Group Members

Graduate student - xxn5qf at virginia dot edu

B. S. (2024) Oregon State University, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Bates Research Group in fall of 2024. My research focuses on developing spectrokinetic characterization tools for electrocatalysis with an emphasis on catalyst design for selective methane oxidation. Broadly, my academic interests are at the intersection of thermodynamics, materials science, reaction engineering, and sustainability. During my time at Oregon State University, I completed my senior design project on the catalytic production of sustainable aviation fuel from lignocellulosic biomass. Additionally, in the summer and fall of 2023, I worked at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant, where I performed chemical analysis on aeration basins, conducted data analysis on wet weather flows, and developed dechlorination control narratives. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, listening to and composing music, writing poetry, and playing Dance Dance Revolution. 

Graduate student - hhe9pj at virginia dot edu

B. S. (2021) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Petroleum Engineering

My research deals with studying solvation effects in electrocatalysis. I am interested in understanding how the interactions between solvents, ions, and reactants at the electrode-electrolyte interface impact the performance of electrocatalysts. After graduating in 2021, I worked in the petroleum industry where I developed an interest in catalysis research due to its practical applications in developing sustainable, lower carbon footprint routes for chemicals and fuel production. Outside academics, I enjoy listening to music, playing/watching football and reading history. 

Graduate student - nau3dd at virginia dot edu

B. S. (2024) University of New Hampshire, Chemical Engineering

As a member of the Bates lab, I am investigating the intersection between electric fields and Brønsted acid catalysis. My passion for catalysis emerged during my undergraduate studies, where I had the opportunity to conduct research in this dynamic field. At the University of New Hampshire, alongside Dr. Nan Yi, I experimented with the Sabatier reaction. I synthesized, characterized, and activity tested nickel based and copper based catalysts for thermocatalytic and photocatalytic processes. Additionally, during the summer of 2022, I worked with Dr. John Monnier to examine bimetallic catalyst synthesis. At the University of South Carolina, I modified copper and nickel based catalysts with silver through galvanic displacement. In my free time, I like to play ultimate frisbee and binge movies.

Graduate student - tbh7eg at virginia dot edu

B. S. (2023) Pennsylvania State University, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Bates group in the fall of 2023. My research focuses on zeolite-hosted molecular catalysis. During my undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University, I did research on fluorescence quenching of Ru(bpy)32+ by TiO2 nanoparticles and completed an honors thesis on oxygen diffusion in Poly-vinyl alcohol-co-polythylene (PVA-co-PE). Outside of academics, I enjoy reading fantasy literature, playing video games, and walking in nature.

Graduate student - jgv4kz at virginia dot edu
coadvised with Bill Epling

B. S. (2023) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Chemical Engineering

I joined the Bates Group in fall 2024, where I am focusing on controlling aluminum arrangements in zeolites through post-synthetic treatments. While at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), I worked on recovering lithium and cobalt from spent lithium-ion batteries using the hydrometallurgical method, with citric acid as my organic leachant. After graduating, I served as a research assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering, KNUST, where I worked with Ing. Dr Patrick Boakye to produce bio-lubricant from Jatropha curcas oil via double-transesterification reactions. I characterized the bio-lubricant by evaluating its density, pour point, viscosity index, and viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C. Also, I performed an FTIR analysis to confirm the presence of functional groups, including diester groups in the synthesized bio-lubricant. Outside of academics, I play the piano and trumpet and enjoy watching movies.

Graduate student - rka7tp at virginia dot edu

B. S. (2023) Lafayette College, Chemical Engineering

My research aims to develop atomically dispersed catalysts that can better selectively oxidize both methane and alkenes for liquid fuel and chemical production at low temperatures. While at Lafayette College, I worked with Professor Michael Senra as both a Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Research Scholar and an honors thesis student. As a CBL Scholar and a thesis student, I produced biodiesel via the transesterification reaction and evaluated each sample’s cold flow properties and energy content using differential scanning calorimetry and bomb calorimetry. Additionally, during the summer of 2021, I worked alongside Professor Andrew Teixeira at Worcester Polytechnic Institute to develop a custom catalyst characterization test stand that could more accurately measure the number of active sites and binding energies for different catalyst forms. I also worked alongside Professor Thomas Schwartz at the University of Maine during the summer of 2022 to construct a continuous flow reactor that could effectively study solvent effects in the context of transition state theory in phenol hydrogenation. Aside from academics, I enjoy running, cooking meals from scratch, reading, and binge-watching Friends.

Undergraduate student - axn93ed at virginia dot edu

University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering (B.S. (2026), expected)

I joined the Bates group in fall of 2024. The research I am working on involves the synthesis of zeolites with controlled Al distributions. Outside of school and research, I'm in the fencing and ultimate frisbee clubs.

Undergraduate student - wzn9uf at virginia dot edu

University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering (B.S. (2026), expected)

I joined the Bates group in the fall of 2023. The research I am working on involves the influence of electric fields on non-Faradaic reactions. Outside of school and research, I am a member of the UVA Clean Water Group, and play basketball and tennis. 

Undergraduate student - phq2gu at virginia dot edu

University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering (B.S. (2026), expected)

I joined the Bates group in fall of 2023. The research I am working on involves the synthesis of zeolites with controlled Al distributions. Outside of school and research, I am a swim instructor and lifeguard for UVA Recreation. I am from Brooklyn, NY.

Undergraduate student - rhh5rb at virginia dot edu

University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering (B.S. (2027), expected)

I joined the Bates group in spring of 2025. The research I am working on involves selective oxidation reactions on atomically dispersed catalysts. Outside of school and research, I enjoy hiking, animals, and listening to music.

Undergraduate student - sgy4ar at virginia dot edu

University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering (B.S. (2028), expected)

I joined the Bates group in the spring of 2024. The research I am working on involves using electric fields to accelerate the rate of reactions. Outside of school and research, I am a member of the Society of Women Engineers and enjoy playing volleyball.