Meet the Velazquez Lab Team

DR. JESÚS M. VELÁZQUEZ

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 UC Davis faculty in 2016, Professor Jesús M. Velázquez has built the Velazquez Lab team into a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of graduate and undergraduate researchers from chemistry and engineering. Together, this team advances research in electrocatalysis, energy conversion, and environmental sustainability. 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.

Kingston Robinson

Graduate Fellowship: UCOP-HBCU Fellow

• Email: kparobinson@ucdavis.edu

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

• Email: jmynzunza@ucdavis.edu

I was born and raised in Livermore, California, in Northern California. After receiving my B.S. in chemical engineering at the University of California, Riverside — where I studied catalysis optimization for dry reforming of methane — I am now 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

• Email: kgmason@ucdavis.edu

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

• 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.

Sebastian Espina

Graduate Fellowship: GEM Fellow

• Email: ssespina@ucdavis.edu

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).

Rose El-Chayeb

• Email: relchayeb@ucdavis.edu

I am French and Lebanese and grew up in the United Arab Emirates. I obtained my B.S. in chemistry from the University of Tampa in 2025, where I conducted undergraduate research on visible-light-driven electron donor-acceptor (EDA) pairs for alkylation reactions. Currently, my research interests lie in the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials for clean energy solutions. I enjoy travelling and exploring different countries and cuisines.

Julissa Chavana

• Email: jchavana@ucdavis.edu

I grew up in both Wasco and Bakersfield, California, and earned my B.S. in Biochemistry from California State University, Bakersfield. As an undergraduate, I investigated the degradation of pharmaceuticals in water under different environmental conditions, which sparked my interest in chemistry and environmental research. Through my academic and research experiences, I developed a background in both organic and inorganic chemistry, including experience in organic synthesis. I am particularly interested in understanding chemical reactivity and reaction mechanisms through the synthesis and characterization of molecules and materials. Outside of the lab, I enjoy riding horses, reading, and photography.

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

Dr. Dominika Baster

Visiting Scientist

Evan Larson

Undergraduate Student

I was born and raised in Redlands, CA and attended Riverside City College, where I received an associate degree in mathematics and chemistry. After transferring to UC Davis in the Fall of 2025, I began pursuing a bachelor's degree in biochemical engineering with a minor in environmental toxicology, with the goal of one day researching direct air carbon capture technologies. I currently work with Sebastian to investigate electrochemical carbon sequestration. I am passionate about preserving our environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Outside of academia, I am a cyclist and nature lover.

Kelsea Braga 

Undergraduate Student

I grew up in Sebastopol, CA. Before transferring to UC Davis, I earned my A.S. in Chemistry at the Santa Rosa Junior College. I am pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry (ACS) while working with Konstantina Mason to synthesize and characterize molybdenum sulfides. This will aid in the investigation and development of materials for earth-abundant alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. Some of my hobbies include crochet, embroidery, tennis, and weightlifting!

Felix Shum

Undergraduate Student

I am a 4th-year Chemistry major pursuing a Statistics minor on the side, who transferred here after one year at UC Riverside. I currently work under Sebastian to perform electrochemical experiments for underpotential deposition. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, watching anime, and learning naval history.