Our team
Graduate students
Muhammad Iftikhar
Muhammad Iftikharis is a doctoral student. Our research team welcomed him at the end of the Fall of 2022. His current research focuses on the characterization of [4Fe-4S] clusters containing disulfide reductases from anaerobic microbes. At Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan, he received a master's degree in inorganic chemistry, specializing in lithium-ion batteries and their electrochemical properties.
Cat Nimmo
"Cat joined our group a few weeks after completing their Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Currently, Cat works on projects related to the spectroscopic study of disulfide reductases in Archaeal microorganisms and also conducts computational studies on these enzymes. During their free time, Cat enjoys spending time with their daughter, playing video games, painting, and hiking. After graduation, Cat intends to look for a postdoctoral position outside the Midwest and eventually pursue a career in academia."
Neelima Bhatt
Neelima joined the group as a doctoral student in the fall of 2023. She has a master's and a bachelor's degree in microbiology. Her current research focuses on studying the ability of methanogens to reduce perchlorate in the presence of carbon monoxide, a toxic gas. She also works with advanced microscopic techniques. During her free time, she enjoys reading and sketching.
Anupkumar Rai
Undergraduates
Hannah Kruse
Hanhan Kruse is a chemistry major with minors in forensic science and criminology. We welcomed her to our team in Fall 2022. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and playing video games.
Hansikaa Morgan Raja
She transferred from Malaysia in 2021 to major in Biomedical Sciences and minor in Chemistry and Microbiology. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano and cooking different cuisines.
Grace Pearson
My name is Grace Pearson, and I am currently a senior undergraduate student at SIU studying Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. I have a specific interest in physiology, organic chemistry, and microbiology and am hoping to progress my understanding of these subjects in the lab. In my spare time I am an artist and a cake decorator, doing paintings for friends and family or for fun. Other than this, I am a part of SIU's chemistry fraternity and enjoy volunteering on weekends to help introduce kids to the world of science.
Jennifer Ashley
I am currently a senior undergraduate student at SIUC. I am majoring in Chemistry with a specialization in Biology. I joined the team in Spring 2024. In the laboratory I am currently researching HDRs and furthering my understanding of anaerobic processes. I am very interested in Biochemistry and biological pathways. In my free time, I enjoy taking my two daughters on hikes and adventures in beautiful Southern Illinois
Yashodhana Morgan Raja
I transferred from Malaysia and am currently a biological science major with a minor in business management. In my free time, I like to play drums or DJ music since I have always liked the music of different genres. I do also like to cook