Class of 2026

Claire Baeriswyl Claire Baeriswyl holds a B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies from San Diego State University, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2025. As an undergraduate, Claire researched under Dr. Diane Smith, studying the fundamental redox characteristics of various organic materials. This work strengthened her analytical skills and synthetic laboratory techniques. Motivated by a passion for environmental sustainability, Claire later joined Dr. Jing Gu’s research group, where she investigated low-cost transition metal catalysts for OER alongside biomass oxidation. This project allowed her to gain hands-on experience with electrodeposition and electrochemical characterization. Claire’s work as an undergraduate research assistant deepened her interest in electrochemistry, where she is eager to solve pressing global issues and ultimately foster a sustainable future.

Mason BryantMason Bryant graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelors in Neuroscience in 2025. During my studies in neuroscience I was exposed to electrochemical mechanics which I was able to further explore in my chem classes via experiments with half cells. In my senior year I worked in a chem lab and studied the career landscape of electrochemistry. I am incredibly captivated by lithium ion battery research and development and excited to learn more.

James CecilJames Cecil is currently a fourth-year chemistry student at the University of Oregon and an accelerated master’s candidate in EMIP. For the past two years, James has worked in Professor Paul Kempler’s electrochemical engineering group. His research focuses on the electrochemical reduction of iron oxide to iron metal with application to decarbonized steel production and energy storage systems. James wants to apply his background in electrochemistry and materials characterization to clean-energy fields, including batteries, hydrogen production, solar materials, and related electrochemical technologies.

Cameron ColeCameron Cole graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. His undergraduate senior capstone focused on designing a renewable hydrogen production plant, emphasizing detailed process modeling and systematic sensitivity analysis. This deepened his interest in renewable energy, particularly hydrogen production and energy storage. Cameron is eager to expand his knowledge in electrochemistry and contribute to advancing renewable hydrogen technologies in the energy sector.


Dakota DonaldsonDakota Donaldson graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from Frostburg State University in 2025. While pursuing his degree, he conducted research in electrochemistry on modified carbon paste electrodes using SWASV and CV techniques. His work centered on evaluating their electrochemical performance in detecting and quantifying trace heavy metal contaminants in water. His growing interest in sustainable technologies has led him to pursue a master’s degree in Electrochemistry, where he focuses on renewable energy and advanced energy storage systems.

Davis FlyDavis Fly graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.S. in Chemistry focusing in Biochemistry and a B.A. in Mandarin Chinese. While earning his undergraduate, Davis studied the application of ionic liquids for use in transdermal drug delivery in Dr. Eden Tanner’s lab. He is beyond excited to further his understanding of chemistry through electrochemical means and become a contributing member of the electrochemical society.

William GrossWilliam Gross graduated from the University of Denver in 2025 with a B.S. in Chemistry and physics. His interdisciplinary curiosity led him to explore various research opportunities, working under Dr. Siemens in the characterization of perovskite thin film solar cells via various spectroscopic and imaging techniques, and with Dr. Michel in the organic synthesis of various fluorophores for ethylene detection. He also participated in the 2024 cohort of the DOE’s Nuclear Chemistry Summer School and DU’s field quarter program later that fall, ventures which reflect his wide-ranging passion for understanding the natural world. He is excited to bring his diverse educational background to the field of electrochemistry and is interested in its potential use in waste reprocessing.

David HuangDavid Huang holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, where he conducted undergraduate research under Dr. Wei Lu, working on multiple projects in advanced lithium-ion and emerging energy-storage chemistries. Upon graduation, he joined industry as a Research Associate at Sylvatex (an advanced‐materials startup focused on next-generation cathode manufacturing) and more recently at Redwood Materials (a leading US battery-recycling and critical-materials company) where he worked on scaling battery‐materials production and circular supply-chain solutions. David is passionate about advancing scalable, sustainable energy-storage technologies for clean-energy systems.

Michael IngramMichael Ingram graduated from the University of Tulsa (TU) in 2025 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. At TU, he participated in an organic chemistry research program focused on novel, electronically mismatched Diels Alder cycloaddition reactions using Lewis acids as catalysts. Along with his research group, he characterized a new DA product with a 63% yield. He later studied genetics at the University of Kansas in the REU program, specifically utilizing genetic analysis on Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies and the syndrome known as IR hybrid dysgenesis. He provided evidence for the ability of flies to regain fertility with age, pushing the research of the group further. While participating in chemistry and biology research, he discovered his true passion lies within the chemical domain, and his aspirations for the future involve sustainable energy solutions, energy storage, and other electrochemical innovations.

Judge JewkesJudge Jewkes graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2025 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Judge’s practical experience is highlighted by a two-year R&D internship at Brewer Science, where he managed an end-to-end project to develop and characterize polymers for 2D material transfer and implemented a novel in-situ adhesion testing methodology. His background also includes process engineering internships at Tiarco Chemical and Martin Industries, as well as undergraduate research and design of a zinc-nickel pouch cell design for the Chem-E-Car competition that earned a 1st place regional performance award.

Brad Kelly Brad Kelly graduated from Baylor University in 2025 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. He is excited to learn more about electrochemistry and further his understanding in the field. He is looking forward to future research in energy storage and renewable energy.

Dawson Kenney Dawson Kenney graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Chemistry. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research under Professor Nicolas Stadie, focusing on the metal-organic framework CALF-20 for carbon dioxide capture. Collaborating with Salish-Kootenai College, a local tribal community college, Dawson developed a novel method to identify CALF-20 using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), providing a more accessible alternative to X-ray diffraction for smaller research institutions. His work enabled accurate characterization of CALF-20 and faithful differentiation between its polymorphs. Passionate about environmental restoration through chemistry, Dawson looks forward to continuing research that advances sustainable energy technologies.

Dhiren_Mistry Dhiren Mistry graduated from UMass Amherst in 2021 with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering with a focus in materials science. After graduating, he worked for 4 years as a Battery Materials Engineer at a start-up company called Ascend Elements generating lithium ion-battery materials from upcycled battery scrap. He specialized in researching, developing, and processing LCO and NMC precursor (pCAM) and Cathode Active Materials (CAM). His eventual career goal is to make significant advancements in sustainable energy storage and materials development.

www.linkedin.com/in/dhiren-mistry-10220915a


Zano Mtungwa Zano Mtungwa earned his undergraduate degree in Applied Chemistry from the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), his final year undergraduate project was on formulating an agrochemical for the treatment of cattle that was later commercialized. Zano’s research interests include advanced electrode design, solid-state batteries, and fuel cells. He is passionate about developing sustainable energy solutions and exploring new materials for electrochemical applications. Outside the lab, Zano enjoys watching sports and traveling, and loves finding creative ways to connect science with real-world innovations.


Andreas PalmateerAndreas Palmateer graduated with an Honors BS in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University in 2025, and spent the summer as an additive manufacturing intern at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. He completed both his honors thesis and senior capstone in the field of plastic recycling catalysis, and spent several years working on fundamental catalysis research at OSU’s Ellis Lab, where he first gained an interest in sustainable manufacturing processes. He also worked full-time for six months at Intel’s water treatment plant in Hillsboro, Oregon, and continued to work there part-time during his senior year, furthering his passion for circular economy. Andreas hopes to combine OCE’s in-depth electrochemistry curriculum with the skillsets and passions from his previous experiences and find a career that allows him to make meaningful contributions at a company he’s proud to be a part of.

Sofia PereyraSofia Pereyra graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with her B.S. in Applied Physics in 2025. Her undergraduate research with Professor Philip Hinz involved developing Python code to simulate atmospheric turbulence and correct astronomical images to enhance the precision of exoplanet detection via radial velocity measurements. She further applied her skills as a researcher at Soliculture Inc., where she contributed to the development of semi-transparent solar panels designed for greenhouse agriculture that generate clean energy while also increasing crop yields. Her work with Soliculture Inc. included contributing to the entire solar panel production process, performing electrical characterization (IV curves) on all produced panels, IR imaging to test panel durability, and data analysis on light spectra. Sofia is eager to apply her background in applied physics to the University of Oregon’s Electrochemistry Master’s Internship program and pursue a career in energy storage and clean energy technologies.

Lewis SislerLewis Sisler graduated from Cornell University in 2025 with a B.A. in Chemistry. During his time in the department his zest for learning landed him a position as an undergraduate researcher in the Marohn group where he worked on characterizing and synthesizing perovskite solar cells, employing the use of spin coating techniques and profilometry. Before this he worked on the synthesis of more ecofriendly polymers in the Stache lab. His chemistry knowledge also guided him through a successful internship at Ingevity in Charleston running analytical chemistry for the company. Outside of the chemistry lab, Lewis started a band and released an album as well as captaining his college ultimate frisbee team. Lewis values community, humor, and loves trying new experiences. Lewis plans to take his knowledge into the renewable energy sector after graduation.

www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-sisler-14a6812a1


Colin StewartColin Stewart received his undergraduate degree from Oregon State University in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Materials Science. During his studies, his courses in semiconductor fundamentals and energy systems got him interested in electrochemistry and its place in the green energy transition. His senior capstone project was working with NREL on a joint project for hydrogen electrolysis and delivery system for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These experiences spurred him to apply to the master’s program, in hopes of gaining the skills necessary for contributing to a sustainable future and to satisfy his own curiosity. In his off hours he enjoys 3D modeling and printing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Tessa TafuriTessa Tafuri graduated from University of California, San Diego in 2024 with a B.S. in Chemistry. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research in the Slade Lab on the environmental fate of aerosol-phase plastic additives and the photodegradation of organic UV filters in coastal environments. She became proficient in analytical techniques such as LC-MS and UV-Vis spectroscopy to analyze pollutants in seawater and sea-spray aerosol samples collected during an EPA-funded field study. Motivated by her experience in atmospheric chemistry, Tessa hopes to build a strong foundation in electrochemistry and apply her knowledge to advance renewable energy in industry.

Victoria XuVictoria (Vikki) Xu graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2025 with a B.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering and a B.A. in Earth and Environmental Science. Her undergraduate research experience includes modeling electrocatalyst materials for OER at the Vojvodic Lab at UPenn. Previously, she interned at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory modeling electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction in the Energy Conversion Group. Currently, her research at UO in the Kempler Group investigates the interfacial ion transfer kinetics of copper deposition. She’s excited to explore Eugene with the cohort and continue exploring electrochemical research for energy storage and decarbonization.

Michelle ZorigtMichelle Zorigt graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 2025. During her undergraduate career, she was very involved in electrochemistry research. Under the supervision of Dr. Rodriguez Lopez, she participated in multiple projects. From studying electrocatalysts to using mercury ultramicroelectrodes to analyze manganese dissolution from cathode materials, she has had hands on learning involving a variety of useful electrochemical concepts. She is very excited to continue exploring the exciting field of electrochemistry and hopes to contribute to sustainable energy solutions.

www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-zorigt-56a4331b3


More bios to come!
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