Current and Recent Members

Post-doc Scholars

Hui Yang

Duration: 2015-2016
Research: Using computational chemistry methods (DFT, QM/MM, and MD) to study
1. The mechanisms of cellulose polymerization and crystallization,
2. Molecular interactions among cellulose, lignin and proteins.
Email: huy21@psu.edu

Sarah Kiemle

Duration: 2013-2015
Research: The overall goal of my project is to examine the role of (1→3, 1→4) β-glucan or mixed linkage glucan (MLG) in the grass cell walls. To determine the role of MLG in the grass cell wall, I have employed a wide variety of techniques including binding assays, enzyme digestion, chemical fractionation, saccharide analysis, biomechanical extension assays, immunocytochemistry, atomic force microscopy and, and neutron scattering (bio-SANS with contrast matching).
Email: snk3@psu.edu

Malgorzata (Margaret) Kowalik

Duration: 2011-2017
Research: Coarse graining Molecular Dynamic simulations of polymer melts/blends. Developing coarse-grain models for copolymers. Very coarse grain model of Primary Plant cell Wall using Dissipative Particle Dynamics. [More details]
Email: gkowalik@engr.psu.edu

Graduate Students

Shankar Ram

Duration: 2016-2021 (PhD)
Research: Study of Molecular structures, dynamics, and ion transport to improve the conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes for Li ion batteries.

Email: sxc659@psu.edu

M.S.: Chemical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 2016

B.S.: Chemical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science,Pilani, India 2013

Nagma Zerin

Duration: 2016-2021 (PhD)
Research: Metal Organic Framework (MOF) assisted ionic conductivity in solid polymer electrolyte for application in lithium-ion battery

Email : nzz5@psu.edu

Ben Schantz

Co-advised by Manish Kumar
Duration: 2012-2017 (PhD)
Research: Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and small-angle neutron scattering experiments on proteins and amphiphilic block copolymer membranes.

Email: abs254@psu.edu

B.S.: University of Delaware, 2012