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.

alma mater: B.S. from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, 2024

Chemical Biology; Medicinal Chemistry

Sadra is a second-year Ph.D. student in Chemistry at Stony Brook University, where he has joined Dr. Gustafson’s lab. His research focuses on the synthesis and atropisomeric analysis of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. He is particularly interested in developing atroposelective synthetic strategies and studying how atropisomerism influences biological activity. Sadra earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from K. N. Toosi University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, in 2024 and immediately entered the Ph.D. program at Stony Brook University. During the last two years of his undergraduate studies, he worked in Dr. Balalaei’s lab as an undergraduate research assistant, where he developed a strong interest in organic chemistry and organic synthesis. Outside the lab, Sadra loves exploring how science and business can work hand in hand, and he’s always dreaming up ways to make an impact in the pharmaceutical business world. When he’s not doing chemistry, you can usually find him hanging out with friends, sharing laughs, and enjoying good company.

saptarshi.dutta@stonybrook.edu

alma mater: The College of New Jersey, 2024

Regioselective-controlled catalysis; Electrochemistry

Saptarshi recieved his B.S. in Chemistry with Biochemistry specialization from The College of New Jersey under Dr. Giovanni Parada. He joined the Stony Brook PhD program in August 2024 and works on regioselective trifluoromethylation via electrochemical control and regioselective SNAr of thiols. In his spare time, Saptarshi likes playing videogames, reading, and watching movies.

michael.rufrano@stonybrook.edu

alma mater: B.S. Biochemistry Binghamton University, 2022

Small molecule design and SAR studies

We need your bio Michael

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. 

julia.nastasi@stonybrook.edu

alma mater: B.S. Hofstra University, 2025

Organic Methodology; C-H functionalization

We need your bio JuliaN

julia.simon@stonybrook.edu

alma mater: B.S. City College of New York, 2025

Chemical Biology; Medicinal Chemistry

Julia received her B.S. in Biochemistry from The City College of New York, where she conducted research under Dr. Kevin Gardner at the Advanced Science Research Center. There, she used 2D NMR, Cryo-EM, and a variety of biochemical assays to characterize the interactions of small molecules with the HIF transcription factor proteins. Through this, she gained an interest in medicinal chemistry and hit-to-lead optimization, and is now working towards leveraging atropisomerism as a tool for improving the selectivity of kinase inhibitors. In her free time, she enjoys riding her bike and pressing flowers.

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 Sadra’s research. Outside of research, he can be found in the gym or playing basketball.

B.S. Chemistry Class of 2027

Chemical Biology; Medicinal Chemsitry

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

Methodology; 

alma mater: B.S. CSU Channel Islands, 2017

Sulfenylation; Peptide Stapling

Zach received his B.S. Chemistry at CSU Channel Islands, performing undergraduate research with Professor Philip Hampton. Zach is pursuing a Ph.D. through the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program. Zach’s research at SDSU is currently focused on Lewis base catalyzed sulfenylations and its applications towards peptide stapling. In his free time, he enjoys PC gaming and shaking his hips to “My Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. 

alma mater: B.S. San Diego State-Georgia, 2019

Asymmetric catalysis; 

Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Fellow Spring 2021

University Graduate Fellow 2022-2024

Mariami received her B.S. from San Diego State-Georgia with Sum Cum Laude. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at SDSU and UCSD. Her research interest primarily focuses on optimization of selective kinase inhibitors. Mariami loves animals and has a triplefur cat in Georgia. She loves hiking, traveling, trying new food and spending time with her friends. 

alma mater: B.S. University of Washington, 2019

Kinase Inhibitors; Asymmetric catalysis; 

Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Fellow Fall 2022

Bahar received her B.S in Biochemistry from the University of Washington with departmental honors. She is currently working on developing small molecule kinase inhibitors against proteins involved in cancer. In her free time she likes to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family. She is also a huge Lakers and Seahawks fan.

alma mater: B.S. University of Washington, 2019

Kinase Inhibitors; Asymmetric catalysis; 

Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Fellow Fall 2021

Beeta received her B.S. from the University of Washington with departmental honors. Her research focus primarily centers around developing and evaluating selective kinase inhibitors. Beeta loves traveling, shopping, and spending time with friends. She is also a big fan of the Seattle Seahawks.

alma mater: B.S. Humboldt State University, 2018 

Kinase Inhibitors; Asymmetric catalysis; 

Master’s Research Scholarship 2021-2022 

Ryan received his B.S. Biochemistry from Humboldt State University performing undergraduate research with Dr. Josh Smith. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at SDSU. Ryan is working on developing regioselective methodologies towards aromatic functionalization. He loves soccer,staying active, and his favorite sports team is the San Jose Sharks. 90’s R&B is his jam.