Our group is driven by a shared passion for solving real-world challenges. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge through rigorous research and creative thinking. Our philosophy centers on continuous learning, teamwork, and the belief that success is achieved when we grow and succeed together.
Principal Investigator
Qi (Tony) Dong
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(he/his/him)
Assistant Professor
Tarpo Department of Chemistry
Purdue University
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Postdoc, University of Maryland, 2023
Ph.D., Boston College, 2019
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Email: qidong@purdue.edu
Phone: 765-494-3878
Office: 3131D BRWN
Postdoctoral Researchers
Dr. Yao (Neil) Shan
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Ph.D., City University of Hong Kong, 2023
M.E., Dalian University of Technology, 2019
B.S., China University of Mining and Technology, 2016
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Neil was born in Anhui, China. His research interests include energy conversion technologies and devices, functional materials, and electrified material synthesis, recycling and upcycling. He is also passionate about non-equilibrium technologies such as non-thermal plasma for material and chemical manufacturing.
Dr. Eric Munyaneza Nuwayo
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Ph.D., Virginia Tech, 2025
M.E., Mississippi State University, 2020
B.S., Belhaven University, 2017
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Eric is passionate about developing plastic recycling and upcycling solutions to address the pollution crisis facing our planet. Specifically, he utilizes AI and machine learning-guided methods to convert hard-to-recycle plastics into useful products. Outside the lab, he enjoys taking long walks, hiking, and occasional road trips.
Graduate Students
Priyam Mondal (3rd year)​
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M.S., Jadavpur University, 2022
B.S., Jadavpur University, 2020
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Priyam hails from the small town of Sainthia in India. He completed his B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry at Jadavpur University before working as a Project Assistant at IIT Guwahati. When he’s not in the lab, you’ll find Priyam watching cricket, snapping photos of whatever random things catch his eye, and daydreaming about his next travel escape. He also has a serious love for music and can often be found sipping coffee just for the vibes!
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Abhirup Sen (3rd year)
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B.S.-M.S., Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, 2018-2023
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Abhirup, originally from Chinsurah, India, completed his master’s with a specialization in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis. Driven by his commitment to sustainability and energy solutions, he shifted focus to biomass and plastic upcycling, creating fine chemicals that align with his expertise in organic chemistry. When he’s not in the lab, Abhirup enjoys playing soccer and exploring new places for capturing life’s finer moments through his camera lens.
Zixi Fan (2nd year)
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M.S., Zhengzhou University, 2024
B.E., Wuhan Institute of Technology, 2020
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Zixi has been studying materials and chemistry for eight years. She believes that her self-motivation comes from positive feedback from people and surroundings. Her original aspiration for starting graduate studies is her determination “To create something with my own hands that will have even a small impact on the world and all of mankind.” Zixi's favorite polymer material is Kevlar!
Taeho Kim (2nd year)
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B.S., Sungkyunkwan University
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Taeho is a first-year graduate student who grew up in Seoul, South Korea. He completed his undergraduate studies at Sungkyunkwan University, a historic institution with over 600 years of academic legacy. Outside the lab, Taeho enjoys exploring the art of beverage appreciation. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or something with a bit more "kick," he's always up for a toast to science and the small joys of grad life!
Undergraduate Students
Simone Xin Moulton
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Purdue, Class of 2026
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Simone is an Oregon native pursuing a B.S. in aerospace engineering. She is passionate about the intersection between aviation, space exploration, and sustainability. She is particularly interested in recycling materials to support transportation and life support needs. Outside of school, Simone loves hiking, dancing, tending to her home garden, and baking.
Nachiket Magesh
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Purdue, Class of 2027
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Nachiket is from Schererville, Indiana and intends to pursue one of Purdue's two environmental engineering majors. He is passionate about sustainable and economical resources as well as endangered species protection. Outside of academics, Nachiket enjoys riding his bike, training in Tang Soo Do martial arts, and playing the piano.
Michael William Schwebach
Purdue, Class of 2026
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Michael is a junior studying chemistry. He is passionate about sustainable chemistry and green energy. He is particularly interested in developing ways to recycle valuable materials in electronics. Outside of school, Michael enjoys climbing, 3D printing, and spending time with friends.
Trent Wiers
Purdue, Class of 2027
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Trent is a student from Schererville, Indiana and pursuing a B.S. in chemistry. He is interested in environmental sustainability, especially by means of waste upcycling. Outside of academics, Trent enjoys reading, playing basketball, and spending time with friends.
Sungsu Jeon
Visiting Undergraduate Student, Class of 2026
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Sungsu is a visiting exchange undergraduate student from Yonsei University in South Korea, where he is majoring in Chemical Engineering. He is passionate about creating a greener planet through electrochemical reactions. A fun fact about his home university: Yonsei has a fierce and historic rivalry with Korea University. So, a friendly piece of advice—never tell him that Korea University is better!
Alumni
Ming-Jie (Agnes) Lin​ Purdue, Class of 2024; currently with Technical University of Munich.​
Dr. Kangkang Zhang Visiting Scholar; currently with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory