Our team
Diego M. Alzate-Sanchez, Principal Investigator
I am an enthusiastic scientist, highly interested in finding alternatives to manufacture materials in a more sustainable fashion.
I was born and raised in Bogotá/Colombia. I completed my undergraduate studies at the National University of Colombia. After graduation, I worked with Professor Cesar Sierra as a Master student in the same institution. Then, I moved to Manizales/Colombia, where I worked as a volcanologist. I moved to USA and finished my graduate studies at Northwestern University, working with Professor William Dichtel. Then, I completed a postdoctoral training at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in the group of Professor Jeffrey Moore. Currently, I am a Science Fellow at Northeastern University, working in polymer sustainability. Besides working, I enjoy socializing with friends, watching soccer, and traveling.
Arfa Abrar Malik, Postdoctoral Associate
I am from Pakistan and I am currently working as a postdoctoral research associate in the DMAS group at Northeastern University. I am highly interested in synthesis, depolymerization and recycling of plastics in a sustainable way.
I completed my masters and doctoral degree in Chemistry from Key laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China where I worked under the kind supervision of Professor Dr. Wen Hua Sun and Professor. Dr. Wenhong Yang. I was the proud recipient of the Chinese Academy of Sciences-The World Academy of Sciences (CAS-TWAS) President Fellowship. I have also worked as visiting exchange student in Professor Dr. Humaira M Siddiqi’s group at the Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Pakistan. I graduated with a BS (Hons.) in Chemistry from University of Gujrat, Jhelum Campus Pakistan. During my undergraduate period, I have worked under the supervision of Dr. Shahid Saeed Qureshi and Madam Zoya Ateeq. In my free time, I like to voluntarily assist young students regarding their Ph.D. and Masters applications/scholarships. Moreover, I am actively working for the women in STEM and have organized many free workshops and lectures in different universities of Pakistan and China. Throughout my career, I have been keen towards guiding and mentoring young talent. Apart from professional goals, I enjoy traveling, watching videos and socialization.
Tina Dinh, PhD Student
I am a PhD student here in the DMAS lab and am interested in finding sustainable ways to make materials. I graduated from Drexel University in 2023 where I obtained both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry. During my undergrad, I worked in a computational lab studying nanomaterials. I hope to be able to apply some of my computational knowledge during my PhD. Outside of research, I enjoy watching TV, listening to music, supporting Philly sports teams, and hanging out with friends.
Andrew Vogler, PhD Student
I am very excited to make contributions towards sustainable chemistry through the utilization of both green polymerization mechanisms and bioavailable monomers. In 2023, I graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Nazareth College where I discovered a love for research which happened to be environmentally oriented. Formerly, I studied a bacterial spore and its application in wastewater treatment. Here, I was introduced to how concepts I learned in the classroom could be translated into practical, real-world solutions. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, fishing, playing with my cat (Finn), exercising, supporting the Buffalo Bills, and of course thinking about chemistry.
Anika Parekh, Undergraduate Student
I am an Undergraduate Northeastern Student in the Chemistry Department, actively pursuing a degree in Chemistry with a minor in Art. I grew up in Southern California, where I did most of my schooling and learned that Chemistry is my calling. I started to get involved with Undergraduate Research in my second year, previously at the Lustig Group, where I focused on the organic synthesis of Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) for high-performance material applications. I fell in love with polymer synthesis and joined the DMAS Lab under Professor Diego Alzate-Sanchez’s tutelage. In the DMAS lab, I worked in polymer sustainability, as we were finding alternative techniques to manufacture materials in a more sustainable fashion. I specifically worked with the mechanical activation of Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs) using a Diels Alder as a moiety. I am a very enthusiastic and dedicated scientist passionate about polymer synthesis and making the world greener.
Bryanna Thomas, Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student at Northeastern University, where I am studying health science with a focus on the pre-medical Pathway. I joined the DMAS research group to further my interest in organic chemistry, in hopes of advancing my knowledge in the field. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, cheering on the Steelers, and paint by numbers.
Devan Singh, Undergraduate Student
I am a 5th year undergraduate student here at Northeastern University pursuing my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. My two respective co-ops here were for companies developing continuous liquid-liquid and gas-liquid extraction devices as well as high throughput additive manufacturing for aluminum parts. While my late grandfather’s love for cars inspired me to study mechanical engineering, I have always held a deep interest in chemistry. I joined the DMAS group in the summer of 2024 where I am combining my engineering knowledge with my developing passion for organic synthesis to research mechanical activation in renewable polymers. I hope to take my recent chemistry coursework and my experience gained with the DMAS lab to pursue a higher education in chemistry. When I am not in the lab or studying, I love to workout, cook, and learn about pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
Nhi Tran, Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Data Science. Aside from my passion for working in a research laboratory, I am greatly interested in sustainability. I was captivated by DMAS Research Group’s focus on polymer sustainability and decided to reach out to further my knowledge and work toward my personal interest. By working with the DMAS group, I am confident I can challenge my skills and gain new knowledge through my work, mentor, and everyone around me. In my free time, I enjoy watching horror movies, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and collecting blind boxes
Ashli Lao, Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry and Data Science from the Philadelphia area. In 2023, I studied abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece at the American College of Thessaloniki. Interested in sustainability, I joined the DMAS Lab to learn about applying chemistry to the synthesis of environmentally conscious materials. Outside of chemistry, I enjoy traveling, hiking, making matcha, and going to concerts.
Cooper Emerson, Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry. My previous co-op in focused on using polymers to aide in drug delivery, which sparked an interest in polymer chemistry. I joined the DMAS group to not only utilize and expand my polymer chemistry knowledge but also learn about the field of polymer sustainability. Outside of lab, I like to read, hang out with my friends, and go on runs.
Alumni
Bradford Woodger (Undergraduate student)
Ghaida Aldhahri (Undergraduate student)