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 an Assistant Professor 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 Candidate
I am a PhD student in the DMAS lab, where my current work centers on force-driven exchange mechanisms to help improve plastic recycling. I graduated from Drexel University in 2023, with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry. During my time at Drexel, I conducted my undergraduate and master’s research with Dr. Karl Sohlberg, focusing on computational studies of rotaxanes. Outside the lab, I enjoy collecting Smiskis, discovering new bubble tea and matcha places, and attending concerts.
Andrew Vogler, PhD Candidate
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.
Jenna King, PhD Student
I am a second-year PhD student in the DMAS Lab, where I am excited to start making impactful contributions to improving the sustainability of polymers. In May 2024, I graduated with a B.S. in Health Sciences and a B.A. in Chemistry from Gettysburg College. After coming to college wanting to pursue dentistry, I discovered my love of Chemistry after taking Organic 1&2. I quickly pursued research in the field, and joined the group of Dr. Lucas Thompson where I focused on quantifying the uptake of gold nanoparticles in fingernail clams. This project started my passion for environmentally focused chemistry, to which I have now applied to polymer sustainability! Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring the beautiful city of Boston with my roommates and friends, finding new cafés and restaurants to try, as well as weightlifting.
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
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.
Atlas Noubir, Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry. I am a 2025 Beckman Scholar excited about researching polymer chemistry and sustainable materials. I love chemistry, both for how it fuels my curiosity about the world and for its potential to address critical issues such as sustainability. I recently completed my first co-op at Nano-C, where I worked on carbon nanotube purification and ink formulation and came to love materials chemistry. More broadly, I am passionate about physical, materials, and polymer chemistry, and I hope to apply these fields to tackle the climate crisis and reduce dependence on extractive economies. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, cooking with friends, spending time with my cat, and learning about history.
Andrew Moran, Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering and I am from NYC. I joined the DMAS research group because I was interested in sustainable polymers and I loved organic chemistry. Working in the DMAS group has been incredibly rewarding by solidifying my love for sustainable chemistry and helping me towards my goal of developing medicines. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy eating around Boston, cooking new recipes and watching hockey.
Moises Alfaro Reyes, Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. I was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and moved to Massachusetts in 2011. I am passionate about sustainability, from increasing the use of renewable materials to developing energy sources that can power the world responsibly, such as nuclear fusion. My interest in chemical synthesis was sparked in Diego’s Organic Chemistry class, which led me to join the DMAS group to gain more hands-on experience and contribute to building a more sustainable society. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing soccer and supporting FC Barcelona.
Alumni
Soe Thiha (Undergraduate student)
Ashli Lao (Undergraduate student)
Anika Parekh (Undergraduate student)
Devan Singh (Undergraduate student)
Bryanna Thomas (Undergraduate student)
Bradford Woodger (Undergraduate student)
Ghaida Aldhahri (Undergraduate student)