The Wagener Research Group: Alumni

Alumni "You never leave the group; you simply change locations", KBW.
Click any image to view in full size.
165	Julia Pribyl	Julia was first a visting graduate student in December, 2017 from . After completing her PhD degree from Dr. Benicewicz's group at the University of South Carolina, she returned to the group as a Postdoc from mid-2018 through mid-2020. Her research focused on synthesis of polysulfones via ADMET polymerization. She is now an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the United States Naval Academy. Click on photo to enlarge it
164	Samantha McDonald	Samantha was an undergraduate research assistant working with Dr. Julia Pribyl on synthesis of polysulfones via ADMET polymerization. She is now pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Duke University. Click on photo to enlarge it
163	Sarah Wheeler	Sarah was a third-year undergraduate student who worked with Dr. Julia Pribyl on ADMET polymerizations and ROMP chemistry in 2019. After graduating from UF, she plans on pursuing a PhD and a career in research. Click on photo to enlarge it
162	Katharina Kluthe	Katharina (Kat) Kluthe spent several months as a visiting graduate student in 2019 working with Dr. Julia Pribyl on orthogonal tandem polymerizations. She returned to continue her studies at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany. Click on photo to enlarge it
161	Oksana Suraeva	Oksana visited the Wagener Group/Butler Laboratory for a week in September 2019. She is a senior PhD student at the Max Planck Institue for Polymers (MPIP) in Mainz, Germany. We were very pleased to host her and we enjoy the continuing contact between the Butler Laboratory and MPIP. Click on photo to enlarge it
160	Nick Gallman	Graduated Summer 2018 and now pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Oregon. Click on photo to enlarge it
159	Grace Hester	Grace worked in the Wagener group for several semesters before completing her BS degree in Chemistry at UF. She is now moving on to pursue a PhD in Chemistry at Cornell. Click on photo to enlarge it
158	Dr. Michael Bell	Postdoctoral Associate from June 2016 to February 2018 from the University of South Carolina. Michael worked on high temperature metathesis processes, precision tactics polyolefins, and surface-initiated ROMP polymerization. As of June 2019, Mike is working as an associate scientist at Covestro in Pittsburgh, PA developing polyurethane rigid foam systems. Click on photo to enlarge it
157	Valentina Gomez	During the second half of 2017 as a visiting undergraduate student, Valentina worked with Dr. Michael Bell on the synthesis of a variety of polysulfones and polyethylenes using ADMET chemistry and novel catalysts. She also worked on the synthesis of a reversible photocrosslinkable polymer using anthracene pending groups as the crosslinking unit. Valentina received her B.S. in Biochemistry from the Universidad Icesi Cali in Colombia and is currently (2020) pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Florida. Click on photo to enlarge it
156	Hiroyuki Watanabe	Hiro is an international visiting graduate student from Prof. Chujo's Group at Kyoto University in Japan. He worked with the Wagener Group in Summer 2017, specifically with Dr. Michael Bell to syntesize polyalkylsulfones, polyalkylacetal and isotactic, methyl-branched polyetylene. Click on photo to enlarge it
155	Andreas Riegger	Andi is an international graduate student from Prof. Weil's Group at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany who visited the Wagener Group in Spring 2017. He worked with Dr. Michael Bell to synthesize poly-alkylsulfones and polyethylene with isotactic, methyl-branched sidechains. Click on photo to enlarge it
154	Justin Hochberg	B.S. Fall 2016 in Biochemistry. Justin was an undergraduate researcher from January 2015 - April 2017 who worked on the synthesis of aminobisphosphonate hyperbranched polymers for biomedical applications via RAFT-SCVP with Dr. Patricia Bachler and the synthesis of silicon-containing polymers via ADMET with Drs. Michael Bell and Kathryn Williams. Justin is pursuing a PhD in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Click on photo to enlarge it
153	Dr. Hong Li	PhD Fall 2016 - "Long-Chain Branched Polyethylene via Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization." Employed as a Research Chemist at PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Click on photo to enlarge it
152	Dr. Patricia (Bachler) Calvo	PhD Spring 2016 - "Structural Control in Functional Polymers via Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization." Employed as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (2020). Click on photo to enlarge it
151	Dr. Zachary Clauss	B.S. Spring 2016 in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering. Zach was an undergraduate researcher in the Wagener Research Group working on Tactic Polymers via ADMET with Dr. Chip Few. After graduation from UF, Zach went on to earn a PhD in Biomedical Engineering in Spring 2022 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. His dissertation was entitled "Polypeptides and polypeptoids for biomedical applications by N-carboxyanhydride." Dr. Clauss has since joined Bio-Rad Laboratories as a R&D Bioseparations Senior Scientist. Click on photo to enlarge it
150	Kaitlyn Forry	B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Spring 2016. Kaitlyn was an undergraduate researcher in the Wagener Research Group from Fall 2014 to Spring 2016. She worked with Dr. Patricia Bachler on synthesizing functional polymers via RAFT polymerization for the treatment of osteosarcoma. Employed as an Associate Scientist at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Jacksonville, FL. Click on photo to enlarge it
149	Mark Maguire	Mark was an undergraduate researcher in the Wagener Research Group from Summer 2015 to Spring 2016. He worked with Drs. Kathryn Williams and Taylor Gaines on microwave-assisted ADMET chemistry involving sylacyclobutane. Mark will be attending graduate school for Medical Sciences and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. Click on photo to enlarge it
148	Dr. Lucas Caire da Silva	PhD Fall 2015 - "Effect of chain branching on the thermal properties and molecular dynamics of precision polyolefins." Employed as a Project Leader, a permanent position, for Prof. Dr. Katharina Landfester at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany. Click on photo to enlarge it
147	Dr. Taylor Gaines	PhD Fall 2015 - "Oxidized Sulfur Functionalized Polymers via ADMET Polymerization." Employed as a Senior Packaging Engineer by Intel Corporation in Chandler, AZ. Click on photo to enlarge it
146	Cristhian Lombo	Cristhian is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring Chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry at Icesi University in Cali, Colombia. During Summer 2015 he worked with Prof. Giovanni Rojas on exploring decyanation chemistry via microwave irradiation. Cristhian plans to attend chemistry graduate school in the upcoming years. Click on photo to enlarge it
145	Dr. Chip Few	PhD Summer 2015 – "Approaching Tactic Precision Polyolefins via Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)." Currently employed (2020) with Milliken Chemical in Spartanburg, SC. Click on photo to enlarge it
144	Chelsea Sparks	Undergraduate researcher from Fall 2012 to Spring 2015. Worked with Michael Schulz and Patricia Bachler to synthesize aminobisphosphonate polymers with applications for cancer therapy. Will be attending medical school at the University of South Florida. Click on photo to enlarge it
143	Ines Freudensprung	Visiting International graduate student from Dr. Muellen's Group at MPIP Mainz, Germany from November 2014 to February 2015. Ines worked with Patricia Bachler on tandem catalysis on polymeric linkers via the combination of different polymerization techniques. Click on photo to enlarge it
142	Dr. Donovan Thompson	PhD December 2014 - "Systematic Study of Hydroxy Polymers and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) via Acyclic Diene Methathesis (ADMET)." Employed as a Research Scientist at AkzoNobel in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Native of Savannah, Ga. Click on photo to enlarge it
141	Lina Marcela Delgado	Lina is a fourth year undergraduate student at Icesi University in Cali, Colombia. During Summer 2014 she worked with Prof. Giovanni Rojas on modeling polyethylene with long carbon branches. Lina plans to attend chemistry graduate school in the upcoming years. Click on photo to enlarge it
140	Dr. Michael Schulz	PhD Summer 2014 - "From Metathesis to Metastases: Exploring Applications of Insertion Metathesis and Synthesizing Polymeric Delivery Vehicles for Internal Radionuclide Therapy". Currently employed (2020) as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech. Previously employed as a Fulbright Scholar at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in the group of Klaus Mullen (2014-2015) and as a postdoctoral scholar in the group of Robert Grubbs at Caltech (2015-2017). Click on photo to enlarge it
139	Dr. Nicolas Sauty	PhD Summer 2014 - "Synthesis and Characterization of Precision Polyolefins Containing Aromatic Moieties". Employed by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in Findlay, Ohio. Click on photo to enlarge it
138	Caitlyn Gallagher	Undergraduate researcher from Summer 2013 - Spring 2014 under Nicolas Sauty working on precision based hydrocarbon polymers with aromatic moieties. Will attend medical school in the upcoming years. Click on photo to enlarge it.
137	Rachel Ford	Undergraduate Researcher November 2011 to May 2014. Worked under Michael Schulz on Insertion Metathesis Depolymerization and Polymerized Sunscreen Agents. Pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. Click on photo to enlarge it.
136	Dr. Pascale Atallah	PhD Fall 2013 - "Precision Polyolefins Additives for Extrusion Processes". Employed with Chevron Phillips in Tulsa. Click on photo to enlarge it.
135	Taylor Frering	Undergraduate Researcher Summer 2013-Fall 2013 under Taylor Gaines. She conducted research on precision placement of oxidized sulfur functionalities. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in animal reproductive science. Click on photo to enlarge it.
134	Tatsuya Nakano	Visiting international graduate student during Summer of 2013 from Prof. Chujo's research group at Kyoto University in Japan. Tatsuya worked with Taylor Gaines producing precision sulfites via ADMET. Click on photo to enlarge it.
133	Dr. Chet Simocko	PhD Summer, 2013. "Use of Boron in Olefin Metathesis." Currently employed (August 2021) as a QC Scientist - Raw Materials at Lonza Biologics in Portsmouth, NH. Joined Lonza after teaching and research as an Assistant Professor in Organic and Polymer Chemistry at San Jose State University in San Jose, CA. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Associate for Dr. Dale Huber at Sandia National Laboratory's Center for Integrated Nanotechnology in Albuquerque, NM. Click on photo to enlarge it.
132	Johannes van Hensbergen	Visiting graduate student from The University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia. Employed thiol-Michael click chemistry to conveniently synthesize functional ADMET polymers from a common acrylic precursor monomer. Click on photo to enlarge it.
131	Ryohei Yamakado	Visiting Gradute Student from the Nagoya Institute of Technology, 2013. Worked with Donovan Thompson on the synthesis of functionalized precision polyethylene for studies of surface chemistry. Click on photo to enlarge it.
130	Dr. Sam Popwell	PhD 2012. "Development of polymer-based therapies for treating pediatric osteosarcoma." Employed with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Jacksonville, FL. Click on photo to enlarge it.
129	Julian Wang	He was part of the group working with Sam Popwell. He transferred from Materials Science and did part time work in our group before joining the entering 2013 class of graduate students in the Department of Chemistry. Click on photo to enlarge it.
128	Ashlyn Dennis	Masters Spring, 2012. Worked on precisely placed sulfonic acids. Currently pursuing a teaching career in South Carolina. Click on photo to enlarge it.
127	Dr. Brian Aitken	PhD Fall, 2011. "Using Intermolecular Distance to Control the Properties of Functional Polymers." Employed as a post doc for Paula Hammond at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Click on photo to enlarge it.
126	Dr. Paula Delgado	PhD Fall, 2011. "Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization for the Synthesis of Functionalized Polymers.". Employed as a post doc for Marc Hillmyer at the Unversity of Minnesota. Click on photo to enlarge it.
125	Dr. Bora Inci	PhD Fall, 2011. "Decreasing the Alkyl Branch Frequency in Precision Polyethylene." Currently employed (2020) with Apple, Inc. as a Senior Design Engineer in Cupertino, California. Bora joined Apple from The Chemours Company where he was a Research Investigator supporting Nafion(TM) ion Exchange Materials. Prior to this, he was a Senior Chemist at Axalta Coating Systems working on synthesis of resins and formulation of automotive coatings for both solventborne and waterborne applications. Click on photo to enlarge it.
124	Sotaro Inomata	Visiting international graduate student from Spring 2011 to Fall 2011 from Prof. Ishizone research group at Toyko Institute of Technology in Japan. He worked on triptycene containing diene monomers, collaborated with MIT, and adamantane containing diene monomers. Click on photo to enlarge it.
123	Yuichiro Tokoro	Visiting interational graduate student during Summer of 2011 from Prof. Chujo's research group at Kyoto University in Japan. He worked on synthesizing poly(arylenevinylene)s via ADMET. Click on photo to enlarge it.
122	Jason Heffley	Undergraduate Researcher Fall 2009-Spring 2011 under Brian Aitken. He conducted research on precision ionmers and ionenes from ionic liquids. He will attend medical school at the University of Miami in fall 2011. Click on photo to enlarge it.
121	Andre Koop	Undergraduate Researcher Fall 2009-Spring 2011 under Pascale Atallah on precision siloxane polymers. He will attend medical school in fall 2011. Click on photo to enlarge it.
120	Luke Fisher	Masters Fall, 2010. "Protection and Deprotection of Precisely Placed Sulfonic Acid Functionalized Polymers." Currently teaching at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Click on photo to enlarge it.
119	Dr. Diane Turek	Masters Fall, 2010. Worked on precise polyethylene prodrugs and organic sunscreen chromophores. Currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry, with a focus in biochemistry, at the University of Florida in the Tan research group. Click on photo to enlarge it.
118	Dr. Yuying Wei	PhD Summer, 2010. "Understanding Precision Polyolefins By Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and X-Ray Scattering." Employed with Intel in Chandle, Arizona Click on photo to enlarge it.
117	Dr. Kathleen Opper	PhD Summer, 2010. "Polyethylene Functionalized with Highly Polar Groups." Employed with DuPont in Wilmington, DE. Dr. Opper has been recently promoted (May 2013). Click on photo to enlarge it.
116	Dr. James Leonard	PhD Spring, 2009. "Precision Polyethylene Designed for Biological Applications." 2019 update. Employed with Honigman, LLP as an intellectual property attorney focusing on the management and strategy of global IP portfolios for domestic and international companies. He can be reached anytime at jleonard@honigman.com. Click on photo to enlarge it.
115	Robert Haschick	Visiting international graduate student during Spring of 2009 from Dr. Klaus Mullen's research group at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany. Worked non-aqueous emulsion ADMET polymerization of phosphonic acid and ionic liquid monomers. Click on photo to enlarge it.
114	Adam Garland	Undergraduate Researcher Fall, 2008 and Spring, 2009 under Bora Inci. He conducted research in the field of precision polyolefins. Now pursuing a PhD at UT Austin. Click on photo to enlarge it.
113	Tahni Danastor	Undergraduate Researcher Spring and Summer 2008. Worked with James Leonard on biologically active polymers. Tahni is now enrolled in medical school at the University of Florisa. Click on photo to enlarge it.
112	Katja Nilles	Visiting international graduate student during the summer of 2008 from Dr. Theato's research group at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. Worked on synthesis of pentafluorophenol protected sulfonic acid monomers and polymers for new reactive functional group protection/deprotection schemes. Will soon receive her PhD. Click on photo to enlarge it.
111	Dr. Giovanni Rojas	PhD June, 2008. "ADMET Linear-Low Density Polyethylene: Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Behavior of Precisely and Irregularly Sequenced Copolymers" Employed as a post-doc for Klaus Mullen at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, then moved to Braskem, Inc in Brazil. Click on photo to enlarge it.
110	Dr. Erik B. Berda	PhD May, 2008. "ADMET Amphiphiles" Moved to a post-doc for Bert Meijer at Eindhoven University of Technology. Now an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of New Hampshire. Click on photo to enlarge it.
109	Kayo Terada	Visiting international graduate student during the fall of 2007 from Professor Masuda's research group at Kyoto University, Japan. Worked on solution ADMET polymerization of monomers prepared at her university. Now on the faculty of NAIST in Japan (Nara Advanced Institutte for Science & Technology). Click on photo to enlarge it.
108	Wei Li	Undergraduate Researcher Spring and Summer 2007. Researched under Giovanni Rojas on catalyst kinetics. Click on photo to enlarge it.
107	Dr. Emine Boz	PhD July, 2007. "Synthesis and Crystallization of Halogen Containing Polyolefins." Employed as a post-doc at UC Berkeley, then moved to the University of Southern California as a Research Scientist. Click on photo to enlarge it.
106	Alex Nemeth	Undergraduate Researcher, Summer 2006 through Summer 2007. Worked with Emine Boz on halogen containing polyolefins. Now in medical school. Click on photo to enlarge it.
105	Zach Kean	Undergraduate Researcher, Fall 2005 through Spring 2007. Research began in carbosiloxanes/carbosilanes and continued into conjugated polymers produced via solid state metathesis. Zach now studies for his PhD at Duke University.
104	Rachel Eve Lande	Undergraduate Researcher, Summer 2006 through Spring 2007. Research in ADMET amphiphiles purifying monomers with various PEG terminal functionality.
103	Meghan Greenfield	Undergraduate Researcher, Fall 2005 through Fall 2006. Research began in carbosiloxanes/carbosilanes and continued after an interlude in Australia when she came back to work on acid containing monomers. Now in medical school.
102	Eveline van der Aa	Undergraduate Researcher, Fall 2005. Research in vinyl ether polymers concluded and she is now persuing post-bachelor research in the Reynolds group before attending graduate school. Completed her Masters degree in Chemistry at Va. Tech.
101	Briana Jackson	Undergraduate Researcher, Summer 2006. Research in the Bio-olefins project by incorporating tetraethylene glycol spacers between the ethylene backbone and the amino acid branch. Now in medical school.
100	Dr. Piotr Matloka	PhD April, 2006. "Synthesis and Characterization of Latent Reactive Oligo(Oxyethylene)/Carbosilane and Carbosiloxane/Carbosilane Copolymers via Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization (ADMET) for Thermoset Materials." Employed with DSM in the Netherlands.
99	Dr. Travis Baughman	PhD March, 2006. "Functionalized Ethylene Copolymers and Materials via Olefin Metathesis Polymerization." Completed postdoc with Bert Meijers in Eindhoven; now at DSM in the Netherlands.
98	Dr. Violeta Petkovska	PhD December, 2005. "Mass Spectrometry Characterization of Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymers and Ethylene Oxide/Propylene Oxide Copolymers." Employed with Axalta Coating Systems (former DuPont Performance Coatings) in Philadelphia (2019).
97	Dr. Florence Courchay	PhD December, 2005. "Metathesis and Isomerization Activity of Ruthenium Carbene Catalysts in Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization ." Employed with Proctor and Gamble, Belgium.
96	Dr. Garrett Oakley	PhD December, 2004. "Solid-State Olefin Metathesis". Currently employed (2019) as a Senior Etch Process Enginner in Global Foundries' 300mm manufacturing facility in East Fiskill, New York
95	Christina D. Cirillo	Undergraduate researcher, Spring 2005. Research in carbosilane polymers containing latent reactive sites. Worked with John Sworen.
94	Dr. John Sworen	PhD August, 2004. "Modeling Linear-Low Density Polyethylene: Copolymers Containing Precise Structures." Employed with Dupont in Wilmington, Delaware.
93	Armando Coronado	Undergraduate researcher, Fall 2004. Research in the development of new catalysts for ADMET.
92	Josh Priebe	Masters, Spring 2004. Research in biodegradable ADMET poly(ester amide) materials.
91	Dr. Timothy Hopkins	PhD December, 2003. "Bio-olefins via ADMET". Employed with DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware.
90	Jessica Berg	Undergraduate researcher, Fall 2003. Research in precisely spaced methyl and ethyl branched polyethylene.
89	Stephanie Spence	Undergraduate researcher, Fall 2003. Synthesis of functionalized ADMET monomers.
88	Xavier Guerrero	Undergraduate researcher, Summer 2003. Research in bio-olefins.
87	Dr. Stephen E. Lehman	PhD August, 2003. Employed with Intel Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona.
86	Wendell Bobb	Undergraduate researcher, August, 2000 to May, 2003. Intends to pursue studies in medicine.
85	Shahab Akvan	Undergraduate researcher, August, 2000 to May, 2003. Intends to pursue studies in medicine.
84	Dr. Jason Smith	PhD August, 2002. "Modeling the Effect of Precise Short-Chain Branch Placement in Ethylene-co-Propylene and Ethylene-co-Butylene Materials". Previously worked in a variety of roles (Chemist/Scientist/Materials Engineer/R&D Manager) at Monsanto/Solutia Chemical Company, Milliken Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Michelin-North America, and Trelleborg Coated Systems. Presently employed (2018) as a Sr. Research Scientist with Auriga Polymers, Inc. (Indorama Ventures, Ltd.) in Spartaburg, South Carolina.
83	Dr. John Schwendeman	PhD August, 2002. "Modeling the Effect of Gem Dimethyl Branching in Polyethylene". Employed with PPG in Pittsburgh, PA.
82	Dr. Patrick O'Donnell	PhD, August 2002. Now with Akzo Nobel in Chicago..
81	Dr. A. Cameron Church	PhD December, 2001. "Synthesis of Functionalized Polycarbosilanes via Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization". Cameron is currently a part-time Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Kent State University in Kent, OH. (2021).
80	Fred Tep	Visiting undergraduate student from Bordeaux I University, Bordeaux, France. Participant in the summer of 2001 REU program. Worked on branched amino acid containing polymers.
79	Paul van Gerven	Visiting undergraduate student from the Netherlands, summer of 2001. Worked on solid-state ADMET polymerization. Retuned to the Netherlands to graduate under Prof. van Koten at the University of Utrecht.
78	Ewa Malecka	Visiting graduate student from Poland, summer of 2001. Worked on the synthesis of unsaturated silicon containing copolymers by ADMET. Completed her PhD under Prof. Bogdan Marciniec at Adam Mickiewicz University.
77	Daniel Koren	Undergraduate researcher, Aug. 1999-May 2001. On the synthesis of amino acid based monomers for ADMET polymerization. Currently pursuing a degree in dentistry at the University of Florida.
76	Berend "Ben" Mulder	Visiting undergraduate student from the Netherlands, Aug. 2000 - Apr. 2001. Worked on the synthesis of monomers leading to well-defined ethyl-branched polyethylene model polymers. Completed his DiPlom degree under Prof. van Koten at the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands.
75	Dr. Jim Pawlow	Postdoctoral research associate 1997-2000, from The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA. Worked on the synthesis of carbosilane monomers, amino acid containing dienes, new ruthenium catalysts, fluorinated polymers, and lab reconstruction. Currently employed as a Principal Scientist in the Tire Additives Division of Eastman Chemical in Akron, Ohio (2021).
74	Josh Davis	Undergraduate researcher, fall 1998-spring 2000. On the synthesis of amino acid based monomers for ADMET polymerization. Completed medical school at the University of Florida.
73	Dr. Fernando J. Gómez	PhD May, 2000. "Aryloxy Tungsten-Based Classical Catalytic Systems and Group 14 Metal-Containing Dienes in Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization". Postdoc with Prof. Robert Waymouth at Stanford University, then employed with AkzoNobel Chemicals (...now Nouryon) for 8 years. Has been working with the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland since 2010; currerntly head of the Chemical and Advanced Materials industry program (2019).
72	Kim Deters	Undergraduate researcher, Jan. 1998-Dec. 1999. On the synthesis of amino acid based chiral monomers for ADMET polymerization. Completed the Florida Physician's Assistant Program at the University of Florida.
71	Dr. Guang Jim Choi	Visiting Scientist on sabbatical from the Korean Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul, Korea, Sept.-Dec., 1999.
70	Dr. Krystyna R. Brzezinska	Assistant Scientist in Polymer Chemistry from January 1995 to October 1999. Now an Associate Project Scientist in the Materials Research Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Also, Visiting Scientist from Polish Academy of Sciences, 1989-91.
69	Jordi Cortes	Visiting international graduate student, summer 1999. On the preparation and evaluation of Pd(0) recoverable catalysts. Completed PhD in Chemistry, under Prof. Marcial Moreno-Manas, at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain.
68	Suzanne Solivan	Summer undergraduate 1999. On amino acid-based chiral monomers for ADMET polymerization. Currently pursuing PhD in Biochemistry at George Washington University.
67	Victoria Ulery	Summer undergraduate in REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program, 1999. On precisely branched polyethylene. Completed degree in Polymer Science at the University of Southern Mississippi.
66	Dr.Debra Tindall	PhD May, 1999. "Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Segmented Copolymers" Employed with Tetramer Technologies in Pendleton, SC
65	Dr. Mark Watson	PhD May, 1999. "Applications of a Ruthenium Catalyst In Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Chemistry: Depolymerization and Polyolefin Modeling Studies". Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany. Now Professor of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky.
64	Frederic Salomon	Summer Undergraduate Research 1998, from Bordeaux, France. On precisely branched polyethylene chemistry. Bachelors degree expected in 1999.
63	Michael Manak	Postbaccalaureate Research 1998, from the University of Florida. On catalysis and metal containing polymers. Pursued graduate research at the University of Florida.
62	Dr. Shane Wolfe	PhD August, 1997. "The Investigation of Dienes Containing Boron, Tin, and Phosphorus in Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization. Now at Stephan Chemical in Chicago, IL.
61	Kim Millar	Summer undergraduate 1997. Completed Masters degree in Biochemistry under Prof. Nicole Horenstein at the University of Florida.
60	Prof. Tammy Davidson	PhD August, 1997. "The Polymerization of Dicyclopentadiene: An Investigation of Mechanism". Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida.
59	Dr. Dominick Valenti	PhD August, 1997. "Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization: The Synthesis of Well-Defined Model Polymers For Polyolefin Materials" Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany in 1998; now Employed with Milliken Chemicals, Spartanburg, SC.
58	Dr. Sophia Cummings	PhD August, 1997. "Synthesis and Derivatization of Chlorofunctionalized Organosilicon Polymers via Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization". Employed with Reichold Chemicals in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
57	Lauri Jenkins	Masters August, 1997. "Acyclic Metathesis Reactivity of Substituted Dienes". PhD in Materials Science at the University of Florida. Now a research chemist with DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware.
56	Dr. John Anderson	Postdoctoral Research Associate 1995 to 1997, from Clemson University, Clemson, SC. Extensive work on ADMET reactions and kinetics of fluorinated monomers, and Si-Cl monomers. Employed with Milliken Chemicals, Spartanburg, SC.
55	Dr. Regina Schitter	Schroedinger Fellow 1997, from Technical Universitat Graz, Graz, Austria. On fluorinated ADMET chemistry. Employed with Dutch State Mines (DSM Linz) in Austria.
54	Mary Pavan	Summer Undergraduate Research 1997, from Harvard University. On precisely branched polyethylene. Completed PhD in Chemistry at UC/Irvine in California.
53	Nikita Cropper	Summer Undergraduate Research 1997, from Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. On precisely branched polyethylene. Completed bachelor’s degree at Morgan State University.
52	Sharon Elyashiv-Barad	BS May, 1997. Undergraduate research for one year in monomer synthesis.PhD degree at Penn State University. Now a Regulatory Review Chemist at the Food & Drug Administration.
51	Todd Younkin	BS May, 1997. Summer Postbaccalaureate research, 1997 on ADMET kinetics. Completed PhD degree in Prof. Grubbs’ group at Cal Tech.
50	Wouter deBoer	International exchange student, fall 1996.
49	Dr. Jason Portmess	PhD December, 1996. "Unsaturated Polysulfides and Polyamines via Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization". Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville.
48	Jason Abrams	BS August, 1996. On monomer intermediates purification. Completed Masters degree at Michigan State University.
47	Stephanie Dilocker	BS May, 1996. On monomer synthesis for step polymerization. Completed Masters degree in chemistry at Georgia Tech. Now employed with Arch Chemicals.
46	John Reichwein	International exchange student from Nijmegen University (The Netherlands).
45	Karin Dai	Masters in Teaching May, 1995. On polymerization techniques for undergraduates. Completed patent law degree at George Washington University; now living in China with her family.
44	Kevin Steppe	Summer Undergraduate Research 1995 from Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA. Pursued PhD at UC/Berkeley, CA.
43	Prof. Hiroshi Tamura	Sabbatical Year 1994/95 from Kansai University, Japan. On catalyst synthesis and preparation of conjugated monomers. Now Professor of Chemistry at Kansai University in Japan.
42	Mark Frahn	BS Chemistry May, 1994. Research group member 1993/94. On metathesis catalysts and amine monomers. Summer research with Akzo Nobel in Arnhem, Holland. Completed PhD at University of Lowell, Lowell MA.
41	Dr. Chris Marmo	PhD December, 1994. "ADMET Depolymerization: The Synthesis of Perfectly Difunctional Telechelics". Currently CEO of Evolus, Inc, a neurotoxin development company based in southern California. Chris resides in Santa Barbara, CA with his wife and 5 children. (2017)
40	Chris Jaffe	BS Chemistry 1994. On the preparation of amine monomers for ADMET reactions.
39	Dr. David Tao	PhD August, 1994. "Chemistry of Conjugated Monomers in Acylic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization". Employed with Zeon Chemicals, St. Louis, MO.
38	Mike Thorpe	Undergraduate exchange student 1993/94 from the University of Lancaster, England. On metathesis catalysis. Pursued PhD at the University of Lancaster.
37	Dr. Kathy Novak-Kowitz	PhD December, 1993. "Single-Crystal-To-Single Crystal (2+2) Photodimerizations Through Absorption-Tail Irradiation". Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute For Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany in 1994; An former Associate Editor with VCH Publishers, Weinheim, Germany.
36	Dr. Jim Konzelman	PhD May, 1993. "Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization: A Hydrocarbon Structure Reactivity Study". Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA. (2019).
35	Prof. Fabio Zuluaga	PhD May, 1993. "Chemistry of Poly(Ether-Ester) and Siloxane Based Thermoplastic Elastomers" Professor of Chemistry at University del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
34	Prof. Tito Viswanathan	Sabbatical year 1992/93 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR. On water soluble polymers via ADMET chemistry.
33	Dr. Melanie Sheppard	Undergraduate exchange student 1992/93from the University of Lancaster, England. On the synthesis of multiphase polymers. Completed PhD degree at the University of Lancaster.
32	Dr. John O’Gara	Postdoctoral Associate 1992-93, from the University of Pennsylvania. On perfectly linear polyethylene, sulfur containing ADMET polymers and chiral monomers. Employed with Waters Chromatography, Milford, MA.
31	Traci Pelfrey	Summer undergraduate research 1992. On metathesis polymerization model studies. Completed masters degree in chemical engineering at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA.
30	Prof. Dennis Smith	PhD December, 1992. "Unsaturated Organosilicon Polymers via Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Condensation Polymerization" Dow Chemical in Germany, Michigan, and Texas for 5 years; Professor of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
29	Dr. Jason Patton	PhD August, 1992. "Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization: The Polymerization of Carbonyl-Containing Dienes" Employed with Dow Chemical, Midland, MI.
28	Dr. Jeff Linert	PhD December, 1991. "The Synthesis of Highly Polar Polystyrene". Employed With 3M Company, St. Paul, MN.
27	David Plevey	Summer Undergraduate Research 1991 from Oxford University, Oxford, England.
26	Dr. Dinesh Patwardhan	Masters December, 1991. "Synthesis and Characterization of Graft Copolymers. Poly(Siloxane-g-Pivalolactone). Completed PhD at University of Cincinnati.
25	Peter Orizondo	Summer Undergraduate Research 1991 from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL.
24	Dr. Mark Murla	PhD December, 1991. "The Thermally ReversibleNature of the Aromatic Urethane Bond". Employed with Cytec Industries, Milton, FL.
23	Dr. Lori Prutzman-Engle (now Sarageno)	PhD May, 1991. "Environmentally Sound Polymers: The Use of Azlactone-Phenol Adducts For Thermoreversible Covalent Linkages". Employed with the 3M Company for 13 years, then completed law degree. Currently a US patent attorney practicing in Minnesota.
22	Dr. Chris Matayabas	PhD May, 1991. "Synthesis and Characterization of Regular Segmented Coopolymers of Poly(pivalolactone) and Poly(oxyethylene"; Masters, December, 1987. "A Model Study of Micro- phase Separation in Triblock Poly(oxyethylene-co-pivalolactone): Effects of Soft Segment Length". Employed with Eastman Chemicals for 8 years; now employed in Atlanta.
21	Dr. Chris Bauch	Postdoctoral Associate 1990-92 from Texas A&M University. On weak charge transfer polymers. Employed with Fina Corporation, Houston, TX.
20	Prof. Maher Elsabee	Fulbright Sabbatical 1990/91, from Cairo University, Egypt. On oxidative coupling polymerization.
19	Dr. Rutger Puts	Graduate research in 1990/91 in pursuit of Diplom Degree from University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Completed PhD with Dotse Sogah at Cornell University. Employed with DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware.
18	Dr. Arno Wolf	Postdoctoral Associate 1990/91 from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany. On block copolymers via ADMET chemistry. Employed with Hoechst, Inc, Charlotte, NC.
17	Prof. Ragab	Sabbatical 1990, from University of Gezira, Sudan. On donor/ acceptor polymerization.
16	Dr. Mark Goldfinger	BS Chemistry 1991. In research group from 1990/91, summer with Akzo Nobel in Arnhem, Holland. PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. Employed with DuPont Corporate Research, Wilmington, DE.
15	Dr. Heather Woodard Brinkman	BS Chemistry 1990. Member of research group 1989/90. On azlactone/phenol reactions. PhD at Virginia Tech. Employed with Reichold Chemicals in Raleigh, NC.
14	Dr. Nai-Zheng Zhang	Postdoctoral Associate 1989/90 from the University of Florida. Employed in High Springs, FL.
13	Dr. Jan Nel	PhD December, 1989. "Acyclic Diene Metathesis. A New Equilibrium Step Propagation Condensation Polymerization". Employed with Amoco Performance Products, Alpharetta, GA.
12	Prof. Guy Mattson	Sabbatical 1989 from the University of Central Florida, Orlando FL. On chain/step polymerization chemistry.
11	Dr. Wayne Cooke	PhD May, 1989. "An Investigation Into Step Polymerization via Low Valent Titanium Coupling of Dicarbonyl Compounds", Currently employed (2020) as Director of R&D for Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers - North and South America Operations. Primary labs located near Detroit, MI.
10	Prof. Marc Hillmyer	BS Chemistry 1989. Member of research group 1987-1989. Topics: Preparation of divinylfuran and ADMET mechanistic studies; PhD with Prof. Grubbs at Cal Tech, Postdoc with Prof. Bates at University of Minnesota, and now (2020) McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair Professor of Chemistry and Director of the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
9	Stijn Verschuuren	Graduate research in 1988/89 in pursuit of Diplom Degree from University of Utrecht, The Netherlands. Received MBA degree from Ohio State University; Employed with Procter & Gamble Company.
8	Mike Johnson	Masters May, 1988. "Synthesis and Characterization of Donor-Acceptor Network Polymers". Employed in high school teaching in Atlanta, GA.
7	Joe Morelli	BS Chemistry 1987. Member of our group in 1987. On metathesis model compound studies. PhD at Duke University. Employed with Procter & Gamble Company.
6	Monica Lindmark Hamburg	Visiting Masters scientist in 1986 from Stockholm, Sweden. Made the important catalyst dual mechanism observations that led to successful ADMET chemistry.
5	Dr. Kusay AL-Jumah	Postdoctoral Associate 1987-90 from the University of South Florida. On the synthesis of electrically conductive polymers. Employed with Takara Research, League City, TX.
4	Dr. Rob Duttweiler	Postdoctoral Associate 1987-89 from the University of Rochester. On the synthesis of well defined metathesis catalysts. Employed with Union Carbide, NJ.
3	Dr. Mark Smith	Postdoctoral Associate 1986-88 from Penn State University. On donor acceptor polymerization leading to network polymers. Employed with 3M Company, Austin, TX.
2	Prof. Choon H. Do	Postdoctoral Associate 1986/87 from Polytechnic University. On donor/acceptor polymerization chemistry. Associate Professor at Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Korea.
1	Dr. Wana Wanigatunga	Postdoctoral Associate 1985-88 from City College of New York On chain propagation/step propagation polymerization. Employed with Essilor Corporporation, St. Petersburg, FL.
Home