Former Postdoc:
Ms. Jennifer A. Aitken, Postdoctoral Associate 2001-2003 (Ph. D. 2001, Michigan State University, Mercouri Kanatzidis) Associate, Department of Chemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA; email: aitkenj@duq.edu
Former Visiting Scientists:
Ms. Taiisia Berestok, Summer 2016. Visiting student from the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, Ph.D. 2018. Postdoctoral Associate, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; email: taisiia.berestok@livemats.uni-freiburg.de
Former Graduate Students:
Ms. Tharanga Nisansala Batugedara, Ph.D. December 2022 (defended July 2022) “Synthesis and Investigation of Properties in Ternary Transition Metal Phosphide Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Water Splitting.” LTD (Logic Technology Development) Transistor Interconnect Process Integrator Engineer, Intel
Ms. Tepora Plumeria Su’a, Ph. D. December 2022 (defended June 2022), Dissertation: “Synthesis of Multimetallic Pnictides for Application in Magnetic Refrigeration: mechanistic Insights Enabling Homogeneous Phase Formation. Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ms. Karunamuni Lakmini S. Silva, Ph. D. May 2022, Dissertation: “Assembly of Quantum Dots into Porous Architectures: Methods, Mechanism and Applications” Senior Scientist, Eurofins
Ms. Lalani P. Mawella Vithanage, M.S. December 2021, Thesis: “Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticle Systems: Toward Stable Assemblies and Applications in Imaging and Sensing.”
Mr. Chris Acquah, M.A.2020
Mr. Samuel Mutinda, Ph.D. Aug 2019; Dissertation: “Synthesis and Characterization of the Ternary Phase Co2-xRhxP Nanoparticles and their Composition-Dependent Electrocatalytic Activity Towards the Oxygen Evolution and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions, and their Performance in Overall Water Splitting; Senior Chemist, DuPont; email: samuel.ispear.mutinda@gmail.com
Ms. Malsha Hettiarachchi, Ph.D. March 2019; Dissertation: Binary and Ternary Transition Metal Pnictide Nanoparticles and Their Three-Dimensional Assemblies: Towards Promising Magnetic Refrigeration Materials; Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University (James Bour); email: malsha.hettiarachchi@wayned.edu
Ms. Indika Hewavithanara, Ph.D. December 2018; Dissertation: Moderating Nanoparticle Chalcogenide Reactivity by Morphology Control: Ion-Exchange vs. Covalent Crosslinking. Lead Sulfide Quantum Dot-Conducting Substrate/Porous Silicon Composite for Radiation Detectors; University Lecturer, Sri Lanka
Mr. Da Li, Ph.D. December 2017; Dissertation: Synthesis of Discrete Transition Metal (Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) Phosphide Nanoparticles: Compositional Effects on Catalytic and Magnetic Properties; Process Engineer, Lam Research. Freemont, CA; email: lida8939@gmail.com
Ms. Roshini Pimmachcharige, Ph.D. May 2017; Dissertation: Elucidation of the Cation and Anion Doping Mechanism of Nanoparticulate Maganese Arsenide: Effect of Doping on the Magnetostructural Properties; Faculty, Glen Oaks Community College & Self Employed (start-up company); email: hashitharoshini@yahoo.com
Ms. Jessica Davis, Ph.D. May 2017; Dissertation: Chalcogenide Nanocrystal Assembly: Controlling Heterogeneity and Modulating Heterointerfaces; Lab Manger, Crop, Soil, and Forage Lab, Auburn University, Auburn, AL; email: davis.jesi@gmail.com
Mr. D. Ruchira Liyanage, Ph.D. December 2016; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Phosphide Nanoparticles for Catalytic Applications: Model Catalysts for Hydrodesulfurization and Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction; Chemist, Diversified Chemical Technology, Detroit, MI; email: ruchiradm@gmail.com
Mr. Derak J. James, Ph. D. Dec 2015; Dissertation: New Approaches to Chalcogenide Materials for Thermoelectrics: Lead Telluride-Based Nanostructures and Facile Synthesis of Tetrahedrite and Doped Derivatives; email: derakjames04@gmail.com
Ms. Asha Hitihami Mudiyanselage, Ph. D. May 2015; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of Discrete FexNi2-xP Nanoparticles: Assembly of Phosphide Nanoparticles into Porous Networks; Research Chemist, Magni Industries, Detroit, MI ; email: ashahitihami@gmail.com
Mr. Lasantha Korala, Ph.D. May 2013; Dissertation: Chalcogenide Sol-gel Assembly: Controlling the Kinetics of Nanocrystal Aggregation and Film Formation for Applications in Optoelectronics; Battery Scientist at American Lithium Energy, Carlsbad, CA; email: kklasanthawenura@yahoo.com
Mr. Yanhua Zhang, Ph.D. February 2013; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal (Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) Arsenide Nanocrystals and the Metastability and Magneto-structural Phase Transition Behavior of MnAs; Scientist/Supervisor, Total Toxicology, Southfield, MI; email: yanhua1983@gmail.com
Mr. Layan Savithra, Ph.D. December 2012; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of Size Controlled Transition Metal Phosphide Nanoparticles and Their Hydrodesulfurization Catalytic Activity; Process Development Engineer, Lam Research; email: laysavi@yahoo.com
Ms. Irina R. Pala, Ph.D. May 2012; Dissertation: Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticle Gel Networks: Their Formation Mechanism and Application for Novel Material Generation and Heavy Metal Water Remediation via Cation Exchange Reactions; Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Discovery and Innovation Research, Office of Naval Research; email: iripala@yahoo.com
Ms. Shreyashi Gangulye, Ph.D. February 2012; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Materials for Thermoelectric Applications; Lecturer, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX; email: shreyashi.ganguly@tamucc.edu
Mr. Elayaraja Muthuswamy, Ph.D. November 2010; Dissertation: Control of Phase, Size and Morphology in Transition Metal Phosphide Nanoparticles (Fe, Ni); Research Specialist, EMD Performance Materials (Merck KGaA) email: melayaraja.wsu@gmail.com
Ms. Qinghong Yao, Ph.D. July 2010; Dissertation: Metal Chalcogenide Nanocrystal Assembly: From Synthesis to Applications; Patent Analyst, CPA Global.; email: yaoqinghong@gmail.com
Mr. Hongtao Yu, Ph.D. November 2008; Dissertation: Systematic Study of Chalcogenide Nanostructured Gels as a function of Density and Building Block; Synthesis of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles; Director of Technology, WinWin Law PLLC ; email: sainthongtao@gmail.com
Mr. Keerthi Senevirathne, Ph.D. July 2008; Dissertation: Synthesis, Characterization and Assembly of Metal Pnictide Nanoparticles, and Evaluation of their Physicochemical (Catalytic, Magnetic, and Semiconducting) Properties; Associate Professor, Florida A&M University; email: senevirathne.k@gmail.com
Ms. Valentina Ganzha-Hazen, M.S. July 2008; Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Copper (I) Phosphide and Rare Earth Transition Metal Pnictide-Oxides; Owner, Val Hazen Cleaning
Ms. Kristy A Gregg, Ph.D. July 2007; Thesis: Synthesis, Characterization and Morphological Control of Transition Metal Pnictide Nanoparticles: Influence of Size and Shape on Magnetic Properties; Homemaker, email: kgregg881@yahoo.com
Mr. Kennedy Kalebaila, Ph.D. June 2007; Dissertation: Synthesis, Characterization and Assembly of Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticles into Nanostructured Gels; Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, COpperbelt University, Zambia; email: kklebai@gmail.com
Mr. Indika Arachchige, Ph.D. May 2007; Dissertation: Sol-Gel Routes for Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticle Assembly; Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University; email: iuarachige@vcu.edu
Mr. Palaniappan Arumugam, Ph.D. May 2006; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Transition Metal Arsenates and their Transformation to Transition Metal Arsenides; Scientist at Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, INDIA; email: palania@yahoo.com
Ms. Dhammika Herath, M.S. May 2006; Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of New Clathrate Type Pnictogen Halide Materials; Resident of Canada
Ms. Kanchana Somaskandan, Ph.D. December 2005; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of III-V Based Semiconductor-Magnet Nanoparticles; APOTEX, Toronto, ON; email: ksomaska@apotex.com
Ms. Kimber L. Stamm, Ph.D. May 2005; Dissertation: Dimensionally Limited Transition Metal Phosphides via Phosphate Precursor Reduction; Senior Scientist, Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Ann Arbor, MI; email: thekimber@hotmail.com
Ms. Buddhimathie Jayasekera, Ph.D. December 2004; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of 1-Dimensional Pnicogen Halide Materials; Lecturer, University of Toronto at Mississauga; email: buddhimathie@gmail.com
Ms. Jaya L. Mohanan, Ph.D. May 2004; Dissertation: Systematic Study of High Surface Area Aerogels: Copper Oxide/Silica Composites and Metal Sulfides (Metal = Cadmium, Zinc, and Lead; Innovation Manager, BASF, Florham Park, NJ; email: jaya.mohanan@basf.com
Ms. Susanthri C. Perera, Ph.D. December 2003; Dissertation: Synthesis and Characterization of Discrete Transition Metal Pnictide (MnPn) Nanoparticles; Development Scientist, Von Roll USA, Schenectady, NY; email: susanthri@gmail.com
Former Undergraduate Students Completing Papers or Theses as Part of the B.S. or B.S (with honors) Requirement:
Ms. Marla Parson, B. S., 2000; “Synthesis of Copper and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Inverse Micelles, and Copper-Silica Composite Material via Microemulsion/Sol-Gel Processing.” Ph.D. Wayne State University (Benson Group)
Ms. Leslie Freuh, B. S., 2000; “Synthesis of Iron Phosphate Nanoparticles and Reduction to Form Phosphides”
Mr. Janusz Brniak, B. S., 2001; “Preparation of Nanostructured MoS2 Aerogels”
Mr. Tim Howie, B. S., 2001; “Synthesis of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles in Inverse Micelles”
Ms. Heather Perrone, B. S. 2001; “Synthesis of CdS Nanoparticles and Subsequent CdS Aerogels”
Ms. Christina Sweeney, B. S. (with Honors) 2005; “Synthesis of Transition-Metal Phosphides by Direct Reduction of Their Phosphates: The Case Of Rh, Ir, Ag, and Re/” Ph.D. Northwestern University
Ms. Jennifer Nash, B. S. 2006; “Synthesis of CdTe Nanoparticles for Formation of CdTe Gels”
Mr. Mehul Barat, B. S. 2007; “Synthesis of Cadmium Selenide Nanoparticles”
Mr. Albert Gjeluci, B. S. 2008; “Biologically Compatible CdSe@ZnS Quantum Dot Synthesis and Application in Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma”
Mr. Michal Brichacek, B. S. (with Honors) 2009; “Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications”
Ms. Stacey Abraham, B. S. 2009; “Development and Implementation of a Nano Chemistry Outreach Module for the GO-GIRLs Program: GO Girls GO Nano”
Ms. Kathleen Novach, B.S. 2009; “Immunoliposome – Quantum Dot Bilayer Vesicle Target Tumor Cells In Vitro”
Mr. Johnathan Randolph, B.S. 2011; “Immuno-linked Nanoparticles and Immunoliposomes for Targeting non-hodgkin’s Lymphoma”
Mr. Jason Germain, B. S. 2013; “CdS Aerogels: Novel Catalysts for Visible Light Photodecomposition of Dyes”
Mr. Alexander Chi Nguyen, B. S. 2013; “Lead Telluride Synthesis”
Mr. David Miga, B. S. 2014; “Utilizing Nanoparticles as Chemical and Temperature Sensors”
Mr. Jerrold Soward, B. S. 2014; “Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Phosphides: Fe2-xNixP Nanocrystals”
Mr. David Livermore, B. S. 2014; “Optimized Solution-Phase Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica-Encapsulated Ni2P Nanoparticles”
Ms. Samar Ali Hammoud, B. S. 2014 “The Synthesis and Characterization of Manganese Arsenide Nanoparticles for Magnetic Refrigeration”
Mr. Quintin Cheek, B.S. 2015 “Optimized Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica-Encapsulated Ni2-xRuxP Nanoparticles as Model Catalysts for Hydrodeoxygenation” (Ph.D. student, U. Michigan)
Mr. Seth Boehnlein, B.S. 2016 “Lead Telluride Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Prospective Applications”
Ms. Nina Ahrabian, B.S. 2016 “Cation Exchange Processes in Chalcogenide Nanoparticles”
Mr. Bogdan Kulikowski, B.S. (with Honors) 2017 “ Synthesis and Analysis of CoxFe2-xP nanoparticles”
Mr. Aaron Chalifoux, B.S. 2017 “Kinetics of Cadmium Chalcogenide Nanoparticle Assembly”
Mr. Jacob Kay, B.S. 2017 “Synthesis of Ni2P Catalyst Support Structures Using Modified Butoxide Precursors”
Mr. Benjamin Brown, B.S. 2018 “Synthesis and Characterization of Co2-xRhxP Nanoparticles for Proton Reduction in Bulk Acidic and Basic Media
Mr. Ali Ramzan, B.S. (with Honors) 2019 “Synthesis and Characterization of Fe1.2Ni0.8P and Co1Fe1P Aerogels for Potential Application in Magnetic Refrigeration”
Ms. Leenah Silmi, B.S. (with Honors) 2019 “Oxidative Assembly of Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticles: Core/Shell Nanoparticles vs. Cation Exchange Nanoparticles”
Mr. Jason Blanchet, “Synthesis of Ni2P-CdS Hybrid Aerogels and their Application in Visible-Light Induced Photocatalytic Hydrogen-Evolution”
Ms. Alina Shafikova, “CdSe and Pb-chalcogenide Nanoparticle Assemblies to Monitor the Redox Dispersion of Oxidatively Assembled Metal Chalcogenide Gels via 31P NMR Studies and a Study of Cation Exchange for Chemical Sensing”
Former Undergraduate Students Participating in Research Part-time:
Ms. Robyn Roberts, 6/2003-12/2003; “Synthesis of Novel Pnictide Halides”
Ms. Michele Tague, Keene State College, Keene, NH; “Synthesis and Characterization of Layered Pnictide Oxides: RMPO and RMSbO; R = La, Ce, Gd; M = Mn, Zn” 2004 NSF Summer Research Program in Solid State Chemistry (SROSSC). Ph.D. Cornell University
Ms. Uyen thi bao “Andie” Tran, 6/2003-6/2004; “Synthesis of Novel Pnictide-Halides”
Mr. Christopher Young, 6/2005-12/2005 “Synthesis and Characterization of Layered Transition Metal Phosphate Nanoparticles: Precursor Materials to Phosphide Nanoparticles” transferred to University of Michigan 1/06.
Mr. Lance Acqulina, 05/2007-12/2007 “Synthesis of Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles.” NIH Bridges to the Baccalaureate program
Ms. Erin Gleason, 06/2008-08/2008 “Synthesis of Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles for Hydrodesulfurization.” Visiting undergraduate from Western Washington University, participant in the NSF SRPSSC, M.S. University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Ms. Erica Chen, 06/2009-08/2009; “Cadmium Sulfide Gels for Photocatalysis of Dyes.” Visiting undergraduate from UCLA, participant in the NSF SRPSSC, Ph.D. University of Michigan
Mr. Antonio Casteda, 06/2009-08/2009; “Dissolution Studies on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.” NIH Bridges to the Baccalaureate program
Mr. Jeffrey Kepes, 06/2009-05/2010; “Synthesis and Characterization of PbTe Nanoparticles”
Mr. Kody Whisnant, 6/2016-6/2020, Transforming metal phosphide electrocatalysts into photocatalysts for solar-driven water splitting, Participant in the NIH-sponsored ReBUILDetroit program (currently a Ph.D. student, U. Michigan Engineering)
Ms. Mikaylah Poli, 6/2016-6/2020, Synthesis of trimetallic metal phosphide nanoparticles: predictive insights from the relative reactivity of mono- and bi-metallic systems, Participant in the NIH-sponsored ReBUILDetroit program (currently a Ph.D. student, Purdue U. Engineering)