SEEDS Alumni

Li Li, Chemistry, PhD, Case Western Reserve University

   Left group to join Dupoint

Contact: li.li@unh.edu

Li Li got his PhD from Case Western Reserve University in Department of Chemistry under the supervision of Prof Jim Burgess. His PhD research included fabrication of microelectrodes and microchips to detect cell membrane cholesterol in human mucosa and optimization of this micro-manufactured human sensing platform for Cystic Fibrosis early diagnosis and monitoring. Currently, his research is focused on Cross-reactive electrochemical sensors on multiple CD-mediated surfaces​ and its applications in psychological disease diagnosis. He likes hiking, swimming, traveling and doing photography.

Christian Tooley, PhD

Left the group to join Matrivax

Contact: cag229@wildcats.unh.edu 

Dr. Christian Tooley, a Seattle native, received his PhD in Chemistry in 2017 at the University of New Hampshire. His thesis research involved developing a completely synthetic mimic of the enzyme, [FeFe] hydrogenase. Currently, he is working on a collaborative project to build a microelectrode sensor array. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar for his dog, Tessa. 

Stanley Feeney, PhD Chemical Engineering Candidate, 2025

Contact:  sgf1015@wildcats.unh.edu 

Stanley Feeney received his B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with Chemical Engineering Major and Biological Sciences Minor. His undergraduate research experience includes physical modelling of carbon fiber tows with Abaqus, using Nanoscribe 3D Laser Lithography to create Photonic Wire Bonding for optical computing and sensor technology, and studying the effects of hydrogen concentration on zinc oxide thin film epitaxy. His current research focuses on the use of elastin-like polymer (ELP) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as a sensing platform for medically-relevabt biomarkers. Relevant techniques for characterization of the polymeric stimulus response include electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM).

Zahra Panahi, Chemical Engineering

Contact: zp1012@wildcats.unh.edu

Zahra is a first year PhD student at UNH. She received her Master's in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis on electrokinetics and catalysis at Tehran Polytechnic in 2017. Her master’s project was about the kinetics of mediated electrochemical conversion of different high molecular weight chemicals by Ag (II). Currently, she is working on developing a non-faradaic EIS cyclodextrin biosensor. She enjoys running, hiking and anything involves the outdoors. 

Tianyu Ren, Chemistry

Left lab to join Intel - China

Archived Personal Description:

Tianyu received his B.S. from Oregon State University in Chemical Engineering. His undergraduate research focused on polymer applications of tartaric acid waste and glycerol. Additionally, Tianyu explored testing extraction rate of essential oil by varying different plants. He had an internship as a process engineer at Songo Natural Gas plant in Tanzania, an unforgettable experience. His research is focused on electrically-active molecularly imprinted polymer synthesis and applications in electrical chemistry. He is the current teaching assistant for general chemistry 403 & 404. He is industrially focused in his plans after graduation.  

Co-Advised with W. Rudolph Seitz

Marissa Morales, PhD, Chemical Engineering, 2020

Contact: mm1452@wildcats.unh.edu 

Featured on the CEPS Spotlight

Archived Personal Description:

Marissa received her B.S. from Carnegie Mellon University in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Her undergraduate research focused primarily on the development of an emulsion based pulmonary drug delivery method for the treatment of bacterial infections in patients with Cystic Fibrosis. As a current second year graduate student, her research is focused on the development of a polymeric stimulus responsive biosensor using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for carotenoid quantification. On campus, Marissa serves as a graduate student advisor for ChemE Car and is involved with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Maylee Valentin, Chemical Engineering, 2027

Contact: maylee.valentin@unh.edu 

Maylee is a sophomore undergraduate student studying Chemical Engineering at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Maylee is a member of the Hamels Scholars Program as well as the Honors Program at UNH and is involved in clubs on campus such as MOSAICO and Society of Women Engineers. Her current research is focused on the surface modification of recognition element SCP (12) in an attempt to detect the analyte SH3 using polyhistidine attachment strategies. Outside of the lab, Maylee enjoys spending time with her family, watching reality tv-shows, exercising, and trying new foods.

Julia Edgar, Biomedical Science: Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 2026

Contact: julia.edgar@unh.edu 

co-Lab Manager

Julia Edgar is a sophomore undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Science: Medical and Veterinary Sciences at the University of New Hampshire. She is an active member of the Hamel Scholars Program, a captain of the Oriza Club Ultimate Frisbee Team on campus, and will be certified as an EMT in the near future. Julia’s research in the lab focuses on using charged cyclodextrins to detect specific analytes in an electrochemical biosensor. After UNH, she plans to further her education by pursuing a graduate degree, with the end goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Her hobbies outside of the lab include hiking, surfing, biking, and spending time with friends and family. 

Sarah DuBois, Biomedical Science: Medical and Veterinary Science, 2026

Contract: smd1187@usnh.edu 

Sarah DuBois is a junior studying Biomedical Science: Medical and Veterinary Science. Sarah is a part of the Hamel Scholars program and the Honors College, as well as many other on-campus clubs such as American Sign Language Club and UNH Medical Brigades. She recently received her certification as a phlebotomy technician, and her aspirations include becoming a Physician Assistant. Outside of her time in the SEEDS Lab, Sarah enjoys spending time hiking, swimming, hammocking, and crocheting.

Corinne Fernald, Biochemistry, 2025

Contact: corinne.fernald@unh.edu  

Corinne Fernald is a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Science: Medical and Veterinary Sciences. She is a member of the Honors College. She began working in the lab when she received a REAP grant for the summer of 2022 from the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research. Corinne's current research focuses on studying Elastin-Like Polymers (ELPs) in different salt concentrations using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for their application towards bioreactors. After UNH, Corinne hopes attend medical school or continue her education in Biomedical Science through a graduate program. In addition to working in the lab, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing soccer, running, and traveling. 

Ryan Brown, Neuroscience/Behavior Student, 2025

Contact: Ryan.Brown2@unh.edu 

Ryan is a fourth-year neuroscience/behavior student at UNH. He received his B.S. and MA degrees from University of California Irvine. At UCI, Ryan performed research in Dr. Sara Mednick’s lab, focusing on methods of communication with and manipulation of dreams. Here at UNH, Ryan’s research focuses on biosensor reliability which informs his interest in the ability for neurological applications. Within the SEEDS Lab, he plans to utilize new experimental technologies, such as quantum cascade lasers and dissipative quartz crystal microbalances, to characterize unwanted, nanoscale interactions on molecular sensors. 

Grace Higgins, Biochemistry, 2024

Contact: grace.higgins@unh.edu 

Grace Higgins is a junior pursuing a dual degree in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Music Liberal Arts. She is a member of the University Honors Program, the New Hampshire Outing Club, and UNH's Athletes Intervarsity club. Her research focuses on elastin like polymers (ELPs) and insulin binding proteins (IBPs) and their use in biosensors using techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). After UNH, she hopes to either purse an osteopathic medical degree or gain employment in a biotech or research field. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking, skiing, playing the piano, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Sydney Crotteau, Biochemistry, 2024

Contact: sydney.crotteau@unh.edu  

Sydney Crotteau is a junior Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology major at the University of New Hampshire. She is a member of the inaugural group of BIO-SENS Academic Scholars. Her research in the lab focuses on developing a reusable cyclodextrin biosensor for bioanalyte detection. After UNH, she hopes to further her education by pursuing a medical degree with a focus in pediatrics. Her hobbies include painting, reading, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. 

Katherine Austin, Bioengineering, 2023

Contact: kma1052@wildcats.unh.edu

Lab Manager

SMART Fellow

Katherine Austin is currently a freshman bioengineering major at the university of New Hampshire. She is a member of the University Honors Program and an active member in the society of women engineers (SWE). Her research focuses on elastin like polymers (ELPs) and their use in biosensors using techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Currently, she hopes to continue her education by going to graduate school for chemical engineering with the end goal of becoming a professor. Her interests outside of the lab include being with friends, reading, teaching kids science through the Stembassadors program, and stage managing plays and musicals with the Mask and Dagger Society. 

Myranda Sims, Bioengineering, 2023

Contact: myranda.sims@unh.edu 

Myranda Sims is a senior bioengineer at the University of New Hampshire. She is a member and Co-President of The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Her research focuses on the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Her future plan is to continue with her education in graduate school for chemical engineering and obtain an occupation in research. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking, reading, playing tennis and soccer, and hanging out with her friends.

Sarah Young, Bioengineering, 2023

Sarah Young is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Bioengineering. She is a member of the University Honors Program and Tau Beta Pi. She is working on a project to get a better understanding of how mentors can support students’ thriving across neurodiversity. Outside of the lab, she is an RA and math tutor at the university, and enjoys reading, hiking, and watching movies with friends. 

Emma Roberge, Bioengineering, 2022

Major Awards: REAP Summer 2019

Contact: ejr1031@wildcats.unh.edu

Emma Roberge is currently a sophmore bioengineering student at UNH. Her work in the lab involves the use of quartz crystal microbalance. After UNH, she hopes to gain employment in the biotech field, with a focus on genetics. Her hobbies include reading, playing the viola, and hiking.

Joelle LaFreniere, Mechanical Engineering, 2021

Archived Personal Description:

Joelle LaFreniere is currently a sophomore mechanical engineering student at UNH. Her research involves using Dynamic Light Scattering to analyze polymer particle size under a potential difference, with changing temperature. After UNH, she hopes to continue to graduate studies and possibly gain experience in industry. She is involved in the UNH Honors Program, and the LunaCats RMC Team. Her time outside the lab is spent running, art, writing, hiking and climbing with friends, and photography. 

Emily Ziino, Chemical Engineering, 2021

Archived Personal Description:

Emily Ziino is currently a sophomore chemical engineering major at the University of New Hampshire. Her research uses electrical impedance spectroscopy to detect carotenoids in the presence or absence of beta cyclodextrin. She hopes to either continue her education in graduate school or work in the biomedical or biochemical industry after her undergraduate studies. Her interests outside of the lab include spending time outdoors, exercising, and being with friends. 

Luciana Custer, Bioengineering, 2021

Left Lab to join Andrea Armani for PhD, Bioengineering

Archived Personal Description:

Luciana Custer is a Bioengineering transfer to UNH with two associate’s degrees in Biotechnology and Bioengineering. Their previous work has included tissue decellularization at Great Bay Community College, bacterial culture to express the thioesterase domain of fatty acid synthase for NH INBRE, and investigation into the effects of maternal immune activation on alcohol use in a rodent model of schizophrenia at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. In the SEEDS lab, her work is focused on automation of a cross-reactive electrochemical sensor platform to assess reusability of the sensor. He hopes to attend graduate school with the goal of participating in research on mental illness through a bioengineering perspective. Their time outside of school is spent on a rotating menagerie of hobbies, currently including digital art, spoken word, crochet, blacksmithing, and collecting bruises in mosh pits. 

Charlie Gasperoni, Bioengineering, 2021

Major Awards: REAP Summer 2018

Archived Personal Description:

Charlie Gasperoni is a current sophomore at UNH studying Bioengineering from Hampton, New Hampshire. His current work in the lab centers around electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (eQCM) techniques. He currently hopes to attend some form of graduate school to pursue a career in healthcare or medical research after graduation. In his free time, Charlie likes to hike, rock climb, and listen to music.

Mckenna Merrill, Bioengineering, 2020

Major Awards: SURF Summer 2018, REAP Summer 2017

Archived Personal Description:

Mckenna Merrill is currently a Junior at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Bioengineering with a minor in Electrical and Computer Software Engineering. She is a member of the University Honors Program and hopes to work in disease diagnostics and medical devices industry following her undergraduate work. Her research centers around electrochemical sensor surface modifications via thiol and supramolecular chemistry for hydrophobic molecular recognition. Her hobbies include running, working out, reading, and discovering new local restaurants.

Tristan Evarts, Chemical Engineering, 2020

Contact: tng22@wildcats.unh.edu

Archived Personal Description:

Tristan “TJ” Evarts is currently a Senior at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Chemical Engineering. He is a member of both the University Honors and Hamel Scholars Program. He is also CEO of SMARTwheel Inc. (his own tech startup), which was featured on ABC's Shark Tank, BBC, MSNBC, and the Today Show. TJ has always been an inventor, filing his first provisional patent application with the USPTO in 2006 when he was 11. His utility patent for SMARTwheel was issued in 2013 when he was only 18. TJ is passionate about technology and entrepreneurship and has hosted, spoken, and exhibited at many STEM and entrepreneurship events across the country, won a personal leadership award from Dean Kamen, and won an International Innovation Award in Vehicle Intelligence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). He joined the SEEDS Lab to pursue a new project called Breathe, which is focused on developing new micro-spectroscopy solutions for consumer applications. In his spare time, TJ enjoys leading the UNH Entrepreneurship Club as Club President, skiing, disc golf, volunteering at his church, and developing mobile apps.

Sabrina Marnoto, Chemical Engineering, 2019

Left the Laboratory to join Northeastern University as a PhD Student

Awards: REAP Summer 2016, Hamel Research Presentation Grant, Fall 2018, 2017, 2016, Research Experience for Undergraduates, Case Western Reserve University, 2018

Contact: smm1007@wildcats.unh.edu

Archived Personal Description:

Sabrina Marnoto from Gloucester, MA, pursued a degree in chemical engineering with a specialization in electrical engineering. Her research focuses on the detection of carotenoids using electrochemical techniques and improving the reproducibility of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Her plans after graduation are to go to graduate school with a focus in energy storage.

Mariah Arral, Chemical Engineering, 2018 

Left the Laboratory to join Katheryn Whitehead's group at Carnegie Mellon as a PhD Student

Awards: GRFP NSF 2018-2021, REU Vanderbilt Summer 2017, Honors Thesis Grant Spring 2017, 1st place poster AICHE 2016, BP Scholars Program 2016, SURF Summer 2016, REAP Summer 2015

Contact: mariahlynnarral@gmail.com

LinkedIn

Archived Personal Description:

Mariah’s research focuses on the electrochemical detection of analytes using cyclic voltammetry on both a static and flow cell.   Her current work on NOHA is in preparation for a publication spring of 2018. Mariah is dedicated to advocating for underrepresented groups in STEM and was the UNH Society of Women Engineers Treasure from her sophomore to senior year. She also works at the UNH Mathematics Center as a tutor and grades for the math department. While Mariah is very busy with her academics as an honors student, she makes time for things she enjoys like ice skating, running, and watching sports. After graduation Mariah hopes to pursue a Ph.D in Chemical Engineering.

Caroline Ladegard, Bioengineering, 2018

Left the laboratory to join Xuanhong Cheng's group at Lehigh University as a PhD Student

Awards: SURF Summer 2017

Contact: cal2003@wildcats.unh.edu 

Archived Personal Description:

Caroline is from Colchester, Connecticut and graduated from Bacon Academy where she was the project manager for the Robocats, her school’s FIRST Robotics team. She finished an honors degree in Bioengineering.  Caroline also worked as a pharmacy technician and was an undergraduate teaching assistant for several courses. After UNH, she hopes to pursue a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering. Outside of school, she enjoys playing several instruments, singing, and discovering new restaurants.

Alexis Mack, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2018 

Left the laboratory to UT Dallas as a post baccalaureate 

Awards: URA Spring 2016

Mentored: Kathryn Verfaillie, RETE Summer 2015

Contact: am2113@wildcats.unh.edu

Archived Personal Description:

Alexis spent the past summer working in the laboratory. In the lab, she focused mainly on the eQCM experiments needed. Aside from school, and research, Alexis enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and running. On campus, she is also involved with the Center for Academic Resources, CFAR, as an academic mentor. She is also a mentor for incoming freshman taking part in the CONNECT program. After UNH, Alexis hopes to pursue a career in patient care, and attend medical school. 

Elizabeth England, RETE (Research Experience for Teachers in Engineering)

Archived Personal Description:

Elizabeth is entering her 5th year of teaching science and currently is a physics, chemistry and STEM teacher at Winnisquam Regional High School in Tilton, NH. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked as an environmental change agent helping others to make positive choices about the planet. Elizabeth holds a bachelors and master's degree in natural science and sustainability from Harvard University and a MS in education from the University of New England. This summer Elizabeth will be working along-side Brittany at SEEDS with Dr. Halpern to expand the education outreach and programming of the center. Her work is being funded by the Joan and James Leitzel Center for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education at UNH’s RETE program.  When not working as an educator, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, art quilting, and working on social justice issues.

Brittany Langevin, RETE (Research Experience for Teachers in Engineering)

Archived Personal Description:

Brittany is going into her second year at Noble Middle School in Berwick, ME teaching Mathematics and Science. She is a member of the 2019 UNH Research Experience for Teachers Engineering Program (RETE) at the Joan and James Leitzel Center for Mathematics, Science and Engineering Education. She will be working alongside Dr. Halpern and the members of SEEDS to further develop Inquiry-based Engineering practices within the K-12 Math and Science classroom. 

Priyanka Nadar, MD Student from Drexel

Archived Personal Description:

Priyanka is a second year medical student at Drexel University. Previously, she received her B.S. from Mary Baldwin University and her M.S. in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College. At Dartmouth, Priyanka researched the feasibility of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for neuroimaging applications. 

Her current research focuses on electrochemical modification of ELP for faradaic measurement and eventual use in biosensors. In her free time, Priyanka enjoys reading, painting, swimming, and exploring the outdoors.