Principal Investigator:
Dr. Justin Caram
Email: jcaram@ucla.edu | YH-3077A
Postdoctoral Scholars:
Dr. Anneka Casas
Ph.D. Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 2024
B.S. Chemistry, California State University Long Beach, 2018
Email: amcasas@g.ucla.edu | YH 5034
My research interests are centered on all things spectroscopy! In particular, I am interested in studying the photoluminescence of HgTe quantum dots using single-molecule spectroscopy.
Dr. Diankia (Kai) Liu
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, 2023
B.S. Chemistry, Anhui University, Hefei, China, 2018
Email: liudiankai2023@g.ucla.edu | YH 5034
My research interests including J-aggregation of organic dyes in NIR and SWIR region, SWIR organic dyes and application in vivo. In my free time, I love watching movies (I love Andrei Tarkovsky and Lee Chang-dong) and working out.
Dr. Maya Pathuri
Ph.D. Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2026
B.S. Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 2019
Email: rpathuri@g.ucla.edu | YH 2304
My research interests include understanding the photophysical properties of molecular and material systems, including coordination complexes and semiconductor nanocrystals. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, learning new languages, and making jewelry.
Graduate Students:
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.
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.
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.
Christina Park
B.S. Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, 2023
Email: christinajpark@ucla.edu | YH 3086
I am investigating the molecular-level features that stabilize the packing arrangements in cyanine dye aggregates to rationalize their unique photophysical properties. Additionally, I study the thermodynamic parameters driving the self-assembly of J-aggregates to form diverse supramolecular architectures. Outside of the lab, I like to volunteer at animal shelters and foster underage kittens.
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.
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.
Xinang Yang
M.S. Quantum Science and Technology, University of California, Los Angeles, 2024
B.S. Physics, Southwest Jiaotong University, 2022
Email: yxa2000@ucla.edu | YH 3086
I am currently exploring novel quantum information platforms design using molecules. Specifically, my research focuses on Ytterbium (III) complexes as optical qubits using coherent optical spectroscopies. The central question driving my work is how we can synthetically tailor ligand dynamics and molecular symmetry to protect optical transitions from environmental dephasing, achieving quantum coherence in dense liquid environments. Investigating the design principles of molecular qubits will help us advance next-generation quantum science applications.
Master’s Student:
Abby Pyne
B.S. Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, 2025
Email: abbypyne@ucla.edu | YH 3086
My research interests revolve around zinc oxide tetrapod nanostructures and their optical properties for use as UV filters in sunscreen formulations. The goal of my project is to develop and evaluate sunscreen formulations by investigating nanoparticle dispersion, formulation stability, and UV-filtering performance. As part of this work, I synthesize and characterize zinc oxide nanocrystals and optimize reaction conditions to control their size and morphology, with the goal of understanding how these properties influence their performance in sunscreen formulations. Outside of lab, I enjoy staying active, exploring new places, and spending time with friends, family, and my dog.
Undergraduate Students:
Alex Gallardo
Pursuing: B.S. Chemistry, UCLA, 2028
Email: alexgallardo@ucla.edu
I am a 3rd year Physical Chemistry major who loves all things inorganic chemistry. In the lab, I am currently studying the properties of rare-earth complexes, most notably those of Ytterbium (III). I plan to continue on to grad school and hopefully pursue a career in inorganic or quantum research/industry. I enjoy playing competitive video games and going to conventions.
Asta Li
Pursuing: B.S. Chemistry, Materials Science, UCLA, 2027
Email: amli@g.ucla.edu
I am an undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in Chemistry, Materials Science and minoring in Anthropology. Motivated by the potential applications of nanomaterials in medicine and deep-tissue imaging, I am interested in basic research regarding nanocluster growth mechanisms and their spectroscopic characterization to optimize and tune reaction conditions for size-specific clusters. In the future, I aim to pursue a MD with a focus in nanomedicine research, developing novel biomedical imaging techniques and therapies. Beyond academics, I enjoy reading, playing with my three ducks (Rotisserie, Sugar, and Heelie), and baking.
Shaoqiang (Aiden) Liang
A.S. Biochemistry, Moorpark College, 2025
Pursuing: B.S. Chemistry, Materials Science, UCLA, 2028
Email: shaoqiangliang@g.ucla.edu
I am currently a transfer undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in Materials Chemistry. My research interests focus on building and managing a large database of chemical and photophysical properties of SWIR dyes using AI agents, as well as studying energy transport in J-aggregates. I aspire to pursue an MD/PhD and ultimately work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and medicine, with a particular interest in developing SWIR fluorophores for tumor-margin detection and fluorescence-guided surgery. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy running, volunteering at Kaiser Permanente, and listening to music.
Skylar Whitley
Pursuing: B.S. Chemistry, Materials Science (Minor in Art History), UCLA, 2027
Email: swhitley@ucla.edu
I study optical characterization and light-matter interactions, and will be pursuing a PhD in Physical Chemistry to continue experimental research on the fundamental photonic and excitonic behavior of low-dimensional materials. I am always looking for ways to incorporate my love for fine art into my scientific research, and I am very interested in the application of spectroscopic instrumentation to art conservation and cultural heritage research. In my free time I like to draw, crochet, and play Dungeons & Dragons, and I’m a member of the GME choir and the Travel Coordinator for the UCLA BJJ club.
Group Alumni:
Tasnim Ahmed (Postdoctoral Scholar)
Timothy Atallah (Postdoctoral Scholar)
Changling Zhao (Postdoctoral Scholar)
Eugenia Vasileiadou (Postdoctoral Scholar)
Belle Coffey (Graduate Student)
AJ Addae (Graduate Student)
Ash Sueh Hua (Graduate Student)
Barry Li (Graduate Student)
Richard Liu (Graduate Student)
Jillian Williams (Graduate Student)
Xuanheng Tan (Graduate Student)
Austin Bailey (Graduate Student)
Ashley Shin (Graduate Student)
Stephanie Tenney (Graduate Student)
Anthony Sica (Graduate Student)
Hannah Friedman (Graduate Student)
Anu Deshmukh (Graduate Student)
Lia Coffey (Undergraduate Student)
Shota Nozaki (Undergraduate Student)
Linus Murphy (Undergraduate Student)
Lianne Alson (Undergraduate Student)
John Cao (Undergraduate Student)
Ricky Ronquillo (Undergraduate Student)
Elise Skytte (Undergraduate Student)
Anais Bolor (Undergraduate Student)
Hannah Liu (Undergraduate Student)
Laurie Tan (Undergraduate Student)
Ben Nguyen (Undergraduate Student)
Shireen Talieh (Undergraduate Student)
Ray Huang (Undergraduate Student)
Mikayla Sonnleitner (Undergraduate Student)
Azmain Hossain (Undergraduate Student)
Jonathan Hui (Undergraduate Student)
Danielle Koppel (Undergraduate Student)
Danielle Cadena (Undergraduate Student)
Zack Ferrin (Undergraduate Student)
Janine Lorenz (Visiting Student)
Niklas Geue (Visiting Student)
Victoria Vilchez (Visiting Student)
Xingyu Shen (Visiting Student)
Chengye Huang (Visiting Student)
Lab Mascot
