About Us
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
​
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.
Rathiesh Pandian
5th Year PhD Student
New Jersey, United States
B.S. in Biochemistry, Miami University
His current research focus is "Femtosecond relaxation dynamics of deep eutectic solvents". Besides that, he loves playing soccer and weight-lifting in his leisure time. Besides, he is a good cook.
Mai Rashwan
5th Year PhD Student
Ismailia, Egypt
B.S. in Chemistry, Suez Canal University
M.S. in Chemistry, Suez Canal University
Her current research focus is "Photothermal Properties of Nanofluids." She loves swimming and fishing in her free time. She is also a skilled cook and enjoys experimenting with fresh fish recipes. Her passion for outdoor activities and culinary arts makes her an exciting person.
Desiree Mae Prado
4th Year PhD Student
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
4th Year PhD Student
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.
Hamza Shaili
3rd Year PhD Student
Casablanca, Morocco
B.S. in Physics, Hassan II University
M.S. in Energy Engineering, Mohammed V University
His current research focus is "Materials for solar energy conversion". In his leisure time, he likes to practice his boxing skills and weight-lifting.
Siraj Islam
3rd Year PhD Student
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
2nd Year Phd Student
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
1st Year PhD Student
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.
Hongchu Li
1st Year Master's Student
Sichuan, China
B.S. in Applied Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology
His current research focus is "Photoelectro Water Splitting to Produce Hydrogen." He enjoys spending time with friends but also values solitude, often listening to music and podcasts. Additionally, he has a passion for musicals.