Current Members

Prof. Lexi Deal

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Postdoc, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division

Ph.D. Physical Chemistry – University of Colorado, Boulder

B.S. Chemical Engineering – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Graduate Students

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Sean Boyce

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B.S. Chemistry, Carleton College

Project: PFAS Chemistry at Air-Water Interfaces

I’m a second year student focusing on beamline-based photoelectron spectroscopy as a probe of surface concentration. Outside of wrangling Igor, I love cooking elaborate meals, board games, and acts of whimsy!

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Brenna Robinson

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B.S. Biology with Chemistry (Minor), Penn State Berks

Project: Organic Chemistry at Air-Water Interfaces

I am a second year graduate student studying the photochemistry and chirality of organic acids at the air-water interface. In my free time I like to hang out with my friends but occasionally stay in bed.

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Cecilia (“CC”) Pilon

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B.S. Chemistry, University of Michigan

Project: Trap Development & Microdroplet Chemistry

I am a second-year student currently working on the ‘Trap’ (the linear quadrupole electrodynamic balance). Our goal is to eventually model and monitor environmentally relevant chemical reactions in microdroplets, but I am still in the construction process. I’m happy to answer any and all questions!

In my free time, I like to cook and play video games. Silksong, Warframe, Hades 2, as well as blondies and corn dip, are my current rotations.

Kyle

Kyle Hulle

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B.S. Chemistry, University of Chicago

Project: Oil-Water Interfaces & Hydration Shell Spec

I’m a second year student interested in developing quantitative methods in vibrational spectroscopy. Currently, I’m working on adding automated variable angle control to our IRRAS. I like to hike, run, and lift (not necessarily in that order)!

Undergraduate Students

Grace Fantozzi

Rising 4th Year, Biochemistry

Project: Diffusion-Reaction Kinetics

If I were a body of water, I would be a pond!

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Tatum Boyce

Rising 4th Year, Chemistry

Project: Raman Hydration Shell Spec

I am a senior undergraduate student majoring in chemistry and am using Raman spectroscopy to study the hydration shells of ions. I enjoy running, baking, reading, and spending time on Lake Huron.

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Abigail Gross

Rising 3rd Year, Chemistry

Project: Surface Tension of Lactic Acid and PFAS

I am a junior undergraduate student majoring in chemistry and am using the tensiometer to study the surface tension of lactic acid at different concentrations and temperatures as well as PFAS at different concentrations. I love reading, baking, arts and crafts, and spending time with my friends.