|
|
Sarah Yniguez
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Welch Scholarship Recipient / Honors Program
Email: syniguez@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. Growing up in a coastal town, I’ve learned to love the beach and the different benefits Corpus brings. I graduated from Flour Bluff High School in 2021 as the Salutatorian of my class and I am continuing my education at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. I am double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Biochemistry with the hope that in the future I will receive my doctorate at a medical school in Texas. When I am not studying or in the lab, I enjoy playing golf with my family and friends. I also like reading books, playing basketball, and participating in the university’s intramural sports |
Leah Marr-Lyon
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Welch Scholarship Recipient
Email: lmarrlyon@tamucc.edu
I am from Los Alamos, New Mexico. In 2022, I graduated from Los Alamos High School and am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Physics at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. I eventually hope to obtain a PhD in Chemistry. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, playing video games, and buying too many houseplants. |
|
|
|
Connor Duncan
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Welch Scholarship Recipient
Email: cduncan2@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. I attended Flour Bluff High School and graduated in 2021. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at TAMUCC with a concentration in Biochemistry. I have plans to attend graduate school to obtain a Master's in chemistry. I love spending my time in the lab and in the water. |
Emily Hall
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Welch Scholarship Recipient
Email: ehall5@islander.tamucc.edu
I am pursuing my BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. My foremost insterest in chemistry is its application to improving the condition of human health. My gol is to complete a PhD in chemistry to work as a Professor and Principal Investigator. I have lived many places, including Singapore, and have called Corpus Christi, Texas home for the last three years. When not working or studying, I hang out with my mackerel tabby cat, Stinky, watch YouTube videos on non-fiction topics, read Wikipedia articles, and teach the kids at my church. |
|
|
|
Mazzy Barrientos
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Email: mbarrientos1@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am a graduate of Ray High School and attended Del Mar College prior to starting at Texas A&M Univeristy - Corpus Christi. I am currently pursuing my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. I plan to work towards my Masters degree in Chemistry. I love spending time in the chemistry lab, enjoying nature, being with my animals, and going for walks. |
Charles Jackson
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Welch Scholarship Recipient
Email: cjackson24@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. I have lived half of my life in Alberta and the other half in Texas. I graduated from James Bowie High School in 2022. I am now a Chemistry major and Philosophy minor at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. My goal in life has always been to learn all that I can and leave an impact on the world however I can. I have grown to adore being a chemist and have decided to work towards getting a PhD in Chemistry. Outside of education my passions include disc golf, hockey, reading, hiking, and fishing. |
|
|
|
William Picotte
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Email: wpicotte@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas where I graduate from Kingwood High School in 2022. I enrolled at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi as a business major but fell in love with chemistry after taking General Chemistry 1, so much so, that I took organic chemistry the very next semester. I am currently majoring in Chemistry with a biochemistry concentration with a goal of getting a Masters in Chemistry. Outside of school I love to get under my cary, a beautiful brown '81 Bronco. |
Dante Morland
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Email: dmorland@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana and graduated from Michigan City High School. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and have been accepted into the Masters program in Chemistry at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. I one day hope to get my PhD and become a Professor to teach future generations of students in the physical sciences. In my free time I enjoy cooking, video games, and playing D&D.
|
|
|
|
Boone Stauber
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Welch Scholarship Recipient
Email: nathan.stauber@tamucc.edu
I was born and raised in Boerne, Texas, right outside of San Antonio. I came to TAMU-CC in the fall of 2020 to study Marine Biology for my love of biology and the outdoors. Since joining the Olson research group I have broadened my research interests and am double majoring in Biochemistry as well. I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. where I can focus my research on marine ecosystems and their chemical and biological processes. Outside of the lab I also enjoy backpacking, hiking, scuba diving, rock climbing, and pretty much any other outdoor activities. |
Arthur Nguyen
Graduate Student
Email: anguyen45@islander.tamucc.edu
I am from Houston, TX, where I’ve been awarded my B.S. and M.S. degrees with a bio/physio background. My professional experiences consist of molecular and environmental while I am currently a Medical Technologist (primarily Clinical Chemist) at CCMC. I am thrilled to be a part of the Olson Laboratory team to further expand my laboratory knowledge in the field of Chemistry. My aspirations are to synthesize my varied lab experiences to excel in the pharmaceutical industry. Beyond the academic settings, I am a home mechanic, culinary adventurer, and PC gamer. |
|
Matthew McCarn
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Welch Scholarship Recipient
Email: mmccarn@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born in Kerrville, Texas in 2002. From there I lived in San Antonio and then to Amarillo where I finished high school and lived for most of my life. I graduated in 2020 and moved to Corpus Christi to work on a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with an emphasis on Biochemistry. After I graduate I hopefully either want to go to medical school to become a pharmacist or do research on synthesizing drugs and pharmaceuticals. In my free time I enjoy video games, anime, reading, going to the beach to get sunburned, and traveling to other countries. |
|
|
|
Ha Tran
Graduate Student
Email: htran15@islander.tamucc.edu
I am from Da Nang, Viet Nam. I came to the U.S. in 2016 as an international student and obtained my BS degree in Chemistry with a concentration of Biochemistry from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in 2020. Now I am pursuing Master’s degree in chemistry in the same university. I chose Corpus Christi because it has many beautiful beaches like my hometown. I like to go there whenever I am under stress |
Vandan Jakharia
Graduate Student
Email: vjakharia@islander.tamucc.edu
I am originally from India, where I completed my bachelors’ Degree in Chemistry at SVKMs’ Mithibai College of Arts & Science, Mumbai. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Advanced Organic Chemistry at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. In the future, I plan to pursue my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Besides my academic interests in my free time, I love photography and I also have an immense appetite for exploring new places. |
|
|
|
Yanhai Ni
Graduate Student
Email: niyanhai0604@126.com
I was born in 1994 in Shandong Province. I completed my undergraduate studies in Qingdao University of Science and Technology in Qing. I am now pursuing my MS degree in the School of Pharmaceutcal Science and Technology at Tianjin University. I love to listen to music and watch movies on my spare time. |
|
|
Yuru Ma AKA: Ruby
Laboratory Manager
Email: mayuru@tju.edu.cn
I am originally from Shijiazhuang in the Hebei province of China. I enrolled at the Hebei Agriculture University after graduating from a key junior high school. From 2009-2013, I majored in pharmaceutical technology. I obtained my Bachelor Degree in 2013 and then entered Tianjin University where I pursued my MS degree in Medicinal Chemistry and Computer-Aided Drug Design. I have been a full time lab manager for Olson group since my graduation in 2016. I enjoy badminton and drawing cartoons. In my spare time, I enjoys reading novels, watching movies, and listening to music. |
Jiamin Li
Graduate Student
Email: 905368540@qq.com
Shanxi Province is where I call home. I completed my undergraduate studies at Tianjin Polytechnic University in 2016. Now I am pursuing my Master degree at Tianjin University. In my spare time, I like playing basketball, bicycling, and eating ice cream. |
|
|
|
Qian Liu
Graduate Student
Major: Medicinal Chemistry
Email: 15631164240@163.com
I was born and raised in Hebei province. I completed my undergraduate studies in Hebei Medical University. Now I am studying my MS degree in the SPST at Tianjin University. I have an interest in chemical synthesis and creating novel compounds which could be useful in our lives. I enjoy reading novels and watching TV. |
Kai Zheng AKA: $$MONEY$$
Graduate Student
Major: Medicinal Chemistry
Email: zk499564490@tju.edu.cn
I am originally from Shaan Xi province. I received my Bachelor Degree from School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (SPST), Tianjin University (TJU) in 2017. Now I am pursuing my MS degree in Olson group. I find chemistry to be a fascinating subject area and I hope to make a solid contribution to this field. I enjoy watching and playing soccer on my free time. |
|
Zhao Zhang
Graduate Student
Email: zz846548669@outlook.com
I was born in 1994 in Yunnan province. I completed my undergraduate studies at Tianjin University in 2016. I have a great interest in organic synthesis and supramolecular chemistry. Now I am pursuing my MS degree working in the Olson group. In my spare time I enjoy reading and playing football. |
|
Zhimin Sun
Graduate Student
Major: Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Email: sunzhimin1990@163.com
I was born in 1990 in the city of Datong, Shanxi Province, China. I completed my BS degree in pharmaceutics at the Shannxi University of Science and Technology in 2013. I have a strong passion for medicinal chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. My long term goal is to pursue a doctoral in my area of expertise. I really love this work. In my spare time I enjoy playing basketball with my friends, working out and listening to music. |
|
Olson Group Summer 2017
|
|
|
Dr. Imran Ahmd Khan
Postdoctoral Scholar
Email: iak10@outlook.in
Dr. Khan was born in 1983 in Delhi, India. He completed his BSc (honors) degree from Sri Venkateswara College in 2005. He obtained his MSc degree in Organic Chemistry from Kirori Mal College. In 2007 he received a UGC-Junior Research Fellowship award and joined the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) of Jawaharlal Nehru University where he pursued his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. He completed his PhD in 2014 under the supervision of Prof. Anil Kumar Saxena. Later, Dr. Khan received the prestigious D.S. Kothari Post-Doctoral Fellowship award and joined the group of Prof. Manoj Kumar at Guru Nanak Dev University conducting research in the areas of bio-sensing, nano-catalysis and OLED material design. |
|
|
Lei Kunhua
Visiting Researcher
Email: leikunhua@live.com
I was born and raised in Guangdong Province. I obtained my B.S. degree in July of 2017 from SPST. I have a goal of pursuing a PhD in physical chemistry or materials chemistry. Currently my research interests are in the design and synthesis of polymer, soft matter and self-healing materials. In my free time, I like reading, jogging, traveling, playing video games. |
Troy Olson
Visiting Researcher
Email: troy.olson01@utrgv.edu
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas USA. I obtained my BSc in Chemistry at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas in the US of A in 2017. Here, I conducted research on inorganic catalysis under Dr. Jason Parsons for about 3 years. After a summer REU opportunity at Texas A&M University in College Station under the tutelage of Dr. Lei Fang, I developed a passion for synthetic chemistry and hope to continue this research in graduate school to obtain my Ph.D. I’m taking the year to continue honing my research skills and laboratory techniques in the Olson Laboratory. In my free time I enjoy watching movies and run a sports blog, Sports by the Pint, with some friends of mine. |
|
|
|
Chang He
Graduate Student
Major: Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Email: hc20130920@163.com
I was born in 1994. I received my bachelor's degree from Tianjin University (TJU) in 2016. I decided to continue my graduate education at TJU pursuing an MS degree in the School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology. Chemistry plays a major role in my life and I hope to be pursue a career in scientific research. |
Zhenzhen Wang
Graduate Student
Major: Applied Chemistry
Email: wzlinxi@163.com
I was born in 1991 in Henan Province. I studied at Dalian Medical University from 2009 to 2013. Now I am studying in Tianjin University majoring in applied chemistry. I love to play sports during my spare time sucha as badminton and table tennis. I am interested in organic and structural chemistry. I hope to synthesize interesting functional compounds during my time in the Olson group. |
|
|
|
Yan Xu
Graduate Student
Major: Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Email: xuyanqiuxue@163.com
I was born in 1993 in Inner Mongolia. I completed my undergraduate studies in South Central University for Nationalities in Wu Han. I am now persuing my MS degree in the School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology of Tianjin University. I love to travel on my spare time meeting different people and seeing different landscapes. I also love to spend time with my friends and family. I hope to find something new and useful during the pursuit of my MS degree. |
|
|
Lihui Xi
Graduate Student
Major: Pharmacy
Email: xilihui920830@163.com
I was born in Inner Mongolia in 1992. I completed my BS degree in Pharmacy at the Inner Mongolia Technology University in 2015. I hope to increase my knowledge of this field by pursuing further study. I enjoy travelling and broadening my horizons while making friends all around the world from all walks of life. |
Dr. Hany Nour
Postdoctoral Scholar
Email: hany.nour@daad-alumni.de
Dr. Nour was born in 1981 in Egypt. He finished his BSc in Chemistry from El-Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt in 2002. He obtained his MSc from Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt in 2007 and received his PhD with special distinction from Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany in 2012 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Nikolai Kuhnert, working on supramolecular and dynamic covalent chemistry. Before joining the Olson group at Tianjin University in China, he worked as a doctoral researcher at the National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. |
|
Mariela Vazquez
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Environmental Chemistry Minor: Mathematics
Email: mariela13jan@yahoo.com
Born in Phoenix, AZ raised a Texan in the itty bitty town of Clint, 30 minutes outside of El Paso I moved to Corpus Christi to attend Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi through my older brother's influence. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry with an emphasis in Environmental Chemistry with the hopes that it will lead to a doctoral degree in Chemistry. When I am not in the lab enjoying synthesizing novel compounds, my interests include: reading thriller novels, hanging out with my friends and boyfriend, working out, watching comedies, and taking care of my two little dwarf hamsters (Gordita and Turbo). |
|
|
|
Amanda Goldner
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Biomedical Sciences Minor: Chemistry
Email: agoldner@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born in San Antonio, Texas, but traveled throughout the United States and Europe much of my life. I was homeschooled up through high school, when I started taking dual credit classes at a community college. I graduated in 2011 and am currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. I hope to be accepted to a DVM/PhD program once I finish my bachelor’s; as long as I end up in a field where I can continue learning I’ll be happy. I love to read in my spare time, hang out with my friends, explore new places, and sleep whenever I get the chance. |
 |
John Gonzalez
Instrument Technician / Machine Shop Manager
Office: Science and Technology Building 114A
Phone: 361-825-3897
Email: juan.gonzalez3@tamucc.edu
John Gonzalez is an Electronics Technician by trade. At an early age, John showed tremendous aptitude for being right all of the time. He promptly put this skill to work on his ex-wife. With little or no prospect of winning the lottery, John had to fend for himself, learning science on the streets. He presently manages the Engineering Machine shop with Ed Eiland.
|
 |
Marco Messina
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Biochemistry and Philosophy minor
Email: marcosmessina@aol.com
I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and moved to Italy soon after. I came back home at 7 years old with my mother and visit my family overseas when I can. I am pursuing both a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry a minor in Philosophy. I hope to get into a PhD program because I am very interested in research and becoming a professor. My interests outside of class include playing guitar and piano, building computers, cooking, working out, and of course SOCCER!
. |
 |
Chris Hernandez
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Chemistry (Junior)
Email: c.hernand1234@yahoo.com
With varying interests in the sciences, Chris is currently focused on obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and moving on to graduate studies in the field of nanoscale manufacturing. When not in the lab, he spends much of his free time following up on scientific advancements, spending time with his wife and two dogs, and playing guitar.
|
Jonathan R. Thompson
Post-baccalaureate Scholar / Research Assistant
Major: Physics and Mathematics
Email: jthompson9@islander.tamucc.edu
I am a post-baccalaureate student, having already earned bachelor's degrees in Physics and Mathematics. I am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. My non-academic interests include reading, playing music, brewing beer, building things, and working on electronics projects. |
 |
Trenton J. Dawson
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Chemistry (Junior)
Email: tdawson@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas, home of the new Cowboys stadium. I am currently attending TAMUCC pursuing a Bachelor of Sciencee degree in Chemistry. I have goals of attending grad school to obtain a PhD in chemistry. I am married to my beautiful wife Alyssa as of July 31st 2010. I spend most of my time keeping up with school work, but when I'm not studying I'm usually in the lab synthesizing crazy compounds, playing with my dogs, hanging out with my wife and friends, playing golf, at the beach, or working on my truck.
|
 |
|
|
Alyssa Gaynor
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Chemistry Minor: Mathematics
Email: agaynor@islander.tamucc.edu
I was originally born and raised in Torrance, California before I relocated up to Denton, Texas for my High School education. In High School, I took a major interest in the environmental science, which brought me down here to A&M-Corpus Christi. While going through my first semester as a freshman, I found that my interests truly lie in the field of Chemistry. I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration on environmental chemistry with hopes of going on to graduate school to earn a Masters and later on a Ph.D. I love to keep fit by weight lifting, being active outdoors, and riding my bike any chance I get. My family and best friends mean absolutely everything to me and are my biggest supporters. |
Edward Garza
Visiting High School Scholar / Research Assistant
Major: Chemistry (CALTECH Freshman)
Email: egarza27@islander.tamucc.edu
I am a 2012 King high school graduate and I will be attending Caltech in the fall. I will pursue a degree in chemistry or physics while also getting a math major and I have future plans of a PhD. Outside of school and the lab, I enjoy Dance Dance Revolution, theology, and outdoor activities like running, cycling, and exploring sketchy areas. I also build and design speakers. |
 |
Shaun P. McKeown
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Biomedical Science (Senior)
Email: smckeown@islander.tamucc.edu
I was born in Oshawa, Ontario Canada, and I moved to Texas with my parents when I was very young. I am currently attending TAMUCC pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences with an emphasis in pre-professional studies and a Minor in Chemistry. I have recently applied to Pharmacy school with goal of earning a PharmD, and later pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology – focusing on Drug Research and Design. When I’m not busy with class work, managing the Chemistry Club, or working in the lab I like to spend my time listening to music, watching movies, spending time with friends, and of course (as I’m Canadian) staying current with anything Hockey. |
|
Ryan P. Oakley
Post-baccalaureate Scholar / Research Assistant
Major: BS Philosophy and Literature
Email: roakley@islander.tamucc.edu
I'm a post-baccalaureate research assistant who's first degree is a Bachelor of Arts & Letters in the Program of Liberal Studies (a major I spent the larger part of my undergrad career explaining to people, but later learned to just hit the high points calling it Philosophy and Literature). Upon acquiring that gem and learning how people think in the West, I skipped the country to live in the Far East for two years where my extraordinary paleness was in vogue (while my tall red-headedness was extra-terrestrial). After picking up on the local tongue and a little of the local thought, I headed back West where I pulled a 180 degree turn. After spending 25 years examining life and trying to understand people's thoughts using the system of metaphysics that we've consciously created, I began a quest to understand how all these things (life, thought, metaphysics, consciousness, etc) relate to membrane-bound ion pumps andtiny molecules shooting across specific neural synapses. I've been havinga wicked good time doing it. My goals are to enter and better the medicalworld with the knowledge and experience that I've got and that which I hopefully will continue to get, and to live an awesome life with my fiancee and our future family (one that hopefully involves a lot of music, dancing, learning, reading, conversing, traveling, and art-- all things I equate with happiness). |
|
Brenda De Leon
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Chemistry (Senior)
Email: brenda_deleon08@hotmail.com
I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. I graduated from high school (class of 2007) and community college (class of 2009) in Illinois. Moved to Texas in 2009, to continue my college education. I will get my Bachelor's Degree this summer 2012 from TAMUCC and I plan on getting a job as an industrial chemist. When I am not working, or studying or something else, I like playing video games with my little sister. I would love to be a certified diver in the future.
|
 |
 |
Mark A Tuck
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Major: Chemistry (Graduated May 2011)
Email: tuckjet@gmail.com
I was born and raised in Texas. I attended Blinn College before transferring to TAMUCC, where I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. When I am not laboriously working my magic in the laboratory, I often find myself working in a German motor sports shop rebuilding transmissions for fun and money. I enjoy Chemistry, Auto-mechanics, music, getting to know people, spending time with friends, old Volkswagens, good fuel economy, dependable cars, going fast, food, good food, tinkering on projects, computer repair, food, learning about things, Star Wars, helping people, food and getting on peoples nerves.
|
|
____________________________________