Group Members

Principal Investigator

Prof. Sijia Dong

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, California Institute of Technology

  • More details can be found here.

Postdoctoral Scholars

Dr. Bhumika Jayee

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Texas Tech University (with Prof. William L. Hase and Prof. Hans Lischka)

  • Research Interest: Excited states of biomolecules using multireference methods and molecular dynamics simulations

  • Hobbies: I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

Dr. Felipe Curtolo

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil (with Prof. Guilherme M. Arantes)

  • Research interest: I am interested in using multiscale computer simulations to study the reactivity and photochemical properties of biomolecules in order to better understand their mechanisms and discover new applications.

  • Hobbies: I love cats, eating out and musical theatre.

Dr. Gustavo Mondragón-Solórzano

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico (with Prof. Joaquín Barroso-Flores)

  • Research interests: excited states of molecular systems using multiconfigurational and multireference methods

  • Hobbies: Biking (mostly mountain biking). Also all animal friendly.

Dr. Ka Wa Yip

  • Ph.D. in Physics, University of Southern California (with Prof. Daniel Lidar)

  • Research Interest: Quantum dynamics and computation

  • Hobbies: I enjoy playing basketball, watching sports, and reading books on science and philosophy.

PhD Students

Benjamin Kaufold

  • PhD student in Chemistry

  • B.S. in Chemistry, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  • My current work involves making multireference calculations more accurate and efficient and predicting the electronic properties of heterogeneous catalysts and biocatalysts. Besides chemistry, I am very fond of teaching, graphic design and touring Boston. My students are very fond of my SpongeBob-themed quizzes!

Jason Lucas

  • Industry PhD student in Chemistry

  • M.S. in Materials Science, Boston University

  • Research interest: Light-matter interactions, photocatalysis

  • Fun fact: While on a backpacking trip in the NH White Mountains in NH I found out firsthand that the boardwalks on the hiking trails sit on top of 3-foot-deep mud.

Zheyu Zhang

  • PhD student in Chemistry

  • M.S. in Bioinformatics, Northeastern University

  • Aim to use modeling and simulation methods to solve all biological problems on different scales.

  • Fun fact: I really like to build PCs for my friends.

Emma Stevens

  • PhD Student in Chemistry

  • B.S. in Chemistry, Emmanuel College, Boston

  • Research Interests: Modeling the enzyme-like catalytic nature of molecularly imprinted polymers using multiscale simulations

  • Fun Fact: I love spending time on the esplanade and even sailing on the Charles!

Undergraduate Students

Janis Dong

  • Major in Biochemistry, Minor in Business

  • Eager to explore the mystery of chemistry and science to contribute more to the community. 

  • Fun Fact: I swam competitively for 8 years.

Joseph Desroches

  • Major in Physics and Math

  • I am very passionate about using computational and mathematical methods to solve problems in theoretical physics.

  • I enjoy going on hikes, spending time outside, hanging out with my friends, playing video games, and watching movies.

Deeptha Narasimhan

  • Major in Data Science and Behavioral Neuroscience

  • Minor in Biochemistry

Kianna Cabral

  • Major: Mathematics and Physics

  • Research interest: I am interested in leveraging quantum computation to address complex problems in physics, chemistry, and beyond.

  • Fun fact: I enjoy exploring new sports and hobbies. Last year I learned how to sail, play tennis, and crochet.

Bradford Derby

  • AJC Merit Research Scholar

  • Major: Computer Science

  • Research interest: Modeling and designing molecularly imprinted polymers

  • Fun fact: I like to play soccer.

Alumni

Miscellaneous Group Photos

Group photo after the ACS Northeast Regional Meeting! June 2023

Group celebration! August 2022