People

In lab: My past and present research centers on radioimmunotherapy, specifically targeted alpha therapy, for which I’ve sought to develop novel techniques for synthesis and characterization of high efficacy therapeutic radioimmunoconjugates. Aside from my work with this group, I am also interested in nervous system biophysics, particularly regarding mechanisms of ion channel function and vesicular transport. As my career develops, I hope to utilize my experience in the fields of nuclear engineering and nuclear medicine to better uncover the intricacies of neural physiology and to explore new therapeutic avenues to treat nervous system pathology.

Outside of lab: I’m from Fremont, California, thoroughly enjoy the sport of powerlifting, am a strong advocate of sweet potatoes as remedy for most problems, and plan to continue onto medical/graduate school in the fall of 2021, following a gap year spent continuing my research in our group.

PhD Chemistry, George Washington University;
BS Physics, Michigan State University

In lab: Originally from Kansas, I graduated with a BS in Physics from Michigan State University in 2011 and got my PhD in Chemistry from the George Washington University in 2017, where I worked in the lab of Professor Chris Cahill studying halogen bonding in f-block hybrid materials. My research interests include inorganic, materials, and radiochemistry focused on f- and d-block complexes with applications in metal-ion decorporation, nuclear medicine, and nuclear waste stewardship.

Outside of lab: You’ll probably find me at a winery or a brewery. If not, I’m likely refereeing soccer, running, listening to Prince music, or reading last week’s Sunday New York Times.

PhD Inorganic Chemistry, Florida State University;
BS Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles.

In lab: I am exploring the bonding environment and interactions of various radiopharmaceutical isotopes with various ligand systems, while also working on other actinide projects targeted toward separations. My research interests lie within the f-block and other relevant radiopharmaceutical isotopes. 

Outside of lab: I enjoy doing and teaching yoga, collecting plants, and playing with my dog.

PhD Materials Science, University College London;
MS Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, IQS;
BS Chemistry, Universitat Ramon Llull, IQS

In lab: I am working on nano- and bio-inspired materials for lanthanide and actinide detection and separation. My research interests are at the interface between nanoscience, biomedicine, and radiochemistry.

Outside of lab: In my free time, I enjoy martial arts, working out, and travelling.

PhD Chemistry, Georgetown University;
BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Redlands 

In lab: My work is focused on understanding the bonding interactions of the f-block with bio-inspired molecular architectures. My research interests are to probe the fundamental chemistry and behavior of the actinides to inform and develop applications in nuclear medicine, decorporation, and environmental decontamination. 

Outside of lab: I enjoy traveling to new places, being outdoors, and running.

BS Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and Nuclear Engineering, UC Berkeley

In lab: I’m working on PET-active antibody drug conjugates. My research interests are primarily in molecular imaging and image guided radiation therapy.

Outside of lab: In my free time, I enjoy dogs, tortoises, guinea pigs, telling jokes, reading, and video games.

BS Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines

In lab: I’m working on the electrochemical characterization of f-block elements bound with HOPO-type ligands. These ligands change the potentials of important redox couples, and understanding them could have important implications in separations and nuclear medicine. This also has value in more fundamentally probing the electronic and binding behavior of the f-block.

BS Biological Sciences, Florida State University

In lab: With a background in biology, I am interested in novel targeting methods for radiation therapy, such as specific siderophores in bacteria and distinctive antibody/antigen combinations. These highly-targeted methods can potentially be used for treating cancer, bacterial infections, and viral infections. The components of this treatment can also be used for chelation therapy, imaging, and separations. Current project is using an Actinium-based targeted therapy on the plague, Yersinia pestis.

MS Nuclear Engineering, UC Berkeley;
BS Chemical Physics and Political Science, Tufts University

In lab: My research focuses on solution thermodynamics and column separations of Actinium from its parent and daughter nuclides, and also includes assorted projects with all the transactinides.

Outside of lab: Outside of research, I am work in science policy and in my spare time I enjoy reading, skiing, and ballet.

BS Nuclear Engineering, United States Military Academy (West Point)

In lab: In 2013, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point. While there, I worked on two projects for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and interned at the Pantex Plant. I then worked for six years as a health physicist for the U.S. Army. In that time, I worked at four locations, in three countries, including the San Antonio Military Medical Center, where I gained a better appreciation for the positive impact nuclear technologies have on the medical field and, ultimately, patients. I am, as such, broadly interested in medical applications of nuclear engineering. Currently, I am interested in better characterizing the biological effects of low-dose exposure to targeted radioimmunoconjugates on tumor cells, and how these effects vary between types of ionizing radiation.

Outside of lab: You will likely find me cooking, trying new food or drink, traveling, reading about or discussing science, philosophy, or religion, playing backgammon, spending time with friends or family, or a combination thereof. I have many interests, and they are constantly evolving.

Grad Certificate/Diploma Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University;
MEng Nuclear Engineering, The University of Tokyo

In lab: My research interests include radiochemistry and nuclear chemical engineering, specifically separation of minor actinides in the application of reprocessing used nuclear fuel, aqueous chemistry of transuranium, and radiation chemistry of ligands. Radioactive waste is like a box of chocolates, and I know what I’m gonna extract.

Outside of lab: I enjoy billiards, badminton, skiing, road trips, and watching anime and movies.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Year: 3rd
Major: Molecular & Cell Biology

Hometown:
Year:
Major: