The Group

The Paren Lab: (L to R) Christopher Lydon, Erica Strojny, Prof. Ben Paren, Julia Munger, Payne Yang

Graduate Students

Panhao (Payne) Yang

Member of the Paren Lab since Spring 2024

Degree Program: Chemical Engineering

Contact: pyang23@stevens.edu


Previous education: BS in Chemical Engineering (concentration in Nanomaterials, minor in Energy Engineering), Univ. Massachusetts - Lowell


Payne's research focuses on characterization of nanostructured polymers. 


Outside of work, Payne enjoys traveling and watching Sci-Fi movies


Undergraduate Students 

Erica Strojny

Member of the Paren Lab since Fall 2023

Major: Chemical Engineering (pursing a Master's in Materials Science and Engineering through AMP)

Contact: estrojny@stevens.edu


Erica's research focuses on single-ion conducting Li and Na polymer blend electrolytes. 


Outside of work, Erica is a goalie on the Women's Lacrosse Team at Stevens. She likes to explore Hoboken and New York (primarily the food), loves going to sports games and concerts (big country music fan). She also enjoys cooking, spending time outside, and being active any way possible!

Christopher Lydon

Member of the Paren Lab since Fall 2023

Major: Chemical Engineering (minor in chemistry)

Contact: clydon@stevens.edu


Christopher's research focuses on single-ion conducting Li and Na polymer blend electrolytes. 


Outside of work, Christopher practices jiujitsu and volunteer's for his town's fire department. 


Julia Munger

Member of the Paren Lab since Fall 2023

Major: Chemical Engineering

Contact: jmunger@stevens.edu


Julia's research focuses on multivalent salt-in-polymer blend electrolytes.


Outside of work, Julia loves to attend spin classes, travel, and explore new restaurants!


Tyler Housel

Member of the Paren Lab since Spring 2024

Major: Chemical Engineering

Contact: thousel@stevens.edu


Tyler's research focuses on single-ion conducting Li and Na polymer blend electrolytes. 


Outside of work, Tyler likes to spend his time exploring the outdoors, skiing, and the beach. 


Join us

The Paren Lab is looking for undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about doing materials research related to polymers and energy.  Our group is committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment. Check out the Join Us! tab for more information