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
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 Researcher
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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Dr. Shan was born in Anhui, China. His research interests include energy conversion technologies and devices, functional materials, and electrified material synthesis, recycling and upcycling.
Graduate Students
Priyam Mondal​
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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
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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
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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!
Nell Fisher
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B.A., Smith College, 2024
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Professionally, Nell is passionate about sustainability, solving interesting problems, and being a little bit of a silly goose whenever appropriate. Outside of the lab, she enjoys various arts and crafts, logic puzzles, and taking naps.
Taeho Kim
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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.
Ava Elizabeth Brock
Purdue, Class of 2028
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Ava is a freshman from Greenwood, Indiana. She's majoring in pharmaceutical sciences and minoring in chemistry, and she's particularly interested in finding sustainable ways to turn the wastes we create into valuable, useful reagents. Outside of school, she enjoys theater, boxing, cooking, and going on long, scenic walks.
Former members
Ming-Jie (Agnes) Lin​ Purdue, Class of 2024; currently with Technical University of Munich.