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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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