ALUMNI

Dr. Ankita Kumari

• Email: ankkumari@ucdavis.edu
• Phone: (530) 231-0898

I was born and raised in India where I obtained my undergraduate and masters degree in Chemistry from University of Hyderabad (UOH). My research interests are in synthesis and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts for energy conversion. I enjoy traveling, exploring different cuisines and I love painting and dancing.

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.

Dr. 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.

Dr. Joseph Terry Perryman

GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP:
ITS-DAVS CHEVRON FELLOWSHIP
Currently a Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University

• Email: jtperryman@ucdavis.edu
  
• Department: Chemistry
  
• Phone: (530) 754-1192

I grew up in Kalama, Washington (where they filmed the Twilight movies, fun fact) with a population of about 2,000 people. I graduated with an ACS certified B.S. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Mathematics from Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon where I also played four years of NCAA baseball under former New York Yankee Scott Brosius. My favorite hobby is weight lifting, and my research interests include developing low-cost catalyst materials for energy conversion and storage with a focus on liquid fuels production for transportation.

Dr. Andy Lam

Graduate Student
Currently a Systems and Technical Operations Engineer/Scientist at Exponent

• Email: adlam@ucdavis.edu
  
• Department: Materials Science and Engineering

I grew up in Southern California and attended UC Irvine, where I studied MSE with a specialazation in mechanical design. My research interests involve making and studying iron oxide nanoparticles for environmental remediation. I usually find myself fixing/building bicycles, computers, and anything else that need work.

Dr. Josh Jude

Graduate Student

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

I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and completed my bachelor’s in Chemistry at Texas A&M University. My research interests lie in solid state chemistry, more specifically in synthesis and electrochemical characterization of carbide materials. My favorite hobby is baking.

Dr. 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.

Dr. Jessica Ortiz Rodriguez

Graduate Fellowship
NSF-GRFP

• 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.

Dr. Brian Wullie Bille

Graduate Fellowship

• 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.

Dr. Fatima Hussain

Graduate Fellowship

• 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.

Dr. 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.

Shawn Petty

Undergraduate Student

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.

Savannah La Mers-Noble

Undergraduate Student

I was raised in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Tahoe, California. Before coming to UC Davis I completed associate degrees in English, Liberal Arts and Science and Mathematics. I am currently completing my bachelor's degree in Chemistry (ACS) while exploring synthesis, climate change remediation, and ChemEd. Outside of the lab, I am passionate about supporting equitable educational access for non-traditional students inside and outside of STEM.

Jessica Chen

Undergraduate Student

I am from San Francisco, but I was originally born in China. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Currently, I am interested in exploring the use of polyethylene glycol and its significance in sustainability to make cleaner fuel. My hobbies include listening to music, reading manga, and exploring new places."

Yinuo Xie

Undergraduate Student

My name is Yinuo Xie, but you can call me Henry. I enjoy exploring different cuisines and savoring tea. Right now I am working with Cocoro on electrochemistry. 

Sami Daquinag

Undergraduate Student

I’m a 4th-year undergraduate student pursuing my B.S. in Chemical Engineering. I am partnering with Jenna Ynzunza to explore electrochemical catalysis for carbon capture and conversion. Apart from research, I enjoy music, horror movies, and journaling.

Emi Shipkov

Undergraduate Student

I am a current undergrad at UC Davis, here for a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. I am working under Konstantina Mason to use hydrothermal synthesis to create carbon-based nano structures. I enjoy drawing and long walks.

Isa Khalak

Undergraduate Student

I am currently a 3rd year undergraduate student at UC Davis from San Mateo, California. I am partnering with Ankita Kumari, working on electrochemical experiments involving catalysts for energy conversion. Outside of the lab I enjoy listening to music and playing sports.

Giancarlo Troglio

Undergraduate Student

I'm a 4th Year Chemical Physics major from the Bay Area. I'm working on synthesizing and characterizing Chevrel and Pseudo-Chevrel Phases with Cocoro Nagasaka, and Carbon Flower MNCs and SACs with Jenna Ynzunza. Outside of lab, I enjoy reading, writing, and filthy basslines.

I am currently a 4th-year undergraduate student from Oakland, CA working towards a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and set to graduate in 2026. I work with Pranay Ninawe to intercalate various second row transition metals into molybdenum based frameworks for energy storage and catalytic applications. In my free time, I enjoy playing card games, hosting Smash Ultimate tournaments, and admiring interior design.

Ruyi Ke

Rose Lam

Undergraduate Student

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

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.

Daniel Redeker

Graduate Fellowship
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

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.