Our Team
Postdocs
Disni Gunasekera
Ph.D. Wayne State University
B.S. University of Kelaniya
I’m Disni Gunasekera, and I earned my PhD in Chemistry from Wayne State University, where I worked with Dr. Long Luo on electroorganic synthesis using AC electrolysis. In my free time, I love traveling and exploring new places, experimenting with new recipes, and playing board games with friends. I also enjoy simply relaxing and spending time with my family whenever I get the chance.
Graduate Students
Nya Black
B.S. Utah Tech
Casper, WY
I utilize electrochemical methods to study and improve photocatalytic and biocatalytic systems to drive chemical transformations. I enjoy (or am willing to try) almost any outdoor sport or activity, and I am typically training for some type of race or competition. My favorites are running and weightlifting, and I also enjoy drawing or painting if I have free time. I love animals and hope to get a dog one day. My favorite molecule is triple helix DNA because I like how its role in the cell is still relatively mysterious!
Anne Gaudard Corrêa Rangel
B.S. Hardin-Simmons University
Curitiba, PR - Brazil
My current research focus is controlling selectivity using electro-photochemical biocatalysis. I love traveling and have lived in four different countries - Brazil, Chile, Mozambique, and now the US! I enjoy solving puzzles, especially Rubik’s cubes. I have over 40 different cubes, and my current record is 10.1s for the 3x3. I’m also passionate about reading and talking about the Bible! My favorite molecule is laminin because of its amazing functions and cool shape!
Sydney Noell
B.S. Azusa Pacific University
Visalia, CA
Hey! I'm Sydney! I'm from Visalia, California. I develop and apply high-throughput electrochemical methods to better understand C–H bond activation! I also love working out and doing outdoor activities! I’m a musician and play bass, keys, and guitar! I also love traveling the world and have lived in 3 different countries and have been to 10! My favorite molecule is water!
Nalinda Senevirathna Mudiyanselage
B.S. University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka
My name is Nalinda, and I am from the wonderful tropical island of Sri Lanka. My research is focused on electrosynthesis. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton and carrom, and I love exploring any new sport or game that gets me moving. I also enjoy reading books from time to time. I love animals—especially dogs and elephants. I’m happiest when I’m spending time with my friends, talking, laughing, and turning simple hangouts into some of my best memories. My favorite molecule is 2,3-dimethylbutane (sometimes it makes me crazy)!
Undergraduate Students
Weitong Gao
Major: Biochemistry
Houston, TX
I am researching the expansion of direct quantum yield measurement for complex ligand-to-metal charge transfer photocatalyst using cyclic voltammetry. I love going camping, and I go to a Texas State Park every semester with my friends. My favorite molecule is Biotin (Vitamin B7) because its shape looks like a person!
Ava Kwan
Major: Biochemistry
Houston, TX
I am working with Anne to study controlling selectivity using electro-photochemical biocatalysis. I love crafts like embroidery and cross-stitching. I also love animals! Hemoglobin is my favorite molecule because I love learning about its structural components and how it works in the body.
Paityn Keith
Major: Biochemistry
Spring Branch, TX
I aided in the creation of an advanced electrochemical measurement system to perform exhaustive examination of C-H bond activation parameters, as well as analyzed how this automated system can be applied and distributed to chemistry education laboratories. I have a crazy sweet tooth and I’m always snacking on candy! Caffeine is my favorite molecule because I can’t go a day without it!
Alumni
Dara Cheng
Major: Chemistry and Mathematics
Cedar Park, TX
Dara is an undergraduate student from Cedar Park, TX. She is studying Chemistry and Mathematics. In her free time, she likes running, weightlifting, reading, and going on hikes with her dog.
Brandon Grasty
Major: Biochemistry
Cedar Park, TX
My name is Brandon, an undergraduate student from Cedar Park, TX, studying Biochemistry on the Pre-Pharmacy track. When I am not busy with school, I enjoy going out with friends, walking with my two wonderful dogs, or playing in gaming tournaments! Lastly, Penguinone is my favorite molecule because it's shaped like my favorite bird (even if it has no actual uses yet).
Could be you!
Contact Dylan for Graduate and Undergraduate Research Opportunities