Members

Ankit Jain, Ph.D.

Ankit obtained his B. Tech degree in Biotechnology from SASTRA University, India. In 2011, he joined Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), India as a Ph.D. student with Prof. Subi J. George. His research work focused on dynamic charge transfer aggregates and temporal control of their self-assembly using aspects of systems chemistry. His work showed that reaction networks can be used to control the size, growth, and decay of supramolecular systems. Following this in 2017 he joined Prof. Rein Ulijn's lab at Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) as a Simons postdoctoral fellow. One of the main focuses of his work was to develop disordered condensates that can stabilize localized ordered domains. He showed that with appropriate functionalization amyloidal domains can be restricted inside liquid droplets and can result in materials with higher partition coefficients for hydrophobic molecules. 

In 2023 Ankit joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Brooklyn College as an Assistant Professor. In his lab, he envisages using his systems chemistry expertise in conjunction with hybrid condensates to develop novel materials that have significant applications in wide-ranging areas like biomedicine, energy and proto-cellular chemistry.  

Undergraduate Students

Elizabeth Kurchak

I am a Chemistry B.S. major with a minor in physics. My goal is to obtain my PhD and continue doing research. My research interests are environmental science and veterinary medicine. As of now, I am torn between what I want to pursue specifically. I am originally from Ukraine. My current interests are reading, playing piano, and running.

Sade Lamidi

As an undergraduate scientific research assistant, I am passionate about pursuing the intersection of dental health and nutrition. My scientific interests are driven by the synthesis of organic compounds tailored for dental applications- such as pH Balancing Compounds, Bioactive Glass, Fluoride Compounds, etc. Currently pursuing a B.S. in Health and Nutrition at CUNY Brooklyn College, I aspire to use evidence-based practices to link the gap between organic chemistry and innovative solutions in oral care.

Maliha Azam

I am a sophomore majoring in biology at Brooklyn College. I am currently on the premed track and cancer research is something that has always interested me. I am also the president and founder of the American Medical Women's Association at Brooklyn College.

Raymond Shammah

I was born and raised in New York. Currently, I am a pre-dental student at Brooklyn College, with a strong determination to pursue a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Since my early childhood, I've had a dream of becoming a surgeon. I have a profound interest in medicinal chemistry, specifically in the creation and development of pharmaceutical compounds aimed at advancing healthcare and enhancing human well-being. Aside from my academic pursuits, I prioritize daily endurance training, which not only helps me stay relaxed but also kick-starts my day with energy and ensures I remain focused.

Brianna Battinelli

I'm from Staten Island, New York. I am interested in biomedical research, specifically in the field of oncology. Recently, I started volunteering with EMS at Brooklyn college. In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing the guitar.

Maha Elahi

I’m a Macaulay Honors undergraduate at Brooklyn College. I was born and raised in New York City. I am deeply passionate about science, and I’m on the pre-med track. My favorite hobbies include reading, vegan baking, and exercising.