.S. in Material Science and Engineering from University of California, Riverside
Xinbo Wang
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Mo Li
Research Focus: Novel infrastructure materials, digital construction and materials characterization.
B.E. in Material Science and Engineering from South China University of technology
M.S. in Material Science from Rice University
Jenna L. Wardini
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: William Bowman
Research Focus: Correlating structure and electrical behavior in electroceramics with in situ transmission electron microscopy.
B.S. in Physics from Oregon State University
M.S. in Chemistry from University of Oregon
Haixin Wei
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Ray Luo
Research Focus: Computational studies of biomolecular structures and functions.
B.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from University of Science and Technology of China
Hong Wei
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Regina Ragan
Research Focus: Nanofabrication and biosensing.
B.S. in Electronic Science and Technology from Inner Mongolia University
Tia Wilson
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Stacy Copp
Research Focus: Controlling the self-assembly of nanoparticles inside amphiphilic block-copolymer colloids for the purpose of creating materials that exhibit new optical properties.
B.S. in Polymer Science and Engineering from University of Southern Mississippi
Bin Xing
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisors: Penghui Cao and William Bowman
Research Focus: Understanding the role of defects in governing the functional and mechanical properties of materials.
B.E. in Nuclear Engineering & Technology from Wuhan University
ShengQuan Xuan
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: William Bowman
Research Focus: Fuel cell, battery, or any sustainable energy technology using various instruments.
B.S. in Material Science and Engineering from University of California, Irvine
Haocheng Yang
Degree Objective: M.S.
Advisor:
Research Focus:
B.S. in Applied Chemistry from Wuhan University of Technology
Kehang Yu
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Julie Schoenung
Research Focus: Deformation twinning on Mg and Mg alloys using electron microscopy and molecular dynamics.
B.S. in Material Physics from Fudan University
Julia A. Zakashansky
Degree Objective: Ph.D.
Advisor: Michelle Khine
Research Focus: Electrochemical sensors to improve personalized healthcare - specifically, noninvasive biomarker analysis.
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Massachusetts - Amherst