Team

alma mater: B.Sc. Banaras Hindu University, 2016; 

                    M.Sc. Banaras Hindu University, 2018;

   Ph.D. CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, India 2024

Synthetic Methodology, Atroposelective Synthesis

Swarnayu received both of his bachelor's (Chemistry Hons.) and master's (Org. Chem.) degree from the Banaras Hindu University. He completed his Ph.D. from CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad under the supervision of Dr. B. V. Subba Reddy and also worked with Dr. Claudia Lalli at the University of Rennes for 6 months as a Raman-Charpak fellow. Swarnayu's doctoral thesis was entitled as "Concise Synthesis of Favipiravir, Chlorantraniliprole & Development of New Synthetic Methodologies for Asymmetric Fluorination of 3-Indolinone-2-carboxylates and Photoredox Arylation of Coumarin-3-carboxylates". Swarnayu’s research in the Gustafson lab is developing atroposelective synthetic methodologies for diaryl ketone and diaryl thioether. Outside of the lab, Swarnayu loves to travel and explore different cuisines. He is fond of playing cricket (KKR fan), chess and also swimming.

alma mater: B.S. University of Gambia, 2018; 

M.S. University of Tulsa, 2021

Asymmetric catalysis; Secondary amine catalysts

Jim received his B.S in Chemistry from University of Gambia in 2018 and his M.S from University of Tulsa in 2021. At Tulsa, he performed graduate research with Dr. Syed Hussaini focusing on total synthesis. Jim`s research in the Gustafson lab is developing enantioselective methodologies towards the synthesis of kinase inhibitors. Outside of lab, Jim loves to workout while listening to Reggae.

alma mater: B.S. Texas A&M University, 2021

Organic synthetic methodology; Organophotocatalysis

Zhao received his B.S. Chemistry at Texas A&M University, performing undergraduate research with Dr. John Gladysz working on molecular gyroscopes. He started at UCSD-SDSU joint doctoral program then moved to Stony Brook with the group in 2024 to continue the PhD program.  Zhao’s research in the Gustafson lab is developing regioselective and enantioselective methodologies towards the late-stage functionalization of FDA-approved small molecule drugs. Zhao loves hiking and watching Premier League soccer games in his free time. His favorite team is (still?) Manchester United.

alma mater: Rochester Institute of Technology (B.S. 2022/M.S. 2023)

"The Human Column"; Asymmetric catalysis; Axial chirality

Andrew earned his B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Rochester Institute of Technology, where he conducted research under the guidance of Dr. Hans Schmitthenner on novel peptide-based MRI contrast agents. His research in the Gustafson group focuses on novel strategies to atroposelectively synthesize medicinal compounds such as kinase inhibitors. Outside of lab, Andrew enjoys playing Fortnite, rooting for the Mets, and having very nuanced opinions on music.

alma mater: University at Buffalo, 2024

Photocatalysis; Regioselective C-H functionalization

Billy received his B.S. in Medicinal Chemistry from University at Buffalo, where he did undergraduate research with Dr. Steven T. Diver, focusing on alkene functionalization. He joined the doctoral program at Stony Brook in fall 2025 and joined Dr. Jeffrey Gustafson’s lab in early 2025. Billy’s research in the Gustafson lab is developing regioselective methodologies on small-molecule drugs. Billy loooooooooooves Badminton and video games and is hoping to find someone who can play badminton with him!

alma mater: B.S. University of Delhi, 2022

   M.SC. IIT Delhi, 2024

Asymmetric catalysis

He completed his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Delhi in 2022. After a year of preparation, he qualified the IIT JAM examination and secured admission to the M.Sc. Chemistry program at IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutes in India. He was has also  qualified national-level examinations, including the M.Sc. Chemical Sciences entrance for IISc Bangalore and GATE 2023, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 699.

Hobbies: Cooking, Cricket

alma mater: B.S. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 2024

The "Fluorinator"; Asymmetric catalysis; Chiral Anion Phase Transfer catalyst

Nick received his B.S. in Forensic Science at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, performing undergraduate research with Dr. Gloria Proni. He started his PhD at Stony Brook in August 2024, and joined the Gustafson Group in early 2025. His research focuses on enantioselective fluorination of diaryl amine scaffolds, as well as regioselective fluorination of small molecules. In his spare time Nick loves to play video games, watch baseball (Go Yankees!), and spending time with friends.

julia.nastasi@stonybrook.edu

alma mater: B.S. Hofstra University, 2025

Organic Methodology; C-H functionalization

We need your bio JuliaN

liam.sweeney@stonybrook.edu

alma mater: Duquesne University, 2025

Organic Methodology; C-H functionalization

Liam received his B.S. in Chemistry from Duquesne University's Honors College under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas Montgomery. His undergraduate work focused on the synthesis and testing of novel azide-linked Aza-BODIPY dyes to be used for cancer imaging. Beginning his PhD studies at Stony Brook in 2025, Liam's research focuses on C-H functionalization of privileged drug scaffolds using chlorine. Outside of chemistry,  Liam's hobbies include cooking, climbing rocks, and spending time with his cat Pepper. 

michael.rufrano@stonybrook.edu

alma mater: B.S. Binghamton University 2023

Medicinal Chemistry; Structure-Activity Relationship; Chemical Biology

Michael graduated from Binghamton University in 2023 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Following graduation, he worked in the Moses Lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he gained experience in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry through the rapid diversification of antibiotic compounds. He is currently pursuing graduate studies in chemistry, focusing on the structural modification of kinase inhibitors. His research investigates how the introduction of atropisomerism influences inhibitor binding kinetics and molecular recognition, with the goal of advancing the understanding of structure–activity relationships in drug design.

B.S. Chemistry Class of 2027

Asymmetric catalysis; C-H functionalization

Zenghui is currently assisting Billy with his work. He’s interested in work related to regioselective trifluoromethylation. Outside of research, he enjoys art and chess

B.S. Chemistry Class of 2027

Chemical Biology; Medicinal Chemsitry

Zach is an undergraduate Chemistry major at Stony Brook University, expected to graduate in 2027. He is assisting with Swarnayu's research. Outside of research, he can be found in the gym or playing basketball.

B.S. Chemistry Class of 2028

Methodology; 

Michael is an Undergraduate Chemistry major at Stonybrook in the class of 2028. He is currently assisting with Andrew O'Brien's research. Two things Michael enjoy outside of the lab are playing smash bros and racket sports.

B.S. Biology Class of 2027

Chemical Biology; Medicinal Chemsitry

B.S. Chemistry Class of 2028

Methodology; 

B.S. Chemistry Class of 2027

Methodology; 

B.S. Chemistry Class of 2027

Chemical Biology; Medicinal Chemsitry