Chemistry Students Dive into Summer Research Opportunities

Posted on Friday, July 17th, 2026

This summer, undergraduate researchers in the Department of Chemistry are gaining hands-on experience while contributing to projects that address challenges in health, sustainability, energy, and the environment.
Supported through programs including Undergraduate Research Assistantships (URA), Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), Visiting International Research Students (VIRS), and faculty-funded research opportunities, students are working alongside faculty mentors on a diverse range of projects. 
The Department is pleased to welcome this year's summer researchers: 

Researcher

Area of Research

Faculty Supervisor

Cheuk Ying (Alicia) Wong

Untargeted analysis of PFAS in water samples by 19F NMR

Jeremy Gauthier

Dara Grebennikova

Strand displacement nonenzymatic genome replication

Derek O'Flaherty

Mahreen Chowdhury

Development of a ribozyme-mediated detection and sequestration platform for heavy metals

Derek O'Flaherty

Connor Kremer

Carbon Capture Materials Synthesis

Jennifer Murphy

Jahsiah Anthony

Computational investigation of electrocatalysts for the ammonia oxidation reaction

Leanne Chen

Katrina Suichies

De novo design and characterization of miniproteins targeting VCP/p97 as potential cancer therapeutics

Rui Huang

Luke Krushelnycky

De novo design and characterization of miniproteins targeting transthyretin as potential therapeutics for transthyretin amyloidosis 

Rui Huang

Hussain Jafri

Development of graphene-based nanomaterials for clean energy and environmental applications

Aicheng Chen

Nolan Eakins

Synthesis and Characterization of Thiazyl Ligand Coordination Complexes

Kathryn Preuss 

Evan Williamson

Developing a device for measurement of different solutes in the coolant of the secondary loop of a nuclear reactor

Khashayar Ghandi

Lucie Couzon Visiting International Research Student Project France-Isabelle Auzanneau

Through these experiences, students are developing valuable laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills while making meaningful contributions to ongoing research programs. We are excited to support their growth as emerging scientists and look forward to seeing the results of their work throughout the summer.

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