Dr. Fuwu Zhang

Dr. Zhang received his PhD degree in chemistry under the direction of Prof. Karen L. Wooley from Texas A&M University in 2015.  His graduate research studied the design and development of polymeric materials, especially polyphosphoester-based degradable polymers, for the delivery of therapeutic agents.  After obtaining his Ph.D degree, Dr. Zhang joined the Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine at National Institutes of Health under the direction of Prof. Xiaoyuan Shawn Chen, and worked on drug/gene delivery, in particular, theranostic nanomedicine for imaging and treatment.  In 2018, Dr. Zhang brought his expertise in nanomedicine back to Texas A&M University, with a focus on targeted nanomaterials for osteosarcoma lung metastases and urinary tract infection using glucose-derived synthetic polymers. 

Dr. Zhang is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry. Research in his group broadly lies in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical biology, drug delivery, and nanomedicine, with an emphasis on the development of innovative delivery systems for small molecules, nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins. Dr. Zhang's research has been recognized by the University of Miami Provosts’ Research Awards multiple times and most notably, he received the prestigious 2023 National Science Foundation CAREER Award for developing stimuli-responsive polypeptides for nucleic acid delivery. 

Xiao Zhang 

Xiao is from Dezhou, China. In 2018, he received his Ph.D. degree in Applied Chemistry from East China University of Science and Technology under the guidance of Prof. Jianli Hua, and then came to Miami and joined Prof. Françisco Raymo's group at University of Miami as a postdoctoral associate and focused on synthesis of photoactivable BODIPY dyes for bioimaging. From 2020, he worked in Dr Shanta Dhar`s lab to learn the development of nanomedicine for cancer therapeutic applications. And he is currently working in Dr Zhang`s lab and focused on the design of polymers for drug delivery.

Yilin Liu 

Yilin is from Baoji, China. In 2023, he received his Ph.D. degree in Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences under the guidance of Prof. Junbai Li. He joined Prof. Zhang’s lab at University of Miami as a postdoctoral associate in 2024. His research interests focused on the fabrication of natural product self-assembly nanomaterials and polymeric nanomaterials for efficient cancer therapy. 

Shiwei Fu 

Shiwei is from China. She graduated from Wuhan Institute of Technology with an MS in pharmaceutical chemistry in 2021.  She is now studying at the University of Miami as a PhD student in chemistry.  In her free time, she likes to exercise and stay at home.

Awards

Stanley, Sam and Clara Schreiber Scholarship, 2023

Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award, 2023

Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award, 2022 

Bowen Zhao 

Bowen comes from China and is pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Miami. He obtained a BE in Chemical Engineering from Shandong University in China, focusing on the development of energy materials. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising and chatting with friends.

Zixin Yang

Zixin Yang was born in Chongqing and raised up in Hubei, China. He graduated from Fuzhou university with the MS degree in organic chemistry in 2022. There Zixin used to study green synthesis including electro-catalysis and bio-catalysis to address carbon dioxide emission. But compared to that he gradually finds he is more interested in settling health problems of human being, that is why he joins Prof. Zhang' group. Now he is studying at the University of Miami as a PhD student in chemistry.  In his free time, he likes to play Hearthstones and go swimming. What is more, he is a Hanfu enthusiast - he likes to collect and wear Chinese traditional clothing.

Awards

Teaching Assistant Leadership in Undergraduate Education Award, 2025

Victoria McKenzie 

Victoria was born in Glasgow, Scotland and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. She moved to the U.S. to pursue a degree in Health Science on the premed track at the University of Miami. Victoria has been working in Dr. Zhang's lab since 2022, and will continue her studies as a PhD student in 2025. Similarly to her love for trying new techniques in the lab, she spends her free time experimenting with cooking recipes. 

Awards

Academic Enhancement Research Fellowship, 2024

Ashley Petrisor

Ashley was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.  She is currently a sophomore, pursuing a degree in Chemistry with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She is on a pre-med track and hopes to attend medical school upon graduation. Before starting college, Ashley was a competitive rhythmic gymnast for eleven years, competing in the USA Gymnastics National Championship and the Maccabiah Games.  During her free time, she enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.

Hannah Fanos

Hannah is from Centennial, Colorado. She is a sophomore studying chemistry at the University of Miami with minors in psychology and mathematics. She hopes to earn a Ph.D. degree in chemistry and is especially interested in synthetic organic chemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In her free time, she likes to cook and swim. 

Adrian Diaz

My name is Sophia Garcia, and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I am a currently AA Biology student at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus with aspirations to continue research with medical applications. A few of my passions are making handmade jewelry and the culinary arts.

Mathew Thomas

Matthew is a sophomore from Jacksonville, Florida, studying Biology and Chemistry. Upon graduation he hopes to attend medical school. In addition, he is a student-athlete, competing for the University of Miami Men’s Track and Cross Country team. In his free time he enjoys relaxing at the beach and spending quality time with friends and family

Ava Weidner

Ava is a current sophomore from Naples, Florida. She is studying chemistry with a minor in biology and hopes to attend medical school after graduating from UM. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watercolor painting.

Maggie Wei

Maggie is from Miami, Florida, and is a rising senior in the IB Academy at Coral Reef Senior High School. She hopes to major in biochemistry and attend medical school in the future. Her passion for chemistry grew from her junior-year chemistry class. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. 

Lucas Navarro 

Lucas is a rising senior at St. Brendan High School. He has been passionate about science since his early childhood. He is interested in Biology and Chemistry, primarily focused on scientific research.  He is currently participating in the YSP program at the Department of Chemistry at UM. Lucas enjoys fishing, traveling, and experiencing new cultures and adventures.

Sophia Garcia

I am born and raised in Hialeah, Florida, and I am majoring in Biochemistry & Nutrition, with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Miami. I transferred to UM as a sophomore from Barry University and my goal is to pursue my love for science while also expanding my knowledge of business. I spend my free time playing sports and spending time with my family.

Molly Bickle

Molly is from Indianapolis, Indiana but recently moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina. She is a sophomore at the University of Miami studying chemistry with minors in physics, Spanish, and education. After graduation, she is planning on continuing to study chemistry in graduate school. Molly spends her free time reading, crocheting, or watching TV.

ACS Award in Organic Chemistry, 2025

eadership in Undergraduate Education Award, 2025

ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry, 2024

Nicholas  Steele 

Nicholas was born in Jacksonville, Florida but has moved 8 times because his dad was an officer in the Navy. He wanted to attend the University of Miami to get back to the state where he was born and am now a sophomore majoring in health science. After graduation, he plan on attending medical school in order to become an orthopedic surgeon. In his free time, he loves to go to the gym as well as play pickup basketball with my friends.  

Ronnie Seruya 

Ronnie is from Los Angeles, CA. Ronnie is currently a sophomore studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on a pre-professional medical track. In his free time, Ronnie enjoys playing baseball, exercising, and recreational swimming. In the future, Ronnie hopes to use his studies in the lab to promote further advances to the current state of scientific research and practices. 

George Zheng

George is a sophomore at the University of Miami double major in Chemistry and Public Relations from China. He has a strong passion for photography and traveling and plans to pursue a career in healthcare public relations, combining science and communication to make a meaningful impact.

Youngke Li 

Youngke comes from China. She is a chemistry major at the University of Miami and will graduate in 2025. She hopes to work in the pharmaceutical field in the future. In her free time, she loves to stay alone and read books. 

Ivan Levkovsky

I am from Fort Lauderdale, FL, and currently an undergraduate studying chemistry.  I have been interested in chemistry since a very young age and I aspire to eventually obtain a Ph.D. in chemistry and focus on synthesis and design of pharmaceuticals. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, running, and going to the beach, as well as spending time with my family.

Awards 

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention, 2024

ACS Award in Organic Chemistry, 2024

Outstanding Undergraduate TA Award, 2024

Outstanding Undergraduate TA Award, 2023

Shota Mochizuki

Shota was born in Japan. He moved to the US when he was 12 years old. He lived in Philadelphia, PA but then moved to Miami after freshman year in high school. He is now a sophomore at the University of Miami, majoring in chemistry. He hopes to work in the medical field after graduation. He likes to play games and sports with friends during his free time.

Awards 

Outstanding Undergraduate TA Award, 2024

Sophia Nealon 

Sophia is from Osprey, Florida. She is currently a junior at the University of Miami studying chemistry with a minor in microbiology and immunology. Sophia plans to pursue a career in science following graduation. In her free time, Sophia enjoys painting, listening to music, and watching movies. 

Ajay Zheng

Ajay Zheng was born in Texas and raised in Florida, and is currently an undergraduate studying Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry. His passion for medicine and science grew after taking courses in Biology and Chemistry. Through one of his peers, Ajay met Dr. Zhang and learned about his research group. With the Zhang group's work, Ajay hopes to broaden and cultivate his love for science and medicine. After graduating, Ajay plans to continue studying with hopes of one day getting his MD. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and spending time with his friends and family.

Awards

Outstanding Undergraduate TA Award, 2023

Clayton Keene

Clayton Keene is from Tampa, Florida. In 2018 he achieved his B.S. in chemical Engineering from the University of Florida before coming to Miami. His research interests lie broadly in polymer science, and he is currently focusing on functionalized polyhomocysteine molecules intended as drug delivery vehicles. After graduating, Clay wants to pursue a career in research and engage in outreach and education programs. In his free time, Clay enjoys attending concerts and running, even though he isn’t very fast.

Vanessa Puche 

Vanessa Puche was born and raised in Miami, FL and is now a senior at the University of Miami. She is currently pursuing a BS of Biology as well as a minor in chemistry and spanish. After her graduating she plans to continue studying to obtain her MD. Vanessa enjoys her time at the lab, but on her free time she enjoys spending time at the beach and with her friends and family. 

Eva Bukhryakova

Eva is a junior in the School of Advanced Studies in Kendall. She was born in Russia and attended school in 3 different countries. She is looking forward to college and intends to study medicine and medical chemistry. In her free time, Eva enjoys traveling and exploring the opportunities of a big city.   

Kimon Gerasopoulos 

Kimon Gerasopoulos was born in Athens, Greece, but grew up here in Florida. He is currently a rising junior at Archimedean Upper Conservatory. This past year, he took AP Chemistry and it is that experience that piqued his interest in the STEM fields and motivated him to find a research position that would allow him to dive deeper into the subject and gain more hands-on experience. He is excited to be learning more about Chemistry and its myriad of real-world applications, as part of Dr. Zhang’s lab. In his free time, He likes to play soccer and basketball with his friends.  

John Madey

John Madey is from Jupiter, Florida, and is a senior at the University of Miami. John is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Music Degree at the Frost School of Music with a minor in chemistry. After graduating, John plans to continue studying with hopes of one day getting his MD. In his free time, he enjoys playing the French Horn, and personal fitness.

Jonah Ferber

Jonah is a junior at Pine Crest School, in Fort Lauderdale. He is a Miami native. Although Jonah’s interest in chemistry began just two years ago, in his freshman year of high school, chemistry has become a passion for Jonah and is an area that he fully intends to study in college. In his free time, Jonah enjoys spending time with friends, paddleboarding, and going to the beach.  

Gabe Alencar

Gabe is a seventeen year old from Miami, Florida and going into his senior at Ransom Everglades. He intends to study science in college and is looking forward to furthering his knowledge of chemistry. In his free time Gabe enjoys playing videos game, playing volleyball and football, and spending time with his cat.  

Nolan Wu

Nolan is a junior at Ransom Everglades High School in Coconut Grove. He is passionate about science and specifically chemistry, which is why he wanted to research at the lab. Nolan hopes to learn a lot in his experience at the lab and hopes to pursue a future in science. Nolan also enjoys hanging out with friends in his free time as well as running. 

Gabriela Gonzalez de Chavez

Gabriela was born and raised in Miami, FL and is a senior at the University of Miami. She is pursuing a BS in Biochemistry and Nutrition with minors in Urban Studies and Health Management and Policy.  After graduating, she hopes to attend medical school and specialize in pediatrics. In her free time, she enjoys music and collects vinyl records.  

Christian Rodriguez

Christian Rodriguez was born in Cuba but grew up in Canada before moving to Florida in 2019. He is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biology with the intent to continue on to medical school. He is interested in participating in biochemical research as it serves as the backbone for improvements in clinical treatments and patient care. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing and enjoying a nice movie.

Michael Aquila 

I am from Haddon Township, NJ, and am pursuing a B.S in chemistry with a minor in psychology. I am interested in Dr. Zhang’s research because I have had family members battle cancer, so I am fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my passion for chemistry with my desire to help people with cancer. When I am not studying, I play drums in a band with my friends from the Frost School of Music.

Elena Ruiz 

Elena Ruiz was born in Santiago, Chile and she came to Miami, Florida when she was six years old. She is a junior studying chemistry and mathematics. She is getting her Master's degree in chemistry before pursing medical school and hopes to become an anesthesiologist in order to join Doctors Without Borders. In her free time, Elena likes to spend time with her husky named knight and binge watch shows. 

Nicholas Calzadilla

Nicholas was born and raised in the Miami area and is currently pursuing a BS in Health Sciences with plans to potentially acquire a PhD in Chemistry. His passion for chemistry grew after taking courses in Organic Chemistry, and after becoming an Organic Chemistry Workshop Leader, he met Dr. Zhang and learned about his research group. With the Zhang group's work, Nick hopes to cultivate his love for the science while advancing the fight against cancer on behalf of his family. In his free time, he enjoys relaxing with YouTube videos and hanging with friends.

Awards

ACS Award in Organic Chemistry 2022

Sophia Jaso

Sophia Jaso grew up in Olney, Maryland and began her journey at the University of Miami in 2019. Entering college as a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, she discovered her passion for chemistry during her organic chemistry classes and is now pursuing a B. S. in chemistry as a second major as well as a minor in French. She hopes to attain her PhD in the field of synthetic organic chemistry and work in a pharmaceutical research lab. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, watching shows on Netflix, and spending time with her family and her cat Bella.

Awards

ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry 2022

Nina Prelack 

Nina Prelack was born in Boston, Massachusetts and is now a junior at the University of Miami.  Nina is pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry as well as minors in Psychology and  Photography, and also enjoys doing basic scientific research.  Upon graduation, Nina plans to continue studying Chemistry and potentially obtain an MD/PhD.  In her free time, Nina enjoys cooking, traveling, spending summers at Cape Cod with her family and dogs, and hanging out with friends.

Connie Airan

Connie Airan is from Arlington Heights, Illinois and started at The University of Miami in 2019. She has always had an interest in the sciences, specifically chemistry. She is currently majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in mathematics. Connie hopes to work in the biomedical field upon graduation. She has enjoyed researching cystine based reactions for drug delivery systems with the Zhang Research Group. In her free time, she loves spending time with her sorority, playing soccer, and traveling. 

Caitlin Rempson 

Caitlin Rempson began her journey at the University of Miami in 2019. She is currently majoring in Public Health and is planning on getting her master’s degree in Public Health then continuing onto medical school post graduation. She began her research in this topic due to her interest in Organic Chemistry. In her free time she likes to play soccer and spend time with family and friends.

Jamaya Purdie

Nadia Mirfendereski