CURB Members

Hi! I am currently a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry with a certificate in History. I joined the Cavagnero group in January 2023, where I have been performing research aimed at reducing protein aggregation in bacterial cells. My current project focuses on accomplishing this by inducing mutations in E. coli and determining if these mutations decrease the yield of insoluble protein. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about research or your undergraduate experience in general!

Greetings! I am a junior majoring in Chemistry with certificates in Entrepreneurship and Science Communication. I joined the Popova Lab in November 2024, where I research the fate and degradation of mustard-based biopesticides in soil. My work focuses on understanding how these biopesticides interact with different soil types to ensure their effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact. I conduct soil column experiments to simulate real-world agricultural conditions, analyzing thiocyanate (SCN⁻) transport and transformation. My research contributes to sustainable agriculture by refining eco-friendly pest control strategies. Research has been a rewarding part of my undergraduate experience, and I’m happy to help others get involved as well! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Hi! I am a sophomore double majoring in Biochemistry and Computer Science with a certificate in Asian American Studies. I joined the Martell group in November of 2023 and use DNA nanoscaffolds to enhance synthetic catalysis. My current project focuses on assembling various DNA tetrahedrons with different catalyst attachment sites and then performing stereoselective catalysis with these DNA architectures. If you have any questions about undergraduate research, please feel free to reach out!

Hi! I’m a Senior studying chemical engineering with a certificate in public policy. I joined the Boydston group in Fall of 2024. I am doing research on metal free ring opening metathesis polymerization (MF-ROMP) and am currently working on identifying alternative solvents for the reaction. Before joining the Boydston Group I was involved in research on gender and racial biases in scientific peer review, motion sickness and its connection to cortical Neurodynamics in postural control, and the development of medical devices for kidney stone removal. Outside of research I enjoy hiking, traveling, and reading! 

Hi, I’m a junior double majoring in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering. I joined the Kwon group in Spring of 2023 and have been researching developing polymeric micelle nanoparticles for treating breast cancer. These nanoparticles can transport chemotherapy drugs to tumors more effectively and with less off target toxicity, and I am currently exploring modifying these nanoparticles with a FUD peptide ligand to further improve nanoparticle tumor targeting. Feel free to reach out with any questions about undergraduate research you may have!

Hi! I am a sophomore majoring in Chemistry with certificates in Computer Science and Science Communication. I joined the Yang Research Group in January 2025. Currently, I am working on understanding intramolecular proton transfer, which plays an important role in many chemical and biological processes. I am computationally investigating this phenomenon using the Yang Group’s Constrained Nuclear Electronic Orbital (CNEO) framework, which incorporates nuclear quantum effects into tools such as density functional theory and molecular dynamics. Please reach out if you have any questions about undergraduate research!

Hi! I’m Arshiya Singh, majoring in Chemistry with certificates in Data Science and Environmental Studies. I joined the Bertram Lab in Fall 2024, where I analyze data from solar-powered QuantAQ MODULAIR™-PM air quality sensors to explore the spatial and temporal variability of air quality across the city of Madison. My current project focuses on examining whether PM concentrations are disproportionately higher in lower-income neighborhoods, with an environmental justice lens. I’m happy to answer any questions related to chemistry or research, please don’t hesitate to reach out:)

Hey, I’m Matthew-a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Chemistry and Genetics. I’m currently completing my senior thesis in the Lamming Lab, where I have been conducting research since January of 2023. My project focuses on how isoleucine restriction can improve metabolic health and extend lifespan. Outside of science, I enjoy baking, making and listening to music, and staying active through a variety of hobbies.

Hi everyone! I am a freshman majoring in chemistry and Chinese. I joined the Jin Group Spring of 2025, where I grow and characterize two-dimensional metal halide perovskites, highly tunable semiconductors that have a lot of potential photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. Participating in undergraduate research has been really beneficial in my development as a chemist. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about undergraduate research!

Hi, I am a senior majoring in chemical engineering, and I joined the Jin group in the spring of 2023. My research focuses on developing sustainable methods to reduce environmental pollution caused by manure wastewater. Specifically, I am investigating a redox-mediated approach that uses manganese dioxide (MnO2) as a selective mediator that recovers ammonium ions and then release the ions through electrochemical half-reaction(s) powered by renewable electricity. This approach not only provides a sustainable way to manage wastewater but also recycles nutrients back into the environment, promoting greater sustainability and environmental health. I am passionate about research, so please feel free to reach out with any questions!