Principal Investigator
Ivan A. Moreno-Hernandez
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
ivan.moreno-hernandez (at) duke.edu
Ph.D. in Chemistry, California Institute of Technology
B.S. in Chemistry and Physics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Prof. Ivan A. Moreno-Hernandez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Duke University. His current research interests focus on the application of electrochemistry to renewable energy, with an emphasis on understanding the structural dynamics of electrochemical materials with liquid phase transmission electron microscopy. Ivan received his B.S. degree in Chemistry and Physics with University Honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014, and his PhD degree as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 2019. His research at Caltech with Prof. Nathan S. Lewis focused on the study of earth-abundant materials for anodic reactions in acidic electrolytes. Ivan was a postdoctoral scholar from 2019 to 2022 in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, working with Prof. A. Paul Alivisatos on the study of nanomaterials with liquid phase transmission electron microscopy. Ivan’s independent scholarship has been recognized by several awards, including being named a 35 Under 35 Materials Scientist by Matter, a Scialog Fellow for two distinct topics, an ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator award, and an NSF CAREER award.
Graduate Students
S. Avery Vigil
avery.vigil (at) duke.edu
B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in Linguistics, University of Oklahoma
S. Avery Vigil received their B.S. in Chemistry and their B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Oklahoma in 2020. During this time, Avery studied photoluminescent pseudohalide-based semiconductor materials. Their current research interests focus on utilizing liquid phase electron microscopy to elucidate the nanoscale dynamics of catalyst dissolution to inform the design of next-generation electrocatalysts. Outside of the lab, Avery enjoys analyzing the intersection of language and thought, cycling, and reading about the history of science and science fiction.
Matteo Fratarcangeli
matteo.fratarcangeli (at) duke.edu
B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry, Western Carolina University
Matteo Fratarcangeli received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry from Western Carolina University in 2022 and 2023, respectively. During his time at WCU, Matteo studies the antenna effect of europium complexes and europium-based nanoparticles using both computational and experimental techniques. His current research focuses on systematically introducing defects in crystalline electrocatalysts to understand their effects on catalytic performance and stability. When not conducting research, Matteo enjoyed hiking, reading, and cooking.
Ziqing Lin
ziqing.lin (at) duke.edu
B.S. in Chemistry, University of California, San Diego
Ziqing Lin received her B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego in 2023. Her undergraduate research at UCSD primarily focused on using non-linear optics to probe the interface of electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. Her current research interests focused on synthesizing metal-doped electrocatalysts and understanding the effect of dopants on electrocatalyst stability and activity. Besides research, Ziqing enjoys dancing and hiking.
Conner Soderstedt
conner.soderstedt (at) duke.edu
B.S. in Chemistry, Muhlenberg College
Conner Soderstedt received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Muhlenberg College in 2023. While at Muhlenberg, Conner developed green synthetic methods for silver nanoparticles and investigated their photocatalytic properties. His current research interests focus on utilizing liquid phase electron microscopy to study earth-abundant electrocatalysts, so that their nanoscale dynamics can be better understood to aid the rational synthesis of improved materials. Beyond the lab, Conner enjoys watching sports, running, and cooking new meals.
Robyn Alteneder
robyn.alteneder(at) duke.edu
B.S. in Chemistry & Physics minor, American University
Robyn Alteneder received her B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Physics from American University in 2025. Her undergraduate research consisted of carbon dot modification and nanocrystal synthesis. She interned at EDAC Labs, where she helped work on an electrosynthesizer device that used acid/base chemistry for direct air capture. Her current research interests include the synthesis of electrocatalysts and the evaluation of their catalytic activity. Outside of research, Robyn enjoys cooking and spending time with her two dogs, Chugiak and Febreze.
Farah Lino
farah.lino(at) duke.edu
B.S. in Chemistry, University of West Florida
Farah Lino received her B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Science from the University of West Florida in 2025. During this time, Farah studied the photosensitization of singlet oxygen from chitin-based materials for use in water purification. Her current research interests focus on the synthesis of high entropy oxide electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. Outside of the lab, Farah enjoys going to the beach, roller skating, and traveling.
Undergraduate Students
Heber Ford
heber.ford (at) duke.edu
Heber Ford is studying for a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in political science at Duke University and will graduate in 2027. His scientific interests began with chemistry applications in electrochemical cells and energy storage technologies such as Redox Flow Batteries. He is now looking forward to exploring the field of electrochemistry more closely alongside the Moreno-Hernandez group. Beyond chemistry, Heber regularly enjoys the realm of international relations, hiking, and LARPing.
Anna Zhang
anna.zhang3 (at) duke.edu
Anna Zhang is a student studying for a B.S.E in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a minor in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence who will graduate in 2029. Her scientific interests include nanomaterial synthesis, electrocatalyst, and engineered devices that will perform the needed functions with renewable energy. She is looking forward to gaining deeper insights in such an interdisciplinary field and engaging with the Moreno-Hernandez Lab community. Outside of the lab, Anna enjoys playing pickle ball, painting, and watching horror movies.
Pablo Cadirola
pablo.cadirola (at) duke.edu
Pablo Cadirola is studying for a B.S. in Chemistry, as well as a Certificate in Materials Science and Engineering and will graduate in 2028. His scientific interests include chemical synthesis, biocatalysis, and mechanical qualification. Within the Moreno-Hernandez group, he is eager to contribute to cleaner energy and explore electrochemistry in its relation with material synthesis. Away from his studies, Pablo enjoys rock climbing and hiking, linguistical interactionism, and cooking with his friends.
Gabriel Furstenberg
gabriel.furstenberg (at) duke.edu
Gabriel Furstenberg is studying for a B.S. in Chemistry with two minors in Biology and Psychology and will graduate in 2028. His scientific interests include nanocatalysts and the development of clean energy technologies. He is now exploring the composition and efficiency of electrocatalysts in the Moreno-Hernandez Lab. In his free time, Gabriel enjoys watching movies and football, hiking, and scuba diving.
Alumni
Dr. Ga-Hyeun Lee (Post-doc) – Now InnoCORE Postdoctoral Researcher at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology!
