About Us
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
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by Dr. M.L. King, Jr.
The Principle Investigator, Professor Burda, leads this diverse and motivated group. Research of this group is premised upon two basic ideas; the first one is the importance of Energy, Environment, and Health for our future. At the same time, the second one is utilizing sunlight and other decentralized renewable energy sources to face the challenges of the first premise. So, our group is working relentlessly for a commitment to ensure a better future.
Dr. Stefane Oliveira de Lira
Postdoctoral Researcher
Bahia, Brazil
B.S. in Chemistry, Federal University of Western Bahia
M.S. in Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás
Her current research focus is fluorescent sensors, as she is still defining the direction of her new postdoctoral project. Other than that, she loves to sing, read sci-fi books, and spend time in nature
Dr. Desiree Mae Prado
PhD Graduate
South Cotabato, Philippines
B.S. in Chemistry, University of the Philippines Diliman
M.S. in Energy Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman
Her current research focus is "Electrochemistry of Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems". Other than that she loves to read books, fond of cooking, and walking outside when the weather is good.
Zoey Lockwood
5th Year PhD Candidate
Ohio, United States
B.S. in Biochemistry, Ashland University
Her current research focus is "Next-Generation Gold Nanoparticle Cancer Therapeutics". She loves to spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys weight-lifting, reading, hiking, and taking pictures of the sunset.
Siraj Islam
4th Year PhD Candidate
Dhaka, Bangladesh
B.S. in Chemistry, Khulna University
​His current research focus is "Nanomaterial Synthesis for Energy Harvesting and Conversion." He is an avid reader, obsessed with history, and fond of traveling places. Other than that, he is an enthusiastic cook, too.
Hemal Weerasinghe
3rd Year Phd Candidate
Kandy, Sri Lanka
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Science, University of Peradeniya
M.Sc. in Chemistry, National Sun-Yat Sen University
His research explores "the development of perovskite and silicon quantum dots for enhanced imaging applications." Beyond academics, he is an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and playing badminton. A passionate cook with a flair for authentic South Asian cuisine, he loves experimenting in the kitchen to create unique dishes.
Aaron Niño Gonzaga
2nd Year PhD Candidate
Manila, Philippines
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering,
Don Bosco Technical College
His research explores the "Water Activity Properties of Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems". Outside the lab, he has a deep appreciation for cars and photography. He enjoys staying active through basketball, tennis, and weightlifting, and often seeks adventure in the outdoors, with hiking being one of his favorite activities.
Myxie Tana Rogado
2nd Year PhD Candidate
Manila, Philippines
B.S. in Chemistry, University of the Philippines Diliman
Her current research focus is "Development of Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery Platforms." She loves listening to music and traveling to different places during her free time.
Kayla Poling
1st Year PhD Student
Cleveland, Ohio
B.S. in Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University
Her current research investigates the "Physicochemical and Electrochemical Properties of Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems." In her free time, she enjoys knitting and spending time outside.