People

Sean Wechsler wechsles@email.sc.edu

I am originally from Irmo, SC and obtained my BS in Chemistry from Winthrop University. I joined the USC graduate program and the Stefik group in Fall 2020 with a focus in inorganic chemistry. In my free time I enjoy cooking, hiking and reading.

Coby Collins cobysc@email.sc.edu

I am from Wilmington, Delaware and obtained a BS in Chemistry from Temple University. I joined USC’s PhD program in the fall of 2021 with a focus in physical chemistry. In my free time I enjoy traveling, hiking, cooking, and reading.

CJ Sturgill sturgic@email.sc.edu

I am originally from Spartanburg, SC and obtained my BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of South Carolina. I joined the USC graduate program in the Fall of 2022 with an inorganic focus. In my free time I enjoy sports, video games, and quality time with my friends.

Christian Ruff (Summer and Fall 2022, 2023, 2024), Magellan Journey Award

I am from Columbia, South Carolina, and I am working towards a degree in Chemistry at USC. I joined the Stefik Group as an undergraduate researcher in the Summer of 2022. In my free time, I like to learn languages, watch new movies and TV shows, and sleep.

Mengxue Zhang mengxue@email.sc.edu
2024 Project Chemist at Hydromer Inc

I am originally from Qingdao, China. I obtained my MS in Polymer Engineering from University of Akron and worked for Prof. Bryan D. Vogt on swelling and rheological properties of hydrophobically crosslinked hydrogels. I joined the USC graduate program in 2019 focusing on organic chemistry.

Dr. Taylor Larison tlarison@email.sc.edu
2023 Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Minnesota
2024 Scientist at Procter and Gambel

I am from Monroe, Ohio and obtained a BS in Biochemistry from Ohio State University. I joined the USC graduate program and Stefik group in the fall of 2018 with a focus on organic chemistry.

Dr. Eric Williams ericrw@email.sc.edu
2023 Research Scientist Sasol Chemicals

I am originally from Ocala, FL and obtained my BS in Chemistry from the University of North Florida. I entered the USC PhD program in 2018 with an inorganic specialization. My interests include hiking, kayaking, and the outdoors.

Dr. Wessel van den Bergh 2022 Spring Graduate
2022 Postdoctoral Researcher at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

I am from Holland, MI and obtained a BS in Chemistry from Hope College. I joined USC’s PhD program in 2017 with a focus on analytic chemistry. I enjoy reading philosophy, watching movies, and long walks on the beach in my spare time.

Dr. Zachary Marsh 2019 Spring Graduate
2019 Research Scientist at Azimuth Corporation (Army Research Lab)

I am from Panama, NY and obtained a BA in chemistry from Washington & Jefferson College. I joined the USC graduate program with a Copenhaver Fellowship in 2014 with a focus on organic chemistry. In my spare time I enjoy football, weight lifting, and brewing.

Dr. Benjamin Lamm 2019 Spring Graduate
2019 Postdoctoral Research Associate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

I am from Beach Park, IL and obtained my BS in Chemistry from Illinois Wesleyan University. I joined the USC graduate program with a Copenhaver Fellowship in 2014 and am focusing on inorganic chemistry. My interests include cycling and reading.

Dr. Kayla Lantz 2019 Spring Graduate
2019 Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Delaware (Epps group)
2020 Assistant Professor at Fairmont State University

I am from Clarksburg, WV and obtained a BS in chemistry from West Virginia University.   I started my PhD at USC in 2014 with a focus on inorganic chemistry. The aim of my research is to control block copolymer morphologies with magnetic fields. In my spare time I enjoy running, reading and watching movies.

Dr. Amrita Sarkar 2018 Spring Graduate
2018 Post Doctoral Researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
2019 Post Doctoral Researcher at Columbia University
2020 Assistant Professor at Montclair State University

I am originally from Calcutta, India where I obtained a B.S. and M.S. from Calcutta University. I started the doctoral program at USC in 2013 to pursue a research career in polymer chemistry. My research focuses on synthesis of block copolymers for morphology studies and their application in advanced devices. In addition to Chemistry, some of my favorite activities include exploring new places, reading books and listening to music.

Dr. Hasala “Nadee” Lokupitiya 2017 Fall Graduate
2018 Lecturer at College of Charleston

I am originally from Sri Lanka and I obtained my B.Sc honors degree in Chemistry from University of Colombo. Then I joined the USC graduate program in 2013 with a Copenhaver fellowship. My main research is focused on the preparation and characterization of nanostructured materials for future generation energy storage devices such as lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors. Besides chemistry, I manage time to enjoy myself with cooking, running and swimming.

Dr. Manjunath Puttaswamy 2014 Post Doc

I am originally from India and I completed my Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Materials Science and Engineering from PSG College of Technology, India. Having obtained a keen interest in the field of nanoscience, my pursuit for knowledge continued with a Masters in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden and then a Ph.D at the University of Aarhus, Denmark in the field of atomic layer deposition. My interests apart from science are to play floorball, basketball, tennis and explore the great outdoors.

Dr. Yufeng Ma 2019 Post Doc

I am from Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. When I completed my Ph.D. in 2013, I joined College of Materials Science and Engineering in Nanjing Forestry University as a faculty member. My research focuses on the designing and fabricating of polymeric biomaterials for applications in thermal insulation material. In February 2019, as a visiting scholar, I came to USC to research on the synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials with varied functionalities and properties under advisement of Dr. Chuanbing Tang and Dr. Morgan Stefik.

Alex Gregg (Spring, Fall 2023, Spring 2024)

I am from Columbia, South Carolina and am working towards earning a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Anthropology. I joined the Stefik Group as an undergraduate researcher in the Spring of 2023. My hobbies include reading, running, cooking, and traveling.

Zackary Keith Justice (Fall 2023)

I am from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and am currently pursuing my BS in chemistry at the University of South Carolina. I joined the Stefik group as an undergraduate in 2023. I am also a fantasy/sci-fi novelist in my spare time.

Bryce Melton (Summer, Fall 2023)

I am from Alpharetta, Georgia, and am working towards a degree in Chemistry with a Chemical Engineering minor at USC. I joined the Stefik group as an undergraduate researcher in the Spring of 2023. I enjoy cooking, exercising, and playing chess in my spare time.  

Mason Wright (Fall 2021-Spring 2022), Magellan Apprentice Award

I am from Greenville South Carolina, and I am working towards a degree in business economics with a focus on pre-dental from USC. I joined the Stefik group as an undergraduate researcher in 2021. I enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors in my spare time.

Christian Golden 2020 Fall-2021 Spring, SURF Fellowship

I am originally from Holly Springs, NC and am a freshman at USC studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After graduation, I would like to attend graduate school with a focus in biochemistry. In my free time, I like practicing card magic and reading books.

Natalie Vest 2018 Fall-2020 Spring
Graduate School at Texas A&M University

I am from Greenville, SC and a junior at USC pursuing a Chemistry major.  After my undergraduate, I look to continue my graduate studies with a focus in Physical Chemistry.  In my free time, I enjoy photography and art.

Paige McMahon 2019 Fall-2020 Spring
Senior Associate at Alliantgroup

I am originally from Western Springs, IL and am a senior at USC studying Chemistry with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, I would like to attend graduate school with a focus in organic chemistry. In my free time I enjoy travelling and attending USC football games.

Blake Clamp Summer 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Summer 2018
Graduate School UofSC

My name is Blake Clamp, and I’m from Gilbert, South Carolina. I’m a junior at the University of South Carolina pursing an Exercise Science major and Chemistry minor. After my undergraduate I plan on applying to medical school. In my free time I like going to see my family, playing with my dog, or watching football.

Pei-Hua “Elliott” Chiang Fall 2017, Summer 2018 SURF Award
Graduate Student University of Southern California

I’m originally from Taiwan and I’m a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering at USC with a concentration in materials. After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate school in material science. My biggest hobby is discovering exotic and innovative flavors of ice cream.

Adeline King Summer 2017, Summer 2018, SURF Award
Thermo Fisher

Chemistry Major.

Sammy Ciricillo Spring 2017, Summer 2017, Spring 2018, SURF Award

My name is Sammy Ciricillo, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a junior at USC studying Chemical Engineering with minors in Spanish and Chemistry. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and traveling.

August Cole Fall 2017, Spring 2018, SURF Fellowship

Award I am a Chemical Engineering undergraduate at the University of South Carolina. I am from Columbia South Carolina. In my free time I enjoy reading, running, and listening to music.

Cash Jowers 2016 Spring
Graduate Student at UofSC

I am from Jefferson, South Carolina, and am currently in my Junior year as a Chemistry major at the University of South Carolina. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching television, and learning new, unusual things.

Dae Bigach Spring, Summer, and Fall 2016, SURF Award
Senior Project Engineer I at Project Farma

My name is Dae Bigach, and I’m from York, South Carolina. I’m a freshman Chemical Engineering major at USC.  My hobbies include reading, swimming and creating costumes.

Laura Murdock Summer and Fall 2016
2022 Ph.D. from UofSC
2022 BASF

I am a Chemistry and Marine Science double major at the USC and will be graduating in December 2016. I’m originally from Potomac, Maryland. My area of research is in diblock copolymer synthesis. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, being by the water, and when possible, spending time with my parents and three siblings. I’m also really passionate about education and I especially love helping others with science related academics.

Marion Hope Fall 2016
Graduate School at UofSC School of Medicine

I am from West Columbia, SC and am currently a third year Biomedical Engineering student at the USC. During my free time I enjoy playing video games and participating in various 5ks and relay races.

Christopher Scott Summer 2016
Walker Construction

I am native of Columbia, SC and graduated Lower Richland High School the summer of 1999. I joined the Air Force in 2000 and fought in the Iraqi Freedom Campaign from 2003-2004. My professional experience includes working with Hazardous Materials in the Air Force including chemicals, small arm ammunition, and explosives. I currently attend Midlands Technical College as a transfer student in Mechanical Engineering and plan to transfer to USC soon.

Sean Coleman 2016
Process Controls Engineer at Sylvamo

I am originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania and am currently a third year Chemical Engineering student at the University of South Carolina.  My areas of research interest are diblock copolymers, their synthesis, and how they can be utilized in real world applications.  In my spare time I enjoy baseball, football, and weight lifting.

Jefferson Langston 2014 Fall-2016 Spring, Magellan Award
Flight Paramedic at Augusta University AirCare 1

I am originally from South Carolina, and am currently a third year Chemistry student at the University of South Carolina. My areas of research interest are polymers and their synthesis and how they can be used in real world applications. In my spare time I enjoy running, watching movies, and reading books.

Kenneth Crawford 2016 Spring
Graduate Student at North Carolina State University

I am from Irmo, South Carolina and am currently a first year Electrical Engineering student at the University of South Carolina. In my spare time I enjoy running, playing baseball, and watching movies.

Joseph Markovich 2016 Spring
Industrial Engineer II at Abbott

I am originally from Hazlet, New Jersey but moved to Huntsville, Alabama a few years back.  I am a second year Chemical Engineering student at the University of South Carolina.  I enjoy seeing real world applications of brand new chemistry, especially in industry.  In my spare time I enjoy hiking and weight lifting.

Jordan Mosely 2016
Graduate School at UofSC School of Medicine

I am from Atlanta, Ga and I’m currently a third year Biochemistry student with a Music minor. My research is focused in diblock copolymer synthesis. I enjoy playing classical guitar, my instrument of choice, reading, and weightlifting.