Principal Investigator:
Dr. Justin Caram
Email: jcaram@chem.ucla.edu | YH-3077A
Postdoctoral Scholar:
Dr. Eugenia Vasileiadou
Ph.D. Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2022
B.S. Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, 2017
Email: evasileiadou@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research interests are centered on the rational synthetic design and structure-property relationships of functional inorganic (nano)materials. Specifically, my research focuses on the synthesis, structural characterization and photophysical properties of nanocrystals and photoactive materials. I’m excited to chart the growth mechanisms and employ spectroscopic tools to optimize the emissive properties of light harvesting materials for next-generation optoelectronic technologies. In my free time, I love going to theater shows (especially musicals), museums, traveling to learn about different cultures and languages, running and cooking Greek cuisine.
Graduate Students:
AJ Addae
B.S. Biology, Northeastern University, 2020
Email: ajaddae@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research focuses on improving the optical and colloidal properties of zinc oxide based sunscreen formulations. I explore a variety of synthesis methods to obtain zinc oxide types that are useful for photoprotection. Additionally, my research explores the interface between zinc oxide based sunscreens and bacteria native to the skin microbiome. In my free time, I like writing, puzzles, creating fun acrylic nail polishes from scratch, and spending time with my calico cat named Junie.
Belle Coffey
B.A. Chemistry, Bard College, 2021
Email: bcoffey@chem.ucla.edu | YH 3086
I am interested in the photophysical properties of inorganic materials and coordination complexes. Specifically, I am interested in studying the synthesis and characterization of various metal quantum dots and nanoparticles in order to understated their unique photophysical properties. Such materials have general application potential in optoelectronics, imaging, and solar energy. My hobbies include painting, listening to music and volunteering with local animal rescues.
Elijah Cook
M.S. Materials Chemistry, William Paterson University of New Jersey, 2022
B.S. Chemistry, William Paterson University of New Jersey, 2020
Email: elijahcook@chem.ucla.edu | YH 3086
I’m currently investigating new routes to obtain colloidally synthesized semiconductor nanostructures and studying their photophysical properties. I am from Sparta, NJ and I enjoy watching Formula 1, as well as learning about the chemistry of plants and fungi.
Yongjia He
B.S. Physics, Wuhan University, 2020
Email: yjhe2020@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
I really enjoy investigating molecular qubits for quantum computation and employing these quantum properties for future applications. My life-long goal is to tackle climate change with the help of quantum technologies. In my free time, observing trees that are bathed in the bright afternoon sunlight can make me happy all day! Feel free to email me for discussion and potential collaboration!
Jesus Hernandez
M.S. Chemistry, Cal State Northridge, 2023
B.S. Biochemistry, Cal State Northridge, 2019
Email: hernanja93@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research interests revolve around J-aggregates and their potential to be used as agents for biological imaging in the short wave infrared region (SWIR). The goal of my project is to understand the structural features of the monomer necessary to facilitate J-aggregation via systematic modification and apply our finding towards other NIR chromophores to push their spectral properties into the SWIR. Outside of lab, I enjoy running and spending time my wife and fur babies (Kiara and Nova) either in nature or at home relaxing.
Ash Sueh Hua
B.S. Chemistry, California Polytechnic State University, 2020
Email: ashleyhua@chem.ucla.edu | YH 3086
I am working on using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to study the excitonic properties of quantum dots. I like cute things and enjoy creative hobbies such as fashion, cooking, crafting, and video games.
Sohan Jadhav
B.S.-M.S. Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, 2023
Email: sdjadhav@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research interests include understanding the structural, electronic and transport dynamics of molecular aggregates. In the long run, I look forward to using these insights to develop design strategies for efficient and sustainable light-harvesting energy materials. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and playing basketball.
Jae Lee
B.S. Biochemistry, Denison University, 2023
Email: jaeeunie@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
I am interested in understanding fundamental properties of rare-earth ions, such as Ytterbium (III) complexes, in dense phases under various conditions, which could be leveraged in quantum sensing technology. I enjoy nature, arts, and ballet in my free time.
Barry (Yangtao) Li
B.S. Chemistry/Materials Science, University of California, Los Angeles (Bruin continued!), 2020
Email: barryyangtao@chem.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research interest is to apply theoretical tools (electronic structure theory and photon statistics) to understand specific spectroscopic features and develop new spectroscopic methods from theoretical perspective. I am recently working on the theoretical study of complexes with large spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and nonnegligible ligand field (LF) effects. I am using quantum mechanical models to explain the spectroscopic features of these complexes. I am also working on theoretical modeling of higher order correlation spectroscopy to assist the new experimental designs. As the group IT, I am also trying to build suitable computational methods to speed up several data analysis codes for the group. During my free time, I love cooking (Szechuan cuisine), and reading European novels from the 19th century.
Richard Liu
B.S. Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 2020
Email: rrliu@chem.ucla.edu | YH 3086
I am interested in better understanding the aggregation dynamics and exciton behavior of supramolecular dye molecules through a variety of spectroscopic methods. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing saxophone, and playing Dance Dance Revolution!
Arthur Odenheimer
B.S. Chemistry/ B.A. Music Performance, Louisiana State University 2022
Email: aodenh3@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086, Boelter 7813
My research interests include using photophysics and spectroscopic methods to better understand the self-assembly of polymers. Specifically, I investigate the kinetics of polymeric micelles for their use in applications such as hydrogels and biological imaging. I am constantly looking for ways to include ideas from many different branches of science into my own research; and in doing so, I currently work with both Dr. Justin Caram and Dr. Samanvaya Srivastava. In my free time, I enjoy playing flute, video games, and sitting outside looking at trees or rocks.
Caleb Pike
B.S. Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, 2022
Email: calebdpike@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research is on the synthesis and characterization of metal chalcogenide 2D semiconducting nanocrystals, but more specifically on the applications of computer aided synthesis for these materials. Implementation of software controlled reaction conditions, such as temperature controlling or precursor injection, allows for exploration of very precise variations within the synthetic space that would otherwise be impossible to achieve with traditional techniques. Such variations can be used to optimize machine learning based models that will allow us to probe the mechanism of formation of these materials and push their synthetic limits. Outside of school, I enjoy rock climbing, biking, and competitive super smash brothers.
Jillian Williams
M.S. Chemical Engineering, Wayne State University, 2020
B.S. Biochemistry, Indiana University, 2015
Email: jillianwilliams@chem.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research investigates the properties that drive the self-assembly of organic cyanine dyes to form aggregates. I use spectroscopic methods to better understand the photophysics of these aggregates and cryo-electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to determine their structures. In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and singing karaoke.
Lexi Wright
B.A. Chemistry, Boston University, 2022
Email: awright480@g.ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research interests are related to the dynamics of aggregate-forming cyanine dyes and spectroscopy. Specifically, I hope to simulate aggregation behavior and gain molecular-level insight into structural features. In my free time, I’m at the beach.
Master’s Student:
Xinang Yang
Postbaccalaureate Students:
Lia Coffey
Shota Nozaki
Undergraduate Students:
Nathan Huynh
Asta Li
Linus Murphy
Skylar Whitley
Group Alumni:
Postdoctoral Alumni
Dr. Tasnim Ahmed, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, tasmed2@illinois.edu
Dr. Timothy Atallah, Assistant Professor, Denison University, atallaht@denison.edu
Graduate Alumni
Dr. Austin Bailey, Organic Chemist, Banyu Carbon
Dr. Ashley Shin, Postdoctoral Scholar, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, ashleyshin.j@gmail.com
Dr. Stephanie Tenney, Postdoctoral Scholar, Brandeis University, stenney@brandeis.edu
Dr. Anthony Sica, Research Associate, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, asica1@slac.stanford.edu
Dr. Hannah Friedman, Postdoctoral Scholar, Naval Research Laboratory, hannah.friedman.ctr@nrl.navy.mil
Dr. Anu Deshmukh, Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University, adeshm@stanford.edu
Undergraduate Alumni
Lianne Alson
John Cao
Ricky Ronquillo
Elise Skytte
Anais Bolor
Hannah Liu, University of California, Los Angeles
Laurie Tan, California Institute of Technology
Ben Nguyen, University of California Los Angeles
Shireen Talieh
Ray Huang
Mikayla Sonnleitner, Medical Student, University of Hawaii
Azmain Hossain, PhD Student, California Institute of Technology
Jonathan Hui, University of California, Los Angeles
Danielle Koppel, HRL Labs, Malibu
Danielle Cadena, University of Texas at Austin
Zack Ferrin, North Carolina State University
Visiting Students
Janine Lorenz, Justus Liebig University Giessen
Niklas Geue, University of Manchester
Victoria Vilchez, Imperial College London
Xingyu Shen, Peking University
Chengye Huang, Imperial College London
Lab Mascot
Caram Group 