Current Members

Jamie Alatis studies fundamental photophysical processes in polymer wrapped single walled carbon nanotube superstructures. Jamie enjoys watching hockey, snowboarding, playing Magic: The Gathering, and playing dungeons and dragons in his free time. Jamie loves the humor of everyone in the Therien lab.

Jiaqi Zhu is researching spins in conjugated molecules through chemical synthesis, morphology and conformation fine tuning, transient spectroscopy, and theoretical calculation.

Victoria Cinnater synthesizes porphyrin-based supermolecular assemblies to probe the chirality induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Victoria loves having a fun time at work with her lab mates.

Riley Stephenson designs, synthesizes, and characterizes superstructures based on nanoscale carbon to study fundamental photophysics and free carrier dynamics. Riley’s favorite part about the Therien lab is that we are well equipped to do the majority of our synthesis and characterization in-house. So, one can build interesting structures and study their properties – all with a nice view of the Duke chapel from our lab!

Lindsay Pederson synthesizes perfluoroalkyl porphyrin arrays and iron-NHC complexes for applications in solar energy conversion. Lindsay’s favorite thing about the Therien lab is the view from her hood (fifth floor of French) – best view at Duke. Outside of lab, Lindsay enjoys cooking, crocheting, and hiking/camping.

Jianan Yang synthesizes polymers for polymer wrapped single walled carbon nanotubes and studies applications of carbon nanotubes. Jianan cherishes the friendship in the lab, as well as immerses himself in experiments. Outside of the lab, he enjoys running and meditating.

Xin-Yi Ye is interested in studying photophysics and ultrafast spectroscopy, mainly about polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Sontee Irvin In her free time, Sontee enjoys crafting with her friends.

Sangwon Nam

Xander Wilcox synthesizes rylene-based polymers to study their photophysical properties when wrapped around carbon nanotubes. Xander enjoys fencing (he is a member of Duke’s Fencing Team!) and getting food with friends at their favorite places in Durham.

Andy Ploskunak synthesizes and characterizes stable organic radicals to functionalize single wall carbon nanotubes and study their photochemical properties. He enjoys triathlons, fishing, and playing Club Ultimate Frisbee at Duke in his free time!

Mei Lu