Get To Know Us

DR. JESÚS M. VELÁZQUEZ

Associate Professor

  • B.S. Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey
  • Ph.D. Chemistry, University at Buffalo, SUNY
  • Postdoc – Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering – California Institute of Technology

Since joining the faculty at UC Davis in 2016, Professor Jesus M. Velázquez has established a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team comprising graduate and undergraduate students from various chemistry and engineering majors. His group is dedicated to designing and understanding new materials for applications in nanoelectronics, energy conversion, and environmental sustainability.

Recognized for both his research and his commitment to education, Velázquez and his team received the Cottrell Scholars Award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement in 2020 for their integrated approach to scientific teaching and inquiry. In 2022, he was named a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar, honoring his dual contributions to scholarship and undergraduate education.

In 2021, Chemical & Engineering News named Velázquez to its prestigious Talented Twelve, spotlighting his efforts to reshape how chemists train students for the challenges of modern science. He actively recruits students from a range of backgrounds, including his native Puerto Rico and historically Black colleges and universities, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment.

His lab’s impactful work has earned multiple major accolades, including a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and the Sloan Research Fellowship in 2023, recognizing him as an emerging leader in the physical sciences. Together with his students, Velázquez continues to advance the frontiers of materials chemistry while preparing the next generation of scientists to think critically and work across disciplinary boundaries.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Rose Smiley

Chemistry Graduate Student

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.

Ankita Kumari

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.

Kingston Robinson

Graduate Fellowship: UCOP-HBCU Fellow

I grew up in Tempe, AZ and spent extended time overseas. I earned a B.S in Chemistry in New Orleans at Xavier University of Louisiana. My research interests are in utilizing electrocatalyst materials for sustainable energy conversion and storage. My hobbies include playing sports, watching movies and listening to music.

Jenna Ynzunza

Graduate Fellowship: GEM Fellow

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.

Konstantina Mason

Graduate Student

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.

Pranay Ninawe

Graduate Student

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

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

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.

Sebastian Espina

Graduate Fellowship: GEM Fellow

I’m a graduate student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, born and raised in Puerto Rico. I did my bachelor’s in chemical engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Under my advisors, my undergraduate research was focused on the removal of siloxanes derivative contaminants from water and developing nanocomposite adsorbent materials for the adsorption of CO2 in a humid stream. Since then, I’ve been committed to carbon management technologies. My focus now is on using electrochemistry to reduce CO2 in valuable products, such as fuel or chemicals. When I have free time, I go to the gym, enjoy cooking, occasionally go outside, and play video games (even though I’m not as good as before).

Visiting Scientists Section

Dr. 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

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

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.

ALUMNI

Graduate

Forrest Hyler

Graduate Student

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Undergraduate

Ruyi Ke

Undergraduate Student

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

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.

Dmitri Yakovlev – Teaching High School Chemistry in Richmond, CA 

Kutemwa Masafwawa – Xavier University-UC Davis CCBGAP Program

Paola N Delpozo-Gonzalez – ChemEnergy REU

José L. Pérez Gordillo – ChemEnergy REU

Edwin Tañón – ChemEnergy REU

Addy Wagnero – UCLeads

Maria Angelica Wong – McNair Scholar

Malak Haidari – ChemEnergy REU

Jessica C Ortiz Rodriguez – ChemEnergy REU

Sarah Jones – ChemEnergy REU

Kevin E Rivera Cruz  – ChemEnergy REU

Kimberly Lesly Maldonado – UCDavis undergraduate

Parinaz Choroomi – UCDavis undergraduate

Camille Killeen – High School Student, Young Scholars Program

Thomas Nakanishi – UCDavis undergraduate

Julio Cesar Zamora – UCDavis undergraduate

Treasure Warren – Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (MURPPS)