Join us!
We have one opening for undergraduate/TAMS student starting Spring/Fall 2022. We are particularly interested in those with passions in instrumentation and prototyping. Basic knowledge and experience in coding is preferred.
Principle Investigator
Hao Yan
Hao.Yan@unt.edu
CV
I joined UNT in Fall 2019 as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. I obtained my Ph.D. in chemistry from Harvard University. Prior to UNT, I held a joint Research Associate position between Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 2017 to 2019.
My research work spans many fields pertinent to physical and materials chemistry, including low-dimensional systems, self-assembly and nanostructure-enabled devices. My latest interest lies in chemistry under extreme conditions, and in particular, using mechanical stress such as high pressure to drive novel reactions and create functional materials.
Left to right (front): Dr. Yan, Cindy, Lama, Tengteng, Abi, Carol.
Postdocs
Peter VanNatta
Peter.Vannatta@unt.edu
I earned my Ph.D. in 2021 from the University of Utah focusing on hydrogen atom abstraction thermodynamics by dicopper complexes under the tutelage of Dr. Kieber-Emmons. I enjoy utilizing a multitude of spectroscopic methods coupled with computational modeling to develop insight into the rules governing desired reactivity. I joined the Yan group as a postdoc in 2021 and am utilizing high-pressure to distort geometries of dicopper systems and track the resulting inorganic electronic structure perturbations to accomplish challenging monooxidation of C-H bonds. I also am working to design and fabricate novel tools and spectrometers to facilitate in-situ measurements in diamond anvil cells.
Graduate Students
Cynthia Archambault
CynthiaArchambault@my.unt.edu
I am a chemistry graduate student here at UNT and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas Lutheran University in 2017. Previously, I have spent time researching flow chemistry as well as azobenzenes in liquid crystals. In my free time, I enjoy exploring and outdoor activities with friends.
Tengteng Lyu
TengtengLyu@my.unt.edu
I earned my MS in Chemistry at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where I worked on the synthesis and optimization of ceria-supported palladium catalysts for the polyethylene industry. I moved to University of North Texas for my graduate study in 2019. Outside the Lab, I enjoy running, lifting, and petting my friend’s dog. I try to work hard so I can raise my own dog.
Sicheng Wang
SichengWang@my.unt.edu
I am a chemistry graduate student here at UNT and obtained my Bachelor of Applied Chemistry from Anhui Normal University (AHNU) of China. During my time at undergraduate, I focused on the research in Bio-sensor and Material area. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, doing exercise and dancing.
Bibek Sapkota
bibeksapkota@my.unt.edu
I am an ambitious graduate student in the field of chemistry at UNT. I completed my MS from Tribhuvan University, where I conducted research on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. Recently, I have been working on a project that involves the study of material under extreme conditions. In my free time, I enjoy indulging in curiosity by exploring new places and staying up to date with current events, particularly in politics and biographies.
Undergraduate Students
David Purvis
I am an undergraduate chemistry major here at UNT, graduated from the Texas Academy of Math and Science program. I am fascinated by the possibilities of chemistry research and plan to continue my education in graduate school soon. Outside of class, I enjoy reading Science Fiction and Fantasy novels, gardening, and running.
Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) Students
Aishani Gupta
I’m Aishani Gupta, a high school student at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, currently pursuing the Computer Science track. With a keen interest in research, I strive to advance academic knowledge while exploring my passions. I’m eager to see what journey my academic interests take me on!
Anvita Agarwal
My name is Anvita Agarwal, I am a current junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, on the computer science track. I have a CAD (computer aided design), background as well as experience with multiple coding languages and interest in research.
Former Students
Jackson Hill
My name is Jackson Hill and I am currently going into my 4th year of being an undergraduate. My major is a BS in Chemistry with Forensic focus and I am currently in the beginning stages of working on chitin and its various mechanical properties with Dr. Yan.
Vigna Lavu
I’m currently a junior at TAMS on the traditional science track. I’ve always been interested in science, specifically biology, and have a goal to become a doctor. In my free time, I like to play basketball, travel, and spend time with my family and dogs.
Anoushka Rustagi
I am currently a TAMS junior (first year) on the traditional science track. My interests lie in cellular biology and biochemistry, and I’ve always been fascinated by the way biology draws connections between all life forms. I’d like to pursue a career in either health science or biological research. In my free time I enjoy volunteering, baking, and exploring new trails with my family.
Carly Yang
I am currently a junior at TAMS on the traditional science track. I’ve always been interested in science because there’s a limitless amount of knowledge I can gain about the world around me. Some things I love include swimming, reading, hanging out with my friends, and dogs.
Carol King
I am a current TAMS junior on the traditional science track. In my free time, I like to read, bake, and swim. I’ve always been interested in science because it allows me to discover more about the world.
Abinaya (Abi) Kumar
I am currently a first year student at TAMS, and am planning on graduating May 2021. I am aiming to become a medical doctor, specifically a pediatric oncologist. I am fascinated by chemistry and how it is interwoven in every specialty, as well as its importance in new discoveries and innovations. In my free time, I enjoy reading and volunteering.
Nidhi Kotha
I am a TAMS senior on the traditional science track. I’ve always been drawn to science ever since I was a little kid because we can learn so much from it. In my free time, I love making art, hanging out with my friends, and trying new foods.
Preety Jagdishgir Gosai
I am an undergraduate student at the University of North Texas majoring in Chemistry with a Certification in Forensic Science, planning to graduate in May 2021. I am aiming to do a Masters and PhD in Forensics. I like to read novels and crime cases in my free time.
Lama Abu-Amara
LamaAbu-Amara@my.unt.edu
I am a current graduate student at UNT in the department of Chemistry. I graduated from Kent State University in Ohio in Spring of 2018 where I received my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Biology concentration. In my undergraduate years I was mainly interested in Organic chemistry. However, I am currently looking to expand my interests to involve interdisciplinary research. Aside from Chemistry, I have immense passion for both oil and acrylic painting.
Umar Syed
UmarSyed@my.unt.edu
I am a post baccalaureate student studying to become a medical doctor. Prior to enrolling at UNT, I graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with my Bachelors in Healthcare Studies with a concentration in Biochemistry. I have always been fascinated by the natural sciences and enjoy working in different fields of science and seeing how they all fit together!
Ebubechukwu (Ebube) Mojekwu
EbubechukwuMojekwu@my.unt.edu
I am currently getting my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from UNT, hopefully graduating in May 2020. I’m looking into getting Masters in Education or going up towards a PhD in Chemistry. I have come to enjoy Chemistry as a science more than the other sciences because the knowledge I’ve gained in my chemistry classes has helped structure the world around me.