Group members

Enrique Iglesia is Michel Boudart Distinguished Professor and Presidential Fellow for Energy Transitions at Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University

His research interests include the synthesis and the structural and mechanistic characterization of inorganic solids useful as catalysts for chemical reactions important in energy conversion, petrochemical synthesis, and environmental control

My research is focused on discovery and understanding of reactions that occur at fluid-solid interfaces and are relevant for fuels and chemicals synthesis, environmental protection and remediation, and energy production and conversion 

I began my postdoctoral work in Prof. Enrique Iglesia’s group at UC Berkeley in 2023, and I continue this research at Purdue University following the group’s relocation from Berkeley to West Lafayette in 2025. My research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis on Lewis acid–base Zr–O pairs on earth-abundant oxides. I integrate kinetic measurements and modeling, in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), and first-principles calculations to investigate active site dynamics, crystallization processes, and reaction mechanisms relevant to C-H bond activation in dehydrogenation and aromatization chemistry. Prior to my postdoctoral work, I completed my Ph.D. at ETH Zürich in the group of Prof. Jeroen van Bokhoven, where I studied Cu-zeolites for selective methane oxidation to methanol and for dehydrogenation of light alkanes, combining in situ XAS, solid-state NMR, and FTIR spectroscopic techniques.

Outside the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, trail running, hiking, and exploring new outdoor areas with my dog. 

I joined the Gounder group in July 2025. My research focuses on measuring reaction kinetics and using infrared spectroscopy to identify surface species during the dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers and the conversion of biomass feedstocks. I earned my PhD in chemical engineering from The University of Alabama under the supervision of Dr. James Harris. My doctoral work involved measuring the kinetics of selective oxidation reactions on mono- and bimetallic transition metal catalysts using continuous flow reactors and developing methods to quantify active sites. During this time, I investigated bimetallic alloy catalysts for the oxidative coupling of methanol and dimethylamine, the effects of alkali promotion on selective alcohol oxidation, and the benefits of confining palladium nanoparticles within small-pore zeolite frameworks for methane oxychlorination. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing pickleball, golf, and tackling DIY projects. 

I began PhD program in Purdue University in 2020 initially with Prof. Rajamani Gounder and Prof. Fabio Ribeiro, and collaborated with and became co-advised by Prof. Enrique Iglesia in 2023. I investigate the effect of active site density and cation titration on MFI zeolites in ethene oligomerization in terms of reactivity and diffusivity, attempting to provide insight on catalytic design for ethanol-to-fuel processes. Prior to my Ph.D. studies, I completed my Bachelors at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where I worked with Prof. Jane Wissinger on micro-emulsion polymerization and with Prof. Xiang Cheng on cratering effect on granular substances. Outside the lab, I enjoy boardgames, talking about personalities and cognitive functions, and badminton.

I joined Prof. Iglesia's group starting in the Fall of 2023. I study selective O2 activation reactions on metal-zeolite bifunctional cascade catalysts. During my undergraduate career, I worked for Prof. Chris Jones, studying aldol condensation in cooperative acid/base supported molecular catalysts, and the dynamics of mesoporous silica confined polyamines used for carbon capture. I also completed an REU project under Prof. David Hibbitts at the University of Florida, where I studied H-bonded methanol cluster adsorption and dehydration in small-pore zeolites. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, reading, and trying new foods 

I am a doctoral student co-advised by Professors Enrique Iglesia and Rajamani Gounder at Purdue University. My research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis on platinum group metals dispersed on earth-abundant oxides. My current work focuses on studying decahydronaphthalene (decalin) dehydrogenation on Platinum and Palladium catalysts on silica and alumina. I utilize kinetic measurements and models to investigate how the dehydrogenation reaction mechanism is changing or invariant with metal type, support type, and nanoparticle size. Prior to my doctoral work, I obtained my bachelors from the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities where I conducted undergraduate research on propylene oligomerization on Ni MOF systems. 

Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to music and hanging out with my friends.

I joined the Iglesia/Gounder Research Groups in Fall 2024. My research focuses on the effects of diffusion and metal-acid site proximity on bifunctional alkane rearrangements. My bachelor’s thesis addressed the design of processes for diisopropylamine synthesis.  I interned at Reliance Industries Ltd in 2023, where we implemented a strategy for heat exchange optimization in a refinery complex.

In my free time, I enjoy watching/playing cricket, cooking, and traveling

I joined Prof. Enrique Iglesia’s group in Fall 2025. My research will focus on utilizing catalysis for renewable chemical feedstocks. Prior to my graduate studies, I became deeply interested in catalysis after participating in a summer REU program at the University of Alabama, where I researched the conversion of ethanol to olefins using zeolites under Dr. James Harris. Then, I spent two years at the University of Connecticut studying the pyrolysis of lignin in Dr. Julia Valla’s group. Also, I spent the year before I came to Purdue working as an Environment, Health, and Safety Engineer at Loureiro Engineering Associates. Outside of my studies, I enjoy weightlifting, music, and puzzles.

I joined Prof. Enrique Iglesia’s group in the fall of 2025. My research focuses on the design and synthesis of Ag-based catalysts for the selective oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide. I first discovered my passion for research in the Purdue University - Tecnológico de Monterrey Undergraduate Research Program, where I worked under the guidance of Prof. Lia Stanciu on the development of a NIR fluorescence detector for point-of-care diagnostics. Later during my undergraduate studies, I worked with Prof. Alan Aguirre to study the reaction induced inertial deposition of functionalized ZnO particles in a coiled flow inverter photocatalytic reactor.

Aside from research, I enjoy hiking, playing basketball and chess.

I joined Professor Enrique Iglesia's group in the fall of 2025. I am co-advised by Prof. Gounder and my research is focused on the synthesis of metal-zeolite catalysts for alkane hydroisomerization. I obtained my bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2021 where I studied the photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide under Dr. Subramanian. After graduating, I worked as an engineer in the R&D department of Entegris. My research at Entegris primarily focused on the synthesis and characterization of advanced carbon materials and ceramics. Aside from research, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and hiking with my dog.

I am an undergraduate Chemical Engineering student from Colombia, currently completing my final year at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS). Before graduating, I wanted to gain international research experience, which led me to pursue a research internship at Purdue University.

My work focuses on synthesizing earth abundant oxides and characterizing their structure using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The goal is to develop synthesis strategies that stabilize high-energy, low-coordination Zr–O Lewis acid–base (LAB) pairs by selectively controlling crystal growth. I use inorganic and organic titrants to transiently bind low-coordination sites during synthesis, helping preserve these LAB pairs. 

Outside the lab, I enjoy running, spending time with my family, and relaxing with my cat, who has accompanied me through many late-night study sessions.