Bio: I am a native of Oaklandon, Indiana. I earned my B. Sc. degree under the tutelage of Professor Joseph Gajewski at Indiana University in Bloomington and my Ph.D. from Professor Bradley D Smith at the University of Notre Dame. After my PhD, I traveled to Northwestern University and studied under Professor Sir J. Fraser Stoddart (Nobel Laureate 2016).  I joined the faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas in August 2013. I have two boys, write grants, golf poorly, and cook food.
Professor Gassensmith’s CV is available by clicking here.

Bio: I grew up in Chittagong, the port city of Bangladesh. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Noakhali Science and Technology University in 2011 and completed my Master’s in Materials Science from TU Munich in 2014. I later earned a PhD in Chemistry from SIU Carbondale, where I developed NU1000 MOF-based SABRE catalysts for NMR signal enhancement. Currently, I work in Professor Jeremiah Gessensmith’s lab as a Postdoctoral research associate, focusing on MOFs for cancer immunotherapy. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and watching Premier League football.

Bio: I am from San Antonio, TX. I earned my B.S. in Chemistry in 2024. During the early part of my bachelor’s, I worked towards the total synthesis of Phorbasone A. Later, I investigated the microwave-assisted synthesis of new osmium complexes, one of which I prepared for use as the redox reporter in an electrochemical aptamer-based sensor.
I joined the Gassensmith Lab because I think MOFs are really cool. I was also intrigued by the opportunity to pursue research that spans across many sub-fields of chemistry.
My hobbies include caring for my fish and plants. I also like to catch fish in random creeks.

Bio: I was born in India, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. After graduation, I worked at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, in India for a year before moving to the United States to pursue my master’s degree in chemistry at Pittsburg State University. Following my master’s, I gained additional research experience as a Research Associate (RA) at Missouri State University for a year. In Fall 2024, I joined the Ph.D. program at UT Dallas and became a member of the Gassensmith Lab. My research focuses on synthesizing virus-like particles (VLPs) for drug delivery in cancer therapy, an area I am passionate about. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending quality time with my adorable son, going on long drives, and listening to music, which helps me relax.

Bio: I was born and raised in Chennai, India, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2021 and my Master of Science in Chemistry in 2023 at SRM Institute of Science and Technology. My bachelor’s dissertation delved into the fascinating world of MOFs for superhydrophobic applications (yes, things that hate water), while my master’s research took a dramatic turn toward photocatalytic hydrogen production (because saving the planet sounded like a solid next step). In Fall 2024, I joined the Gassensmith lab to explore MOFs for immunological applications, particularly vaccine delivery—because solving one global challenge clearly wasn’t enough. When I’m not knee-deep in research, I’m indulging my passion for cinema and music.

Bio: I was born in China and grew up there for my first 15 years. In 2023, I graduated from UT Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. I decided to join Gassensmith lab because of my interest in translational and immunology-based research. I’m currently learning about MOFs and its application in vaccine development. In my spare time, I like to do digital art and craft (mostly with resin and clay). Fun fact: I have a secret art account on Instagram that no one can find.

Bio: I’m an East Texas native, and I graduated from UT Dallas with a bachelor’s in chemistry in 2022, followed by a master’s in chemistry in 2023. As an undergraduate student, I joined the Gassensmith Lab because of my interest in the synthesis of biomaterials. I later transitioned into the synthesis of thermomechanical crystals for the use of soft robotics during my time as a master’s student. I enjoyed my time with the lab and decided to stay and pursue a PhD in chemistry. Currently, my research involves continuing with the thermomechanical crystal project as well as synthesizing dyes. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, video games, and running marathons.

Bio: I was born and raised in Albania where I also pursued my bachelor studies in Chemistry. After graduation, I became part of the Dengiz research group in Turkey for one semester. Later on, I did my master’s at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland and was part of the Stefankiewicz research group. My master’s thesis focused on developing catalysts for hydrosilylation reactions. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD studies at UTD and have joined in the Gassensmith research group. My interest is broadly in MOFs and their use in vaccine delivery. I enjoy reading, workout and improving my skills in entrepreneurship.

Bio: I was born in Albania, and graduated with a bachelor’s in Chemistry at the University of Tirana. Then, I became part of the Dengiz research group in Turkey at the Middle East Technical University where I focused on organic synthesis. Afterward, I started my master’s at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland. I joined the Stefankiewicz group and my master’s research was focused on using disulfide-based molecular cage for selective recognition of simple biothiols. I joined the University of Texas at Dallas and Gassensmith Lab for PhD studies in fall 2021. In my free time, I like to learn new skills, ride bike, work out, do yoga, and crochet. 

Bio: I’m a North Texas native and graduated UTD with a degree in biochemistry in 2018. In my time as an undergrad at UT Dallas I worked in Dr. Balkus’s lab creatingHolmium based nanoparticle and metal organic frameworks for use in drug delivery and cancer therapy. I fell in love with research after successfully creating and publishing a novel copper MOF. In 2020 I returned to UTD for a Ph.D. in chemistry and joined Dr. Gassensmiths lab to continue working with MOF’s and applying them in drug delivery and immunology. I’m passionate about music, photography, and games in my free time.

Bio: I graduated with my bachelor’s in chemistry from Benedictine University in 2019. My interest in medicinal chemistry was sparked as an undergraduate, so I decided to pursue a doctorate degree. My interests include immunology and cancer research. In my free time, I like to ride my bike, play sudokus, and stress clean.

Bio: I was born and raised in Nepal. I have a bachelor’s in pharmacy and master’s in chemistry degree. After my bachelor’s degree, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Nepal for two years and came to the US in 2018 for my master’s and did research on the Biomimetic hydride tunneling reactions in a solution using primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects. I joined Dr. Gassensmith’s group as a first-year graduate student in fall 2020. My current research is in MRI contrast agents to improve MR imaging

bio: My name is Alyssa Chiev, I am a junior biology major. I joined the Gassensmith lab my sophomore year because of my interest in the uses and applications of Virus-Like Particles. Currently, I am working on mRNA vaccine stability. In my free time, I like to read, find new shows to watch, and go on walks.

Bio: Born and raised in Austin, Texas, I relocated to Dallas to pursue a Bachelor’s in Biology at UT Dallas, currently in my third year. Currently, I am working mainly with Ikeda on vaccine stability and cancer therapy. In my free time, I like to social dance, play with my Siamese, and on the side volunteer as an EMT-B for the University Emergency Medical Response. I look forward to the opportunity to further develop my skills and knowledge in the lab.

Bio: I am a Dallas native although having lived a few years of my life in China. While currently navigating the ins and outs of the lab environment, I have found great interest in organic synthesis with which the Gassensmith lab has enabled me to explore. Post-graduation, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. and contribute to research and development in the cosmetic and skincare industry. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy rock climbing, traveling, and raving.

Bio: Born in India but raised right here in Dallas, I am a junior currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at UTD. I joined the Gassensmith lab as an undergrad because I wanted to explore research, particularly that of QB virus like particles to create a more effective drug delivery system for biomedical usage. Outside of the lab, I love to spend my time as a teacher, working as a pediatric medical assistant, crocheting, or catching up on my favorite shows.

Bio: I’m a Texas native, born in Dallas and raised here my entire life. I am currently a junior studying biology with a minor in Spanish. I’m trilingual, I speak English, Vietnamese, and Spanish. I absolutely love music, books, nature, cracking lame jokes, learning, and research. In my free time, I come to the lab (my second home) and I learn and laugh. My interests include immunology and genetic research and I am currently working mainly with Ryanne to study the optimization of immunogenic cell death in cancer therapy. I look forward to pushing the boundaries of science by leading a career of research and pursuing a PhD after graduation.

Bio: I’m a Biochemistry major from Dallas. I joined Dr. Gassensmith’s lab out of interest for research in drug delivery. I am helping to investigate various uses of MOFs. In my free time, I browse the internet, play games, and analyze music

Last known whereabouts: Postdoc at Northwestern in Chad Nano’s lab.

Bio: I was born and raised mostly in India, although I did spend a few years in California as a child. I simultaneously pursued degrees in both Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. My undergraduate research was centered around developing gold nanoparticles systems with porphyrin derivates, and studying their toxicity on breast cancer cells. I intend to pursue further research in immunology and in vivo studies. I also enjoy spending time baking, gardening and finding new museums to visit.

Last Known Whereabouts: Sr Scientist at Millipore Sigma
Bio: I have two B.A. degrees in Chemistry and Public Health and I hope to meld these fields together by using my science to better people’s lives. My background is in organic synthesis with a focus on biologically compatible molecules. I joined the Gassensmith lab because of their interest in biochemical mechanisms and utilization of biological structures to improve on drug delivery and treatments. My current research is in MRI contrast agents to improve MR imaging as a primary and secondary form of prevention for patients. In my free time, I like to cook and spend time outdoors.

Last known whereabouts: Scientist at VitriVax

Bio: I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. My undergraduate research was mainly focused on the synthesis of novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and use them in photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications. My current research is concentrated on metal-organic framework chemistry and their therapeutic applications and also enhancing targeted drug delivery using nanocarriers like liposomes. I enjoy watching horror movies and cooking.

Last Known Whereabouts: Postdoc at the MagLab at Florida State University

Bio: B.S. Chemistry—Western Mindanao State University (Zamboanga City, Philippines)

I worked on polymer research utilizing substrates from renewable resource during my undergrad days. Currently, my research interest is on developing functionalized Tobacco mosaic virus with paramagnetic compounds as Magnetic Resonance Imaging sensor.

Last Known Whereabouts: Senior Scientist at Eli Lilly and Company

Bio: B.S. Chemistry—University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX)

I was born and raised Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. Looking for better academic opportunities, my family and I immigrated to Texas on May of 2012. My interests have always circled around medicinal chemistry. Thus, during my undergraduate research I focused on the synthesis of amyloid forming peptides for cancer therapeutic applications. On summer of 2018 I graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a B.S in Chemistry. Starting on Fall 2018, I joined Dr. Gassensmith’s group as a first year graduate student. Currently, my research focuses on the expression of Qβ-MT3 protein for potential imaging and therapeutic applications. Finally, in my free time I promote science among the youth Hispanic community.

Last Known Whereabouts: Ph.D. Program at University of Southern California

Bio: I’m a senior at UTD studying biochemistry and in the Fast-Track Master’s program studying chemistry. I like to spend my spare time watching horror movies with my wife and cats. My current research involves encapsulating proteins in metal-organic frameworks and analyzing their efficiency through various analytical techniques. The goal for my research is to provide valuable data for future applications of metal-organic frameworks in pharmaceutical developments. My career goal is to become a physician-scientist and continue to help develop therapeutic treatments for disease.

Last known whereabouts: UT Southwestern CryoEM Center

Bio: Dual B.S. (Chemistry and Electrical Engineering) University of North Texas (Denton, Texas, USA) In my undergraduate research I learned about thin films, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, building ultra-high vacuum chambers, plasma etching and deposition, and magnetron sputtering. I am from Weatherford, TX and I enjoy blacksmithing, playing sports, watching football (Go Cowboys!), cooking, listening to music, and Minecraft.

Last Known Whereabouts: Senior Scientist at Merck

Bio: B.S. Biochemistry—University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)

My undergraduate research studied the effects of extracellular ATP on plant growth. My current research focuses on utilizing the bacteriophage Qβ as a drug carrier. In my free time I like the participate in outdoor activities and play with my dog, Cairo.

Last Known Whereabouts: PhD Program at University of Houston

Last Known Location:  Financial Analyst at Merrill Lynch

Bio: B.S. Chemistry—Trinity University (San Antonio, TX) I am particularly interested in how intermolecular forces (IMFs) play a huge role in our world. I seek to advance our understanding of IMFs and design systems that have a positive impact in broad areas of our lives. When I’m not in the lab or performing activities related to lab, I like cooking, playing League of Legends, and playing StarCraft.

Last known whereabouts: Postdoc Harvard Medical School

Bio: My interest in Chemistry is Organic Synthesis and characterization of compounds. I consider myself a Green Chemist that has always been interested in alternative types of energy and finding alternative routes that are cleaner for the environment. I am from Hacienda Heights, California and in my free time I like to exercise, cook, and check out new places. Interesting fact: I’m not Mexican, I am Peruvian and have European/Spaniard descent.

Last Known Whereabouts: Conjugation Scientist at Vaxcyte

Bio: B.S. Chemistry—St. John Fisher College (Rochester, New York) Coming from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, I developed an interest in developing more accessible and effective disease treatment methods. I completed my undergraduate studies at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York and found my place right here in the Gassensmith lab. When I’m not advancing my scientific prowess, I enjoy dancing, a variety of arts and crafts, gaming and baking.

Last known whereabouts: Electrochemical Researcher at Xergy Inc

Bio: B.S. Chemistry—Beijing University of Technology (Beijing, China) I learned fabrication of ordered macroporous perovskite material in my undergraduate study and found deep interest in porous materials. I like using SEM and TEM to characterize morphologies of the nanomaterials I prepared. In my spare time I like reading, watching movies and playing basketball.

Last Known Whereabouts:Postdoc, University of California, San Fransisco

Bio: B.S. Materials Chemistry—Tianjin University (Tianjin, China) & M.S. Chemistry—University of Massachusetts at Lowell (Lowell, MA, USA)I joined Gassensmith lab at 2014 Spring. My project is mainly on bioconjugation chemistry of bacteriophage Qβ for smart drug delivery carriers.

Last Known Whereabouts: Chemistry teacher at Wylie High School

Bio: B.S. Chemistry Rice University (Houston, TX)

Last Known Whereabouts: Scientist at Illumina

Bio: B.S. Chemistry—University of Peradeniya (Peradeniya, Sri Lanka)  As an undergraduate researcher, I worked on isolation of bioactive compounds form natural product. My current research is mainly focuses on small molecule organic semiconductors and functionalized Tobacco Mosaic Virus as functional scaffolds. I enjoy reading science fictions and cooking.

Last Known Whereabouts: Axar Pharmaceuticals

Bio: B.S. Peking University (Beijing, China) and Ph.D. Tsinghua University (Beijing, China) — Prof Aijun Tong

Bio: My name is Neha Satish. I am a senior biochemistry major. I joined the Gassensmith lab my sophomore year. I joined because of my interest in organic synthesis. Currently, I am working on modifying dendrimers for the release of active ingredients in skincare. Outside of the lab I am an Organic Chemistry tutor and in my free time I love to dance, go on runs, and paint.

Bio: I am majoring in Neuroscience at the UTD. I joined the Gassensmith lab in the Spring of 2020 because I wanted to pursue my interests which included discovering the real-life applications of biology and biochemistry, especially when it comes to cancer research. The Gassensmith lab continues to help me explore these applications. I have been able to synthesize proteins, synthesize biomaterials, work with the creation of vaccines, and so much more. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering with kids, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. In the future, I hope to pursue a career where I can make an impact on science, public health, and medicine.

Bio: I lived my life in Austin, Texas until I moved to Dallas to pursue my B.S. in chemistry at UTD. I joined the Gassensmith Lab in the summer after my sophomore year and researched molecular probes for anionic recognition. Inspired by my research here, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. (and a life of endless learning) with an interest in organic synthesis of molecules with medical applications. In my valuable spare time, I love playing piano, ping pong, bouldering, and watching anime.

Bio: I’m a senior Chemistry major with a UTeach certification to teach (surprise) high school chemistry! My time in Gassensmith lab involves the discovery of a novel manganese coordination polymer along with honing my skills involving in vivo research. I’m passionate about immunology and hope to one day pursue a graduate education in the field. In my free time, I love to draw and play double bass with my ensemble.

Bio: I am a sophomore majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. I joined the Gassensmith Lab so I could explore my passion of biology research, particularly cancer research, and develop essential skills needed for my future career. I find research to be very important for understanding where the science we learn about comes from and how it can be applied to real-world problems. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school and become a doctor. In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing sports, and watching sci-fi movies.

Last Known Whereabouts: University of Arizona College of Medicine

Last Known Whereabouts: Massachusetts Institute of Technology