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
(he/his/him)
Assistant Professor
Tarpo Department of Chemistry
Purdue University
Postdoc, University of Maryland, 2023
Ph.D., Boston College, 2019
Awards and Honors:
R&D 100 Award
DOE Early Career Research Award
ARPA-E IGNIITE Award
ACS Rising Stars in Green Chemistry Education Award
MRS Nelson “Buck” Robinson Science and Technology Award for Renewable Energy
Scialog Fellow and Award for the SM3 Initiative
Postdoctoral Researchers
Dr. Yao (Neil) Shan
Ph.D., City University of Hong Kong, 2023
M.E., Dalian University of Technology, 2019
B.S., China University of Mining and Technology, 2016
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
Ph.D., Virginia Tech, 2025
M.E., Mississippi State University, 2020
B.S., Belhaven University, 2017
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 (4th year)
M.S., Jadavpur University, 2022
B.S., Jadavpur University, 2020
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 (4th year)
B.S.-M.S., Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, 2018-2023
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 (3rd year)
M.S., Zhengzhou University, 2024
B.E., Wuhan Institute of Technology, 2020
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 (3rd year)
B.S., Sungkyunkwan University, 2024
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!
Kuei Tan (Dana) Lee (3rd year)
M.S., Korea University, 2024
B.S., Korea University, 2021
Dana completed her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and her master’s degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Korea University. She is motivated by uncovering fundamental mechanisms while developing new materials. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing the piano and baking.
Su Youn Kim (3rd year)
M.S., Chungnam National University, 2022
B.S., Chungnam National University, 2020
Su Youn was born in Texas, and moved to Korea when she was 4. Then she lived in Korea most of her life. During her master’s program, Su Youn studied polymeric biomaterials for medical applications. While that work deepened her interest in materials science, she is now motivated to contribute to research that can help create a cleaner and more sustainable planet. Outside the lab, she enjoy painting and taking quiet moments to relax while sipping a good cup of coffee.
Chase Presz (2nd year)
B.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2025
Chase, from Chicopee, Massachusetts, completed his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Originally researching the theoretical and computational aspects of photocatalytic processes, he shifted his focus to a hands-on approach. His motivation is driven by the determination to optimize processes to encourage innovation. Outside of lab, he enjoys drawing and painting.
Sebastian Barton (2nd year)
B.S., University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, 2024
Born and raised in a small rural community on the outskirts of the Fox Cities, Wisconsin, Sebastian went on to earn his B.S. degrees in chemistry and biology. He participated in a variety of projects, ranging from ecological stoichiometry of invasive bivalves to spectroscopic analysis of unexplored inorganic compounds. His primary undergraduate research focused on examining the degradation pathways of disposable face masks . After beating cancer, he joined the Dong group, where he developed an interest in high-pressure, high-temperature material upcycling. Outside the lab, Sebastian enjoys playing sports and escaping into the outdoors to hunt and fish.
Shahid Uz Zaman (1st year)
M.S., University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2022
B.S., University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2019
Shahid is originally from Bangladesh, where he completed his B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Dhaka. He served as a faculty member at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, conducting research on environmental chemistry, air pollution, and climate change. He is excited to explore sustainable chemical processes, nanomaterials synthesis, and waste upcycling. Outside the lab, Shahid enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and watching sports, especially cricket and football.
Undergraduate Students
Nachiket Magesh
Purdue, Class of 2027
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.
Trent Wiers
Purdue, Class of 2027
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.
Nathan Ross Martin
Purdue, Class of 2027
Nathan is from Indianapolis, Indiana and is studying chemistry. He is interested in materials and environmental chemistry, especially in regard to upcycling materials. Outside of academics, Nathan loves to read books, to watch movies, to play video games, and to spend time with friends.
Emmy Qilin Huang
Purdue, Class of 2027
Emmy is pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering, with research interests in sustainable materials and recycling processes. Outside of school, she loves spending time outdoors hiking and swimming, as well as spending time with family and friends.
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
Simone Xin Moulton, Purdue, Class of 2026; currently with NASA Pathways
Michael William Schwebach, Purdue, Class of 2026; currently with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sungsu Jeon, Visiting Undergraduate Student, Class of 2026; currently with Yonsei University