NRT Trainees

2020 Trainees

Claire Otteson

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jasti Lab

“My research focuses on harnessing the unique properties of carbon nanohoops, macrocyclic fluorophores, for biological applications. This covers a range of projects, from the synthesis of fluorescent biological probes, to the creation of mechanically interlocked sensors for biological analytes and the study of carbon nanomaterials in aqueous media.”

Dillon Willis

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (IMB), DeRose lab

“My research is focused on informing RNA structure prediction using tertiary contact information created through the use of chemical crosslinking.”

2021 Trainees

Anissa Benabbas

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Plesa Lab

“I’m interested in combining molecular biology and machine learning techniques to alleviate the processing required to screen for new proteins in libraries. Primarily, I’m focused on designing novel fluorescent proteins and molecular sensors.”

Erin Jezuit

Institute of Molecular Biology, von Dassow Lab

“I am using the acorn barnacle, Balanus glandula, to investigate early developmental processes of an archetypical crustacean, including cleavage, polarity and cell fate specification. To do this, I will use probes and antibodies for polarity indicators and cytoskeletal components which will allow me to visualize these cellular processes.”

Luca Zocchi

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, D.W. Johnson lab

“My research interests are on self assembly based macrocycle formation, utilizing supramolecular chemistry to create macrocyclic systems with host-guest properties.”

Andy Davis

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pluth lab

“I’m interested in using molecular recognition for the investigations of anionic, small molecule bioregulators.”

Haley Smith

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pluth lab

“Overall, I am interested in working within the areas of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology. I am currently working on investigating and advancing carbonyl sulfide/hydrogen sulfide donor-based technologies.”

Bella Demachkie

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Haley lab

“My work is on s-indacene based anti-aromatic molecules and how their properties change when incorporated into supramolecular structures.”

2022 Trainees

Katelyn Alley

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DeRose lab

“My current research interest is in monitoring how small molecules affect the nucleolus and visualizing the effect by fluorescent imaging. I am interested in developing different fluorescent assays to visualize the mechanism by which Pt(II) compounds affect the nucleolus. Using molecular probes and sensors in my research will allow for the detection and monitoring of different cellular events that occur when cells interact with Pt(II) compounds.”

Gaby Bailey

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jasti lab

“My research interests are focused on synthesizing cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) for biological sensing and bioimaging applications. My first aim focuses on taking advantage of the visible-light fluorescent properties exhibited by CPPs. My second aim is centered on synthesizing CPPs containing strained alkynes.”

Willow Davis

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DWJ lab

“I am interested in using disulfide self-assembly methods to make macrocyclic host molecules for use in water for water-based environmental contaminants.”

Andres Guerrero

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DeRose lab

“I aim to further understand the mechanisms by which Pt(II) compounds interact with the nucleolus to cause ribosome biogenesis inhibition (nucleolar stress response) and subsequent cell death as they are not well understood. My current approach is to install a click capable azide reporter on the diaminocyclohexane (DACH) ring of oxaliplatin, allowing for post-treatment Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) of reporter groups, and detect and identify downstream nucleolar targets involved in the nucleolar stress response.”

Keyan Li

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pluth lab

“I am particularly interested in understanding the fundamental chemistries of reactive sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen species (RSONS) and their connections to and reactivities toward biologically relevant transition-metal centers. Understanding the reactivities of transition-metal sulfides may further elucidate the generation and detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is an important signaling molecule endogenously produced in various biological systems.”

Susana Marquez Rosales

Department of Physics, Parthasarathy lab

“I’m studying bacteria aggregations and the interaction with intestinal mucus in the zebrafish gut. I’m interested in using molecular sensors in this environment.”

Alex Rosen

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DWJ lab

“I am interested in highly applied materials projects, focusing on collaborating directly with industries. I currently am working with collaborators at NASA to make an improved thermal protective material. I am also working to make alumina nanoparticles using the aluminum cluster as a precursor.”

2023 Trainees

Christina Cauley

Department of Earth Sciences, Wallace lab

“As a volcanic geochemist, I study volcano behavior and magma inside the Earth, focusing on the role of volatiles (primarily H₂O, CO₂, and S) in magmatic and volcanic processes. My interest lies in characterizing the constituents of magma primarily using melt inclusions (quenched glass) and fluid (vapor) inclusions in natural crystals such as olivine ([Mg,Fe]₂SiO₄), which provide snapshots of the magma as it evolves prior to eruption. Melt inclusion research involve researching processes occurring between when a sample is quenched during eruption and when the melt was originally trapped, to understand different magmatic processes that occur beneath volcanoes. My research also incorporates grain-scale rheologic processes to investigate crystal mush zones forming in the shallow crust”.

Iman von Briesen

Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Bioengineering, Dalton lab

“My research explores novel applications of melt electrowriting (MEW), a high-resolution 3D printing technique, to tissue engineering and biomaterials. I am interested in pushing the bounds of this technology by incorporating fluorescent cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) into polymer filaments, enabling clear visualization of MEW scaffolds in immunohistological studies of a 3D in vitro skin model.”

Jasmine Collins

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pluth lab

“I’m interested in the biological activity of Reactive Sulfur Species. My research will investigate the influence of RSS on the downregulation of osteoclast activity and promotion of osteogenic differentiation. Probing the mechanisms of action of these systems can sense the role of H2S to upregulate bone remodeling.”

Leif Lindberg

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DeRose lab

“My work aims to investigate ribosome biogenesis inhibition of specific Pt(II) compounds through the use of bio-orthogonal reporter molecules. Molecular sensors and probes are a core part of my research and will allow for identification of key components in this process.”

Nathan Boone

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Joint DWJ and Haley lab

“My research is focused on the detection of uniquely shaped oxyanions species utilizing supramolecular host-guest properties. I aim to advance the detection of anionic contaminants present in soil.”

Vi Baird

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jasti lab

“My research focuses on the incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the backbone of cycloparaphenylenes for use as metal ligands and the synthesis of mechanically-interlocked cycloparaphenylene systems.”

Diana Ostojich

Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Bioengineering, Gardner lab

“I am interested in creating electrochemical sensors as a tool for investigating neural activity in songbirds. Specifically, I am interested in using microfabrication, two-photon direct laser writing, and unique materials to create new devices capable of detecting high resolution activity in small peripheral nerves.”

Justin Svendsen

Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Bioengineering, Hettiaratchi lab

“My research revolves around the characterization of affinity-based controlled protein delivery systems from hydrogel to amplify wound regeneration. I apply directed evolution and computational rational design approaches to engineer proteins with variable binding affinity strengths towards angiogenic growth factors, providing an affinity-based mechanism for releasing growth factors from hydrogel into the wound environment at a sustained, physiologically relevant dosage.”

2024 NRT Trainees

Malvika Singhal

Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Bioengineering, Hettiaratchi lab

“I am broadly interested in exploring how structural motifs of proteins in the healing cascade environment inform key protein-protein interactions that can be harnessed to design novel sensors and engineer drug delivery vehicles to promote tissue regeneration.”

Christopher Griffin

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DeRose lab

“My research interests revolve around synthesizing and investigating the properties of Pt(IV) compounds and their reduction to the corresponding Pt(II) analogs. I am particularly interested in the effect these compounds have on the nucleolus and their role in ribosome biogenesis inhibition.”

Danah Hijaz

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DWJ lab

“My current work is focused on the self-assembly processes in macrocycle formation. Specifically, I am exploring how variations in solvent polarity, temperature, and concentration influence the yield, size, and functional properties of macrocycles. By systematically studying these parameters, I aim to optimize the conditions for producing highly functionalized macrocycles with desired characteristics.“

Emma Jacobs

Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Bioengineering, Deku lab

“My work centers on developing neural probes—electrochemical sensors designed to detect biopotential changes. Specifically, I am focused on improving these probes through microfabrication techniques and materials, such as amorphous silicon carbide, to address challenges in psychiatric and neurological disorders.“

Juan Hernandez

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pluth lab

“My research is currently focused on developing hydrogen sulfide/persulfide scavengers. Specifically mitochondria targeted scavengers capable of reducing hydrogen sulfide in mitochondria.“

Monique Demuth

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rapp lab

“My research focuses on synthesis of Ruthenium(II) photocages using light to induce ligand release of important biomolecules into complex environments with aims towards improving drug delivery methods.“

Mary Ruth Shifflett

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hansen lab

“I am interested in studying the activation of GTPase, RhoA, and its activators/inhibitors using biochemical assays that include the use of fluorophores.“

2023 and 2024 NRT Participants

Noah Grinde

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jasti lab

“My research is focused on the emerging applications of interlocked carbon nanohoops. Specifically, I am interested in their potential as fluorophores and sensors.“

Emma Muller

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DWJ lab

“My interests are in using disulfide self assembly methods to make macrocycles that can be used in host guest chemistry.“

Katelyn Wyatt

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Jasti lab

“In my research, I am interested in creating carbon nanotube mimics using coordination chemistry. I would
like to develop cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) into ligands that can be used in the formation of coordination
polymers for biological and environmental sensing applications.”

Megan Rammer

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DWJ and Haley lab

“My research interests involve synthesizing azaphosphinines with useful fluorescence and dimerization properties. In particular, I aim to expand on the applications of azaphosphinines and create supramolecular polymers.“

Saumya Keramane

Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physics, Taylor and Ambati lab

“I am studying methods of rejuvenating retinal neurons for the purpose of restoring sight after degenerative eye diseases take effect. One method I am working on is redesigning electrode implant surface textures to mimic natural neuronal patterns, therefore tricking the cell into regrowing dendrites and accepting electrical signals from the implant. I hope to combine this method with AAV therapies that will induce neuronal regrowth and allow for visual signal relay.“

Karly Fear

Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Bioengineering, Hosseinzadeh lab

“I study protein folding and interaction biochemistry as a means of engineering, characterizing, and predicting networks of interactions in the cell. Specifically, I develop computational and experimental methods to design, sense, and quantify protein-protein interactions at high throughput.”

NRT Trainees

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