People

Bachelors – 1998 MIT,
Masters – 1999 MIT (Practice School),
Doctorate – 2004 University of Minnesota,
Post-Doctorate – 2006 NRC Postdoctoral Fellow – NIST

University of Delaware (UD)

• Allen & Myra Ferguson Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
• Professor of Materials Science & Engineering
• Professor of Biomedical Engineering (affiliated)
• Director, UD, Center for Research in Soft matter and Polymers (CRiSP)
• Director, UD MRSEC, Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials (CHARM)
• Deputy-Director, DOE EFRC, Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI)

Lignolix, Inc.

Co-founder
Chief Scientific Officer

Email: Thomas H. Epps, III

Bachelors – 2015 North Carolina State University
Doctorate – 2022 Georgia Institute of Technology
Current – Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Center for Plastics Innovation (co-advised by Dr. LaShanda Korley)

In his Ph.D., Alex worked with Dr. Natalie Stingelin at Georgia Tech on structure-property interrelations for polymers in photonics and electronics. He worked on high refractive index polymer hybrids and advanced calorimetric techniques for semiconducting polymers. Alex joined the Center for Plastics Innovation in May 2022 as a post-doctoral researcher working on valorizing plastic waste. Outside of research, Alex enjoys playing several sports and is an avid golfer.
Email: Alex Balzer

Bachelors – 2013 Carnegie Mellon University
Doctorate – 2018 Carnegie Mellon University
Current – Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Epps group

During his bachelors, Eric worked with Prof. Rongchao Jin on synthesis and characterization of gold nanoclusters. In his Ph.D., he worked with Prof. Tomasz Kowalewski and Prof. David Yaron on characterization, applications, and electronic structure modeling of heteroatom doped carbon nanostructures. In July of 2018, Eric joined the Epps group as a post-doctoral researcher working on nanostructured polymer characterization, control, and applications. Outside of research, Eric enjoys cooking, exercising, and building stuff.
Email: Eric Gottlieb

Bachelors – 2014 University of Pittsburgh
Doctorate – 2021 Auburn University
Current – Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI, co-advised by Dr. LaShanda Korley)

During his bachelor’s, Luca worked with Prof. Robert Enick on fluoroacrylate-styrene copolymer as a CO2 thickener. In his Ph.D., he worked with Prof. Bryan Beckingham on the transport of alcohols and carboxylates (products of CO2 reduction cells) and urea (feed of direct urea fuel cell). Previously, he worked with Prof. Geoff Geise as a post-doc researcher at the University of Virginia, where he worked on designing sulfonated polysulfone-based membranes. He joined the CPI in August 2023 as a post-doc researcher. He is working on (1) the fuel cell membranes and (2) the design and synthesis of bio-based polymers. Outside of research, Luca enjoys tennis, chess, beaches, and trails.
Email: Luca (Jung Min) Kim

Bachelors – 2017 Seoul National University
Masters – 2019 Seoul National University
Doctorate – 2022 North Carolina State University
Current – Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Epps group

During her master’s, Soojin worked with Dr. Hak Lae Lee on inorganic coating structure and drying dynamics. In her Ph.D., she worked with Dr. Richard Venditti and Dr. Joel Pawlak on biodegradation of bio-based polymers. She joined the Epps group in May 2023 as a postdoctoral researcher working on depolymerization of polymers. Outside of research, she enjoys traveling and hanging out with friends.
Email: Soojin Kwon

Bachelors – 2018 Auburn University
Doctorate – 2023 Texas A&M University
Current – Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Epps group.

In his Ph.D., Kevin worked with Dr. Yossef (Joe) Elabd on the synthesis and characterization of star poly(ionic liquid) homopolymers and block copolymers for lithium-ion batteries. Kevin joined the Epps group in July 2023 as a postdoctoral researcher working on depolymerization of polymers. Outside of research, Kevin enjoys weightlifting, sports, and watching tv shows and movies.
Email: Kevin Nixon

Bachelors – 2015 University of Pittsburgh
Doctorate – 2022 University of Delaware
Current – Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Epps group

Robert joined the Epps group in December of 2017. His research involves bio-based polymers with a focus on block polymers for lithium-ion battery membrane technology. Outside of the lab, Robert enjoys hiking, traveling, and photography.
Email: Robert O’Dea
Introduction Video

Bachelors – 2017 University of Florida
Doctorate – 2022 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Current – Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Epps Group

During his bachelor’s, Ty worked with Prof. Laurie Gower to investigate polymer-induced mineralization of collagen scaffolds. More recently, Ty researched the synthesis, processing, and properties of robust small molecule assemblies, and their application to water treatment, in his doctoral work with Prof. Julia Ortony. While at MIT, Ty also engaged with the Massachusetts State government and industry in plastics sustainability efforts. Ty joined the Epps group in August 2022 as a post-doctoral researcher investigating lignin valorization to high-value polymers and chemicals. Outside of research, Ty enjoys volleyball, skiing, and cooking.
Email: Ty Christoff-Tempesta

Bachelors – 2017 Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
Masters – 2020 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja
Current Graduate Student

Jamael is interested in the beauty of the interplay between polymer science and catalysis. He is particularly interested in lignin-based polymers.
Other awesome things Jamael likes to do include singing in his room, listening to music, cooking, reading fine novels, and most importantly, connecting with amazing people.
Email: Jamael Ajah

Bachelors – 2018 University of Texas at Austin,
Masters – 2020 Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
Current – Graduate Student (co-advised by Dr. LaShanda Korley).

Haesoo joined the Epps group in the summer of 2022. Her interest in building sustainable materials has motivated her to investigate lignin-derivable polymers. Outside the lab, Haesoo enjoys listening to music, traveling, and watching TV shows.
Email: Haesoo Lee

Bachelors – 2018 University of Rochester
Current – Graduate Student

After her bachelor’s degree, Venice worked in the paint and coatings industry for 3 years. Venice joined the Epps group in the fall of 2022. Her research involves polymers for lithium-ion battery applications. Outside of research, Venice enjoys listening to music, cooking and hanging out with friends.
Email:Venice Magunga

Bachelors – 2016 Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
Masters – 2018 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Current – Graduate Student (co-advised by Prof. LaShanda Korley)

Jignesh has worked on electrospinnability of ultra-high molecular weight polypropylene (UHMWPP) for his master’s thesis under the supervision of Prof. Anup K. Ghosh (IIT Delhi) and Dr. V. K. Gupta (Reliance Industries Ltd., Mumbai). He also has worked on life cycle assessment, shear thickening fluids, and lignocellulosic fibers and their composites. He joined Epps group in fall 2018. His research involves design and development of bio-based polymers and processing, with a focus on application development. Outside lab, he likes to listen to music and travel.
Email: Jignesh Mahajan
Introduction Video

Bachelors – 2016 University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
Current – Graduate Student (Co-advised by Dr. LaShanda Korley)

Maida has joined Epps group in the Fall of 2019. Her research will be oriented towards development and characterization of bio-based polymers. Outside of research she is an avid admirer of art and music.
Email: Maida Mahmood
Introduction Video

Bachelors – 2018 Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
Current – Graduate Student (co-advised by Prof. LaShanda Korley)

After his bachelor’s focused on polymers and coatings, Sampanna got around 2.5 years of industrial research experience in the field of Epoxy resin and hardeners. He joined the Epps group in November 2020 where his work will be oriented towards the Renewable Polymers and Plastics Upcycling effort. Outside of research, Sampanna likes to play harmonica and listen to music.
Email: Sampanna Mhatre

Bachelors – 2020 Johns Hopkins University
Current – Graduate Student

Alison joined the Epps group in the fall of 2021. Her interest in sustainable materials motivated her to pursue research on the design and characterization of biobased polymers. Outside the lab, Alison enjoys swimming, skiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends.
Email: Alison Shapiro

Bachelors – 2019 Northwestern Polytechnical University, China
Current – Graduate Student

Sara joined the Epps Group in fall of 2019. Her interest in helping the world energy issue has motivated her to pursue the research on lithium-ion batteries. Outside of research, Sara enjoys playing tennis, traveling and hanging out with friends.
Email: Mengying (Sara) Yang
Introduction Video

Undergraduate Student, University of Delaware (Class of 2025)

Olivia is a junior chemical engineering major with a minor in chemistry, mathematics, and statistics. She is working with Sara to improve the safety and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries. Outside of the lab, Olivia enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with friends.
Email: Olivia Kelly

Undergraduate Student, University of Delaware (Class of 2024)

Genevieve Kroll is a sophomore chemical engineering student with a minor in sustainable energy technology, entrepreneurship, and material science. She is working on developing biobased thermoset polymers with Mridula. Outside of her studies, Genevieve is involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon and Club Swimming. She also enjoys cooking, Formula 1 racing, and traveling and is originally from Houston, Texas.
Email: Genevieve Kroll

Undergraduate Student, University of Delaware (Class of 2026)

George Lauri is a Freshman Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering major. He is working on lignin-derivable ionic liquids under Ty. Besides academics and research, he adores reading and creative writing and likes cooking and baking when he has the time.
Email: George Lauri

Undergraduate Student, University of Delaware (Class of 2025)

Anna is a sophomore chemical engineering student with a minor in material science and engineering. She is working with biomass and lignins to help produce more sustainable plastics with Alison. Outside of school, Anna enjoys running, singing, and baking.
Email: Anna Long