Postdocs:

Dr. Aaron Teator

Aaron was born and raised in the major metropolis of Schenectady, NY, located somewhere between Manhattan and Buffalo.  Venturing westward, he received a B.S. degree in chemistry in 2012 from the University of Nevada, Reno where he completed research on the controlled synthesis of 2D polymers in the laboratory of Prof. Benjamin T. King. The smell of BBQ and warm weather lured Aaron to the University of Texas at Austin where he received a Ph.D. in 2016 under the mentorship of Prof. Christopher Bielawski. His graduate studies focused on the design and synthesis of photochromic N-heterocyclic carbenes and unlocking new, externally switchable chemical reactivity. Trading brisket for pork shoulder, Aaron recently joined the Leibfarth group at UNC and is excited to begin exploring new polymerization methods to enable access to functional materials.

Currently an Assistant Professor at Kansas University

Dr. Phil Knutson

Phil was born in the mountains of Colorado but spent his childhood roaming the frozen tundra of Minnesota, fueled by lefsa and tater tot hotdish. Despite the bitter cold, Phil chose to stay in Minnesota and spend his undergraduate career at Concordia College in Moorhead graduating in 2013 with a degree in chemistry. He then returned to the mountains to start his graduate career at Colorado State University in the laboratory of Prof. Eric M. Ferreira working in total synthesis. After just a year, the lab moved to the University of Georgia where Phil, for the first time, was reluctantly exposed to temperatures above 50°C. Phil remained in Georgia sweating it out for 5 years to graduate with a Ph.D. in 2019 focusing on synthesizing alkaloids from the yellow-flowering Gelsemium plants. After growing soft in the south, Phil decided he could not move back north and chose to relocate to Chapel Hill where he joined the Leibfarth group as a postdoc working on stereoselective polymer synthesis.

Currently an employee at Milliken Chemical

Abu Bin Imran

Abu was born and grown in the city of Comilla, Bangladesh. He acquired his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh. Abu obtained his Doctor of Engineering degree from the Department of Molecular Design and Engineering in Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan, under Professor Yukikazu Takeoka. His dissertation was on fabricating polyrotaxane based on fast stimuli sensitive and mechanically strong sliding polymer gel and elastomer. He afterward worked as a researcher in the same place on a New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) project and then returned to Bangladesh and became a permanent faculty member in the Department of Chemistry,  Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, the country's leading engineering university (currently on leave). Abu recently completed a Fulbright fellowship in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, USA, in 2021 under sponsorship from the Department of State, USA. He then joined the Leibfarth group at UNC to conduct research on the reactive compounding of co-polyesters. He enjoys watching cricket, reading novels, and taking photographs in his free time.

Dr. Mia Borden

Mia grew up in Massachusetts where she developed passions for ice cream and the Boston Celtics. While attending Carleton College, Mia found something she liked even more than “Green Monsta” ice cream – organic chemistry. While at Carleton, Mia researched platinum-based extended linear chain materials and their vapochromic properties under the advisement of Prof. Steve Drew. Mia then moved to Seattle to get more research experience where she worked as research technician in the laboratory of Dr. Dan Gottschling at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Having solidified her desire for a career in science, Mia completed her graduate studies in the laboratory of Prof. Abby Doyle at Princeton University. Mia’s dissertation work focused on developing methodologies for asymmetric C–C bond formation using acetals and epoxides and understanding the role of the catalyst in controlling selectivity. Eager to apply her interest in all things stereochemistry to new contexts, Mia joined the Leibfarth group at UNC to develop novel methodologies for catalyst-controlled stereoselective polymerizations.

Dr. Quan Tran

Quan was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. For his undergrad, he attended HCMC University of Technology where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering in 2014. While an undergraduate, he was introduced to organic and organometallic chemistry by doing research on heterogeneous catalysis for organic transformations. Pursuing these interests, he ventured eastward, across the Pacific, and attended graduate school at the University of Houston where he carried out his doctoral work under the direction of Prof. Olafs Daugulis and Prof. Maurice Brookhart. His graduate studies focus on the development of new catalysts for olefin polymerization as well as mechanistic studies of reactions. After obtaining his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in 2020, Quan joined the Leibfarth group at UNC as a postdoc working on the C-H functionalization of polyolefins.

Yonca Alkan Goksu

Yonca was born in Ankara, Turkey and she received her BSc. in Chemistry from Middle East Technical University (METU) in 2012. She then moved to Istanbul to live near the Bosphorus where Asia and Europe continents meet. Yonca completed her MSc (2016) and PhD (2019) degrees at the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) under the supervision of Prof. Yusuf Yagci. During those times, her research mainly focused on the design of versatile macromolecular architectures through synthetic polymer chemistry approaches. In 2019, she moved to ITU Materials Engineering Department and started working on the development of polymer bionanocomposites for various engineering applications. She is currently working as a Fulbright Scholar in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to develop modular chain extenders to be used in polymer recycling.

Mark Nosiglia

Mark was born in Waterbury Massachusetts but grew up predominately in St. Louis. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University and played on the varsity lacrosse team. While at IWU, Mark joined the Mohan research lab working on Erbium-based Lewis acid catalysis to develop greener synthetic methods. After graduating with his B.A. in 2017, Mark did his graduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis in the Barnes Lab. His dissertation was on the synthesis of functional catenane crosslinkers and incorporation of these unique molecules into organogels. Mark joined the Leibfarth lab in Oct. of 2022, eager to learn more about polymer upcycling and structure property relationships. Outside of lab you’ll find Mark either cooking up a storm for his friends or catching a hockey game.

Graduate Students:

Dr. Irene Manning

Irene grew up surrounded by golf courses in Pinehurst, NC just down the road from Chapel Hill. Attempting to escape both winter, and her Tar Heel upbringing, she moved to sunny Miami, FL for her undergraduate studies, where she did research in bioorganic chemistry in the lab of Dr. James Wilson at the University of Miami. Despite the lack of Cuban coffee in North Carolina, after graduating in 2018, Irene was excited to return to the Land of the Pines to pursue a PhD in chemistry in the Leibfarth group. When she’s not studying post-polymerization modification, Irene can usually be spotted bundled up in orange and green and drinking a hot beverage any time the temperature drops below 85 degrees.

Dr. Nick Taylor

Nick was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but quickly moved to the suburbia of Pennington, NJ, in the search to find better football teams. Despite NJ having better drivers, upfront attitudes, and distinct seasons, Nick chose to attend the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. After four years of pure, unrelenting humidity, Nick graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 2017. He couldn't imagine a life without his former college roommate, Travis Varner, so he followed him to UNC and joined the Leibfarth lab shortly thereafter. Despite having an undergraduate research background exclusively in biochemistry (not polymers), Nick perseveres. His current project focuses on synthesizing fluorinated polymers for in-vivo studies. In his free time, Nick enjoys cooking milk steak, magnets, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia references.

Dr. Sally Lewis

Sally LEWIS was born and raised in Falls Church, VA, right in the heart of northern Virginia traffic. Despite her love of sitting still in traffic jams, she moved to the less populated town of Blacksburg, VA, for undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech where she did research in polymer chemistry in the group of Professor John Matson. After four years enjoying the empty mountain roads, the three bars on main street, and the questionable locals in the ‘burg, Sally graduated with a double major in Chemistry and Nanoscience and headed to UNC Chapel Hill to get her Ph.D. in Chemistry. Sally is currently studying fluorinated polymer synthesis (in the lab) and how to keep house plants alive (at home). She is doing well in one of those two things…

Currently an employee at 3M

Dr. Marcus Reis

Raised among flocks of sheep in the back country of New Zealand, Marcus was instilled with a love for the natural environment at a very early age.  However, due to his deeply ingrained rebellious subconscious, or perhaps laziness, Marcus has been observed occasionally throwing plastic bottles in the trash and improperly disposing of used batteries.  Those who knew Marcus circa 2014 knew of the guilt and demons he struggled with.  Not until working under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Miller at University of Florida did Marcus realize his environmental sins could be absolved through a whole-hearted and feverish pursuit of green polymer chemistry.  After graduating from UF (2016)  with a B.S in chemistry and a minor in sustainability studies, Marcus moved to UNC where he currently works on using/developing continuous flow chemistry in the hope that others, like himself, may be more efficient and effective in pursuing green polymer research, which will one day lead us all to environmental salvation.

Currently an intern at 3M

Dr. Travis Varner

Finding few reasons to leave his beautiful hometown, Travis Varner attended the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. Although he spent his fair share of time on the beach (and in the bars), Travis managed to graduate with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 2016. Following a short hiatus as a rap artist (with hits like “Rotorap” and “Dry Ice Ice Baby”), Travis decided that the life of fame and money was not for him—so, he went to graduate school. He was delighted to join the Leibfarth group at UNC, where his research focuses on polymerization catalysis. When not working in lab, Travis enjoys cooking, memes, being outside, and grappling with deep ethical dilemmas.

Currently a Teaching Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University

Dr. Jill Williamson-Alty

Jill hails from the quiet town of Ruckersville, Virginia, nestled in the countryside of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since she prefers the beach to the mountains, Jill wanted to go eastward for her college education and attended The College of William & Mary. While there, she dabbled in soccer, chemistry, and parties. Upon obtaining her B.S. in Chemistry in 2016, Jill followed her Carolina-blue heart to Chapel Hill, NC. During the entire pursuit of her Ph.D., it is likely that Jill will continue to claim she is an organic chemist despite making REALLY big molecules that most people call polymers.

Currently a postdoc in the Kiessling Group at MIT

Joe Yee Mak

Joe-Yee was born and raised in Queens, NY, where she developed her taste for loud noise and mean people. Staying close to home for her undergrad, she attended Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, graduating in 2020 with a B.A. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. There, she worked with Prof. Brett Fors on researching methodologies for living cationic polymerization processes. Looking to escape the tundra and explore new (warm) places, Joe-Yee decided to move south to Chapel Hill for grad school and pursue her Ph.D. as a joint student in the Leibfarth and Johnson labs as a part of #teamstereo, where she will be working on developing stereoselective polymerizations.

Alexis Sarabia

Hailing from sunny San Jose, California, Alexis attended Santa Clara University where he received a B.S. in Biochemistry and worked on fullerene/polymer solar cell research in the laboratory of Dr. Brian McNelis. Seeking opportunities to further study materials, Alexis pursued his M.S. in chemistry at San Jose State University where his research focused on determining thermal stability trends in homo- and mixed-polymer brushes under Dr. Chester Simocko. His newfound love of polymers led him to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill where he joined the Leibfarth group and currently works on polymer flow chemistry. He has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany.

Jordan Levi

Jordan was born and raised in Wellington, FL: the winter polo capital of the world. For his undergraduate studies, Jordan decided to stay in Florida and attend the University of Florida where he received his B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Materials Science and Engineering in 2019. While there he worked in the lab of Prof. Brent Sumerlin, investigating the synthesis of polymer-protein conjugates with PET-RAFT photocatalysts. Looking to get away from the heat of Florida, Jordan decided to move to UNC in order to pursue his PhD and joined the Leibfarth lab, where he is studying catalyst-controlled stereoselective polymerizations. Outside of the lab, you can find Jordan rock-climbing or cheering on the Tar Heels.

Cole Sorensen

Cole was born in sunny southern California but relocated to North Carolina to get his healthy fix of humidity and pollen—where he learned to be a competitive rock climber and a semi-decent pizza chef. For his undergraduate studies, Cole attended the BEST school in Virginia, Virginia Tech, to receive a B.S. in Nanoscience, where he researched supramolecular materials in Dr. J. Foster’s lab. After having spent a summer living in Fribourg, Switzerland making polymers and living among the Gruyère cows, Cole decided to continue his education at UNC and join the Leibfarth group to satisfy his need for chemistry. His current project focuses on strategies for stereoselective polymerization. When not in the lab, Cole enjoys channeling his inner Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood in the kitchen listening to everything except country music.

Victoria Barber

Victoria was born and raised in what some call ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. Despite Alabama’s pleasant name and significant history, she decided to venture elsewhere for her undergraduate studies. Traveling to the busy city of Atlanta, Georgia she attended Spelman College and obtained her B.S. in Chemistry in 2018. After taking a short year off she decided to come to UNC in the fall of 2019 for her graduate studies and joined the Leibfarth group in Spring of 2020.

Undergraduate Students:

Kelly Yun

Born in New York but raised in North Carolina, Kelly is a BA Chemistry major who joined the Leibfarth group in 2023. If she's not busy synthesizing or characterizing resins and 3D printed materials in lab, odds are she's still probably 3D printing something—but at the BeAM Makerspaces! She spends her free time either rock climbing or making stickers, posters, doodles, puzzles, and music playlists.

Anthony Bello

Anthony was born in Miami, Florida but got too tired of the heat and moved to North Carolina — where he helped his family develop their ice cream truck business to cope with the weather. After getting tired of ice cream, Anthony decided to pursue a B.S. in Chemistry and joined the Leibfarth group in 2022. Outside of lab, you can find Anthony playing video games or having heated political debates about the best ice cream flavor (Oreo fudge).

Paige Jacky

Paige was born and raised in Charlotte NC, home of traffic and NASCAR. Deciding to continue the friendly sibling rivalry, Paige followed her brother’s footsteps to UNC and is pursuing a BS in chemistry.  Her interest in polymers and stereochemistry led her to the Leibfarth lab in Spring 2019. When not studying for classes, Paige enjoys leading her Club Softball team and periodically making chemistry puns.

Vittal Bhat

Vittal is from Charlotte, NC, and joined the Leibfarth group in 2019. He is pursuing a BS in chemistry, and hopes to learn as much about polymers as he can. Outside of the lab, he enjoys trivia, reading, and listening to music.

Alumni:

Paige Jacky: UNC Undergradaute 2021, currently graduate student at Cornell University

Robert Johnson: Graduate student 2017-2020

Dr. Elango Kumarasamy: Postdoc 2018-2019; currently employed at Conamix Inc.

Shefali Gandai: UNC Undergraduate 2020

Bradley Wilhelmy: UNC Undergraduate 2019

Yaman Peksenar: UNC Undergraduate 2019

Brittany Smith: UNC Undergraduate 2018; Current: Masters of Public Health Program at Emory University

Cullen Davidson: UNC Undergradaute 2018; Current: Graduate school in Chemistry at University of Florida

Bradley Davis: UNC Undergradaute 2018; Current: Graduate school in Chemical Engineering at North Carolina State University

Broseidon: Travis's fish 2015-2017