Hello! My name is Cassandra Yuan, and I am currently pursuing my master's degree in chemistry at California State University, Fullerton. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Microbiology and Biomedical Lab Sciences and minor in Chemistry from California State University, East Bay. At Cal State East Bay I was able to participate in undergraduate research in the CSUEB Pain Lab under the supervision of Dr. Ram Kandasamy. Dr. Kandasamy and Dr. Pecic have been collaborating on testing novel drugs synthesized in the Pecic Lab and evaluating their efficacy in in vivo models using behavioral pharmacology techniques in the CSUEB Pain Lab. In this collaboration, I was able to evaluate a few novel compounds in vivo, and found my interest in medicinal chemistry, specifically drug synthesis. Therefore, I decided to pursue my master's in chemistry and get hands-on experience in drug synthesis in the Pecic Lab. After graduation, I hope to work in the pharmaceutical industry focusing on research and development. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, hiking, long walks on the beach, science museums, and card games.

Hello, my name is Manuel and I am pursuing my Masters degree in chemistry at CSUF. I am a graduate student under Dr. Pecic’s medicinal chemistry lab where I research and synthesize drugs. I also graduated from CSUF with a B.S. Chemistry degree. My undergrad research focused on solid state inorganic materials where I studied cool pigments. My interest in Dr. Pecic’s lab derived from his medicinal chemistry class which I enjoyed and found very interesting. I feel very lucky and excited to be a part of Dr. Pecic’s lab! I look forward to expanding my lab experience further with emphasis on drug synthesis/organic chemistry. After earning my masters I plan on working in the pharmaceutical industry. On my free time I like to explore new coffee shops, workout, and watch sports - specifically soccer. I can play guitar and I enjoy watching a good true crime documentary.        

Hello! My name is Amanda Tsang, and I am currently pursuing my master's degree in chemistry at California State University at Fullerton. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at CSUF in Spring 2024. In my undergraduate career, I worked with Dr. Fry-Petit, where I studied hexagonal oxygen transport membranes and analyzed oxygen movements between the crystal structures. I took medicinal chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, and organic reaction and mechanisms classes in my undergrad, which inspired me to pursue organic/medicinal chemistry. I am excited to work in the Pecic’s lab and hope to gain new laboratory skills that accentuate drug synthesis and stability. In the future, I want to work in the pharmacology industry, developing and improving drug synthesis. During my free time, I love playing video games, watching TV shows, cooking new foods, and going to new cafes and restaurants.

Hi! My name is Adriana Rodriguez, and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at California State University, Fullerton. I have always been interested in science growing up and when deciding my major, I decided to study in the Biochemical pathway in order to have a wide variety of future career fields to explore. I have been interested in pursuing a career in pharmaceutical science, and thus, through this lab, I am hoping to expand my knowledge on medicinal chemistry. I am also excited to be able to apply concepts that I have learned in my classes to a hands-on laboratory experience. I am also hoping to learn how to gather research and expand my skills and knowledge to use throughout my professional career. During my free time, I enjoy binge-watching shows, reading, and spending time with friends and family. 

Hello! My name is Anesa, and I’m pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry at California State University Fullerton. I am driven to learn about new scientific explorations, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further my research interests by joining Dr. Pecic's lab. Through my participation in this research, I hope to enhance my skill set and acquire knowledge that will support me in my future professional development. My aspired goal is to be a part of pharmaceutical field and participate in projects that will allow me to contribute to advancing human health. Beyond academics, I’m learning a new language and exploring the world of photography.

Hello! My name is Darien Celis, and I am an undergraduate student studying Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I was inspired to learn more about the field of medicine from a very young age. In science, there are countless discoveries to be made, and always a chance that your next breakthrough could result in something world changing. After graduation, I plan to further my education in chemistry with the goal of pursuing a career in medicinal toxicology. I am excited to be working alongside my fellow CSUF peers and Dr. Pecic, and I intend to broaden my knowledge of medicinal chemistry through this lab. Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching Grey's Anatomy, going to the beach, and drawing.