Members

Pulkit Jain

I am from India. I got my double major in Chemical Engineering and chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. My research in the Chen Lab focuses on the conversion of CO2 to high value products using electrocatalysis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing table tennis, and I am a big soccer fan! 

Nhan Tran

I got my Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. After graduating, I worked in the biomass industry for some time before deciding to pursuea doctorate degree. My research is on electrocatalysis for biomass valorization. My hobbies are playing soccer and swimming.

Yves Maombi

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Polymer Materials Engineering from Moscow Polytechnic University, Russia. With a keen interest in sustainability, my research focuses on the promising Carbon Dioxide reduction reaction. Beyond the confines of the lab, I immerse myself in literature, crafting prose and poetry, exploring the cityscape, or watching European soccer matches.

David Abgrab

I am a sophomore Chemical Engineering student from Westport, MA. My research passion is in alternative sources of energy to transform international energy infrastructure. Currently, I am working on water electrolysis.

Outside of lab, I enjoy watching Bruins games or going to UMass hockey games. I enjoy hiking, camping, and overall being outdoors. I was in Boy Scouts for six years and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Shane Fuentecilla

I'm an undergraduate chemical engineering student from New York. I'm studying metal oxide and metal hydroxide catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions in neutral and seawater electrolyzers. In my free time I enjoy exploring new music albums, traveling, and working on personal projects in the campus makerspace.

Evan Smith

I am an undergraduate chemical engineering student from Rochester, MA. My current interests are in green energy and energy storage. I'm currently researching the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 in acidic media. I enjoy spontaneous trips on weekends and am slightly obsessed with the card game, Magic: The Gathering 

Troy Reed

I am an undergraduate chemical engineering student from Sturbridge, MA. My research focus includes CO2 reduction using organic and inorganic deposition agents to improve catalytic efficiency. Some of my interests are material science and renewable energy. I enjoy travelling, playing all sorts of sports and games, as well as meeting new people.  

Quang Vuong

I am an undergraduate chemical engineering student from Vietnam. I love to research about sustainability engineering. I am developing mixed metal oxides for glycerol electrochemical oxidation reaction. During my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and exploring the downtown area. 

Catelyn Yam

I am an electrical engineering major focused on renewable energies. Researching how these technologies are developed from an EE perspective is very interesting to me! Currently, I am building machinery to automatically conduct electrochemical tests. Outside the lab, I like reading, museums, and trying new things with my friends.

Ria Mehrotra

I am a junior undergraduate student studying chemical engineering and environmental science. I'm currently researching the effects of various cations on the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 in acidic media. I enjoy running, traveling, and reading.

Shane Williams

I’m a junior undergraduate chemical engineering student from Chelmsford, MA. I’m interested in various topics within chemical engineering and trying to learn as much as I can in different areas of the discipline. Currently, I am researching electrochemical partial oxidation of methane. In my free time I enjoy golfing, weightlifting, playing video games, traveling, and watching sports.