Graduate Students

Peijie Hu, Class of 2019

E-mail: peijiehu@chem.ufl.edu

Office: SIS 401

Office Phone: +1 (352) 294 3338

B.S. – Nanjing University (China)

Biography – Peijie Hu comes from Wuhan, China. He received his B.S. from Nanjing University under the guidance of Professor. Zhong Jin. His thesis work involved the design of novel full inorganic solar cells and synthesis of several thin-film semiconductors including Bi₂S₃, NiO_x and WO_x. After he coming to UF in 2019, his interests are focused on heterogenous catalysts and the application of surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC) to investigate the active sites of heterogenous catalysts. Currently, he is working on the synthesis of early transition metal complexes for incorporation to various ceramic surfaces.

Alexander Stant, Class of 2020

E-mail: astant@chem.ufl.edu

Office: SIS 420

Office Phone: +1 (352) 294 3338

B.A. – Louisiana State University (United States)

Biography – Born and raised in South Louisiana, Alexander obtained his B.S. in Chemistry from Louisiana State University in 2020 under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Chambers. Alexander’s undergraduate research in homogeneous catalysis included exploring the effect of germanium on rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation and the synthesis of polyketones using a palladium(II) bidentate phosphine ligand catalyst system. He is now interested in utilizing surface organometallic chemistry to improve the efficiency and viability of chemical industrial processes. On the weekends, he enjoys football, nature walks and attending Mass at St. Augustine’s. 

Jose Berger, Class of 2023

E-mail: jose.berger@ufl.edu

Office: SIS 401

Office Phone: Pending

B.S. – University of Central Florida (United States)

Biography –  Jose was born in Esteli, Nicaragua. He moved to the United States of America in 2014 and eventually decided to pursue a major in chemistry at the University of Central Florida located in Orlando, Florida in 2019. Under the mentorship of Dr. Richard G. Blair, he investigated the heterogeneous catalytic properties of a boron-rich material (Al_1-xB₂) in the upcycling of greenhouse gases (CH₄ and CO₂) into hydrocarbons, such as propene and benzene. A summary of the work he was involved in can be found in an honor thesis he published during the senior year of his undergraduate career. His current project in the Searles group involves the synthesis of new supports for molecular precursors so that both species may synergistically work to tackle environmental problems, such as the rising CO₂ levels. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, learning Japanese, watching cartoons, gardening, exercising, conversing with God, playing the drums, and hanging out with his family and friends. 

Selena Kuenzig, Class of 2023

E-mail: kuenzig.s@ufl.edu

Office: SIS 401

Office Phone: Pending

B.S. – Virginia Commonwealth University (United States)

Biography –  Selena grew up in Oregon, and after a short time in the military, she got her B.S. in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her undergraduate research experience focused on MOF synthesis for use as a cathode material in Li-S batteries under the direction of Dr. Hani El-Kaderi. Her current research focuses on the utilization of a Nb-based catalyst for valorization of hydrocarbon substrates. Outside the world of chemistry, Selena loves to read and spend time with her dogs. 

Faezeh Farrokhpey, Class of 2024

E-mail: f.farrokhpey@ufl.edu

Office: SIS 420

Office Phone: Pending

B.S. – Isfahan University of Technology

M.S. – Sharif University of Technology

Biography –  Faezeh received her B.S. from Isfahan university of Technology and then completed her M.S. degree at Sharif University of Technology under the guidance of Prof. M. Kazemeini and Prof. Syrus Ghotbi. Faezeh’s thesis work involved the studies of supported nickel catalysts for partial hydrogenation of edible oils. She worked in the catalysis industry for approximately 8 years then joined the University of Vienna. There she investigate vanadium recovery methods for spent selective catalytic reduction catalysts under the guidance of Professor Freddy Kleitz. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading and cooking.

Khandakar Hasan Sakir, Class of 2025

E-mail: ksakir@ufl.edu

Office: SIS 401

Office Phone: Pending

B.S. – University of Chittagong (Bangladesh)

M.S. – Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany)

Biography –  Sakir is a graduate student from Cumilla, Bangladesh. He completed his bachelor’s studies at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, in Chemistry, and subsequently graduated from Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany, with a master’s degree in Advanced Functional Materials. During his master’s studies, he performed fundamental research on carbon-sulfur composites used as cathode materials in metal-sulfur batteries. His research interests involve catalysis, electrochemical energy storage, and polymer chemistry. Outside of the lab, he enjoys sports such as table tennis, Badminton, and cricket.

Nimrah Abid, Class of 2025

E-mail: abid.nimrah@ufl.edu

Office: SIS 401

Office Phone: Pending

B.S. – Lahore College for Women University (Pakistan)

M.S. – University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (Pakistan)

Biography –  Born and raised in Pakistan, Nimrah has completed her M.Phil. in Applied Chemistry at the University of Engineering and Technology, under the supervision of Dr. Zahoor Ahmad. Her masters studies research work focused on the green synthesis of nanocomposites for the electrocatalytic water-splitting reaction. She also holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Lahore College for Women University. During her undergraduate studies, she carried out research on the green synthesis of nanoparticles and their catalytic activity for dye degradation. Now she is interested in organometallic complexes of early transition metals as catalysts. Outside academics, she loves photography, traveling and exploring new cafes. She also loves cooking new recipes.

James (Cole) Pettigrew, Class of 2025

E-mail: jc.pettigrew@ufl.edu

Office: SIS 401

Office Phone: Pending

B.S. – University of Central Oklahoma (United States)

Biography –  Cole is a graduate student in chemistry with research interests in organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and the integration of machine learning in chemistry. Cole earned a BBA in Economics and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Central Oklahoma. Cole’s undergraduate research included studying palladium(II) chloride as a ligand-free catalyst for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions at both Montana State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. When not in the lab, he is usually reading, writing, or enjoying strategy games.

Priscilla Agrinsoni, Class of 2025

E-mail: pagrinsoni@ufl.edu

Office: SIS 413

Office Phone: Pending

B.S. – Florida Atlantic University (United States)

Biography –  Priscilla was born and raised in Central and South Florida. She completed her B.S. in Chemistry at Florida Atlantic University in 2025, where she conducted research under the direction of Dr. Daniel de Lill. Her undergraduate work focused on the synthesis of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for use in biodiesel production. Her current research interests include surface organometallic chemistry and its applications in catalysis. Outside the lab, Priscilla enjoys making music, going to concerts, and playing board games.