Forrest Hyler

Graduate Student

Email: fphyler@ucdavisledu
Department: Chemistry

Attended Saint John’s University in Minnesota, graduated with an ACS-certified chemistry degree with a focus on environmental chemistry, and minor in political science. I am interested in finding new electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction, as well as identifying and understanding the roles their active sites play in the catalysis. My favorite hobby is skydiving.

Ivonne. M. Ferrer

Visiting Scientist

B.S. Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey
Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Buffalo, SUNY
Postdoc - Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering - California Institute of Technology
Associate Analytical Manager at the DowDupont Chemical Company

Rowan Brower

Graduate Student

Email: rsbrower@ucdavisledu
Department: Chemistry
Phone: (530) 754-1192

I was born in Wyandotte, MI and lived there for several years until moving to Tucson, AZ where I spent much of my early childhood. I moved back to Southern Michigan when I was 8 and lived there until I attended undergrad at New College of Florida in Sarasota, Florida. My research interests focus on CO2 remediation and energy storage. My favorite hobbies include cooking, exercising, and napping.

Rose Smiley

Chemistry Graduate Student

Email: ressmiley@ucdavis.edu

I was born and raised in Austin, TX where I later received my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from St. Edward’s University. My research interests lie int he synthesis and morphology control of catalysts for energy storage and conversion. Outside of school my hobbies include film photography and roller skating.

Konstantina Mason

Graduate Student

Email: kgmason@ucdavis.edu
Department:
Phone:

I was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up in Reno, Nevada. I received my Bachelor of Science in chemistry with a minor in physics from the University of Washington in 2022. During my time at UW as an undergraduate, I worked on the synthesis of new biomaterials as well as the binding affinities of various ligands on Cadmium Sulfide quantum dots. During my PhD, I plan to synthesize and test new materials for the efficient reduction of CO2 to value added chemicals through electrochemistry. In my free time, I enjoy baking and spending time with my family.

Jenna Ynzunza

Graduate Fellowship:
GEM Fellow

Email: 
Department:
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I was born and raised in Livermore, California located in Northern California. I received my B.S. in chemical engineering at the University of California, Riverside where I studied catalysis optimization for dry reforming of methane. I am currently a GEM Fellow pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering. My research interests include reactor design, carbon utilization, CO2 capture, and electro-catalysis for energy conversion and storage. In my free time I enjoy knitting, sewing and reading.

Pranay Ninawe

Graduate Student

Email: ppninawe@ucdavis.edu

I was born and raised in Maharashtra, India. I obtained my integrated bachelor's and master’s degree (BS-MS) in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune in 2021. As an undergraduate researcher, I worked on the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks and functionalized graphene for thermoelectrics, supercapacitors, and magnetic semiconductor applications. During my PhD, I want to work towards the synthesis and characterization of novel catalytic materials for energy storage and conversion. Apart from research, I enjoy traveling, photography, cooking, and listening to music.

Cocoro Nagasaka

Graduate Student

Email: canagasaka@ucdavis.edu

I received my B.S. in Chemistry from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon and a M.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Tokyo in Japan. At OSU and UTokyo, I studied ion adsorption properties of hybrid materials for the treatment of radioactive water. My current research interests are in the syntheses of inorganic nanoscale or porous materials for energy and environmental applications. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, exploring the outdoors, and cooking.

Richard Gomez Caballero

Graduate Student

Email: rgomezca@ucdavis.edu

I was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. I earned my bachelor’s degree in science with a concentration in chemistry from the Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Río Piedras, where I worked with polymeric membranes for water treatments. My current research interests focus on improving the electroreduction of CO2 to added-value chemicals. I spend my free time playing video games and watching movies.

Rose Lam

Undergraduate Student

Email: TBD

I was born and raised in San Jose, California. I am currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. My interests include synthesis and electro-catalysis. In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts and building mechanical keyboards.

Natalia Mosqueda

Undergraduate Student

Email: TBD

I grew up in Buffalo, NY and San Diego, CA. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. My research interests are using electrochemistry and solid state synthesis to synthesize materials for energy conversion and storage. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, going to the gym, and watching sitcoms.

Shawn Petty

Undergraduate Student

Email: TBD

I’m currently a third year undergraduate student working towards my B.S. in pharmaceutical chemistry. I am partnering with Kingston Robinson to test and enhance different methods of exfoliating molybdenum into nano sheets. Some hobbies that I enjoy are reading, video games and playing ping pong.

Kabian Ritter

UCOP-HBCU Fellow
UC-HBCU FELLOWSHIP INITIATIVE

Email: karit@ucdavisledu
Department: Chemistry/Energy Graduate Group
Phone: (530) 754-1192

I am originally from Orangeburg, SC and received my B.S. in Chemistry from Howard University in 2017. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Energy Systems as part of the Energy Graduate Group under Dr. Jesus Velazquez. My research focus on the synthesis of nanostructure metal chalcogens and their application to water remediation techniques. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, reading, gaming, and music production in my free time.

Jessica Ortiz Rodriguez

Graduate Fellowship
NSF-GRFP

Name: Jessica Ortiz Rodriguez
Email: jeortiz@ucdavisledu
Phone: (530) 754-1192

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where I obtained a bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPRC). My research interests are in the synthesis and electroanalytical characterization of functional heterogeneous catalyst (2D and molecular solids) for energy conversion and storage. My favorite hobbies are cooking and trying new food.

Brian Wullie Bille

Graduate Student

Email: bawuillebille@ucdavisledu
Department: Chemistry
Phone: (530) 754-1192

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires. I am interested in the surface and photochemistry of materials. My current research is focused on hierarchically structured materials and their photo electrochemistry. In my free time I enjoy gaming.

Fatima Hussain

Graduate Student

Email: fahussain@ucdavisledu
Department: Chemistry
Phone: (530) 754-1192

I was born in Dubai and lived in Canada for the early part of my life. Later I moved to San Jose, CA where I completed my B.S. in Chemistry at San Jose State University. I did undergraduate research in atmospheric chemistry. My current research is on mesoporous metal oxides for water remediation. When I’m not working I enjoy playing board games, hiking, traveling, and trying new foods.

Ruyi Ke

Undergraduate Student

Email:
Department:
Phone:

 

Daniel Redeker

Graduate Student
Currently a Graduate Student at Columbia University

Email: dcredeker@ucdavisledu

I was born and raised in Fremont, Ca, a town in the SF Bay Area. Right now, I’m completing my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. I’m interested in exploring novel methods of controlling defect formation in thin films and other nano materials for applications in water desalination and electrocatalysis. In my free time I enjoy running and playing basketball with my friends.
Attended Saint John’s University in Minnesota, graduated with an ACS-certified chemistry degree with a focus on environmental chemistry, and minor in political science. I am interested in finding new electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction, as well as identifying and understanding the roles their active sites play in the catalysis. My favorite hobby is skydiving. 

Nico Braga

Undergraduate Student

Email: TBD

I will graduate in 2026 with a B.S in Chemical Engineering. I am working with Konstantina Mason to test different molybdenum-based catalysts in the membrane electrode assembly. In my free time, I enjoy watching shows, playing volleyball, and going to Tahoe to snowboard.