People

Current Team Heading link

Dr. Achinivu Principal Investigator	Ezinne Achinivu is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago and the Principal Investigator of the Molecular Design for Sustainable Engineering Laboratory (MoDSE Lab). MoDSE lab applies fundamental research in green chemistry, molecular engineering, and biotechnology towards the development of sustainable bioproducts. We are focused on developing sustainable processes for the transformation of waste resources into bioproducts. Achinivu’s major goal is to tackle the enormous challenge that persists in advancing green engineering and green materials, especially with regard to developing a sustainable energy infrastructure and enabling a carbon-efficient community. MoDSE lab specializes in designing ionic liquids for niche applications (like biorefining). In particular, we are helping define the application of protic ionic liquids (PILs) for their use in applications involving biopolymers, bioengineering and biomanufacturing. PILs are also generally a sustainable alternative to conventional ionic liquids (based on cost, biocompatibility, and recyclability). We apply a combination of experimental/analytical and computational approaches to design new PILs for targeted applications. MoDSE Lab is also concerned with ensuring optimal and realistic systems level design that could lead to commercializability; this involves reactor design, process development / optimization and evaluating sustainability assessment (technoeconomic and lifecycle analyses).
Oluwaseyi Saliu Post-Doctoral Researcher	Dr Saliu obtained both his BSc degree (with first class honors) and MSc (with distinction) in Industrial Chemistry. He obtained his PhD in the area of green energy storage and he is passionate about creating sustainable solutions for renewable energy generation and storage. He is currently working on lignin depolymerization and valorization for value added chemicals in the energy industries. He has won both the IUPAC and NRF awards for green materials research. Dr Saliu has published extensively in high- impact and peer-reviewed journals and is a member of ACS, RSC, and IUPAC.
Taiwo Zacchaeus Adesanya Graduate Research Associate	Zac is passionate about developing bioproducts and bioprocesses that meet performance requirements, are commercially viable, and are environmentally friendly. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and has extensive engineering design experience in the oil and gas industry. He is engaged in an extensive inquiry into the creation of sustainable bioproducts and bioprocesses from biomass. He strives to transform laboratory facts into factories through procedures including product and process development, characterization, separation, molecular and process simulations, process integration, and control, techno-economic, social, and environmental impact assessments, etc.
Alex Acquah Graduate Research Assistant	My passion for solutions to waste conversion into products fuelled my interest to pursue a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. I am currently a Chemical Engineering graduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago. MoDSE lab equips my research interest in sustainable energy development and transformation of biomass into bioproducts. I aim to have breakthrough research work in sustainable energy solutions.
Madina Sissenbay Research Associate	Holding a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Nazarbayev University, I engaged in research on nanomaterials, air quality, and petroleum engineering. A highlight was presenting my work on "Mesoporous Silica Particles for Quick Methylene Blue Dye Removal from Water" at the 2022 Applied Physics & Materials Science Congress in Turkey. These experiences steered me towards the MoDSE lab, aligning with my professional interests. Now, I am focused on contributing to green chemistry, aiming to impact both the scientific community and the energy industry significantly.
Karoll Cancino Research Associate	I pursued my BS in Chemical Engineering in Colombia. During my years as an associate research student in the research group CICTA (science and food technology), I started feeling the attraction of sustainable chemistry related to the food waste problem and its huge impact on biodiversity. Working on finding a new alternative to use fruit waste as a new source of fuel production, bioethanol. Participating in different seminars, showing the big impact of the project on a rural community. Now as a master’s student at UIC I am happy to be part of the MoDSE lab and contribute to the research team with my work and interests. My passion in the field is to look up for new material substitutes for the overproduction and pollution waste problems that can’t be eradicated but it's possible to modify and reduce the impact of the industrial processes on the ecosystem.
Matthew Gaughan Research Associate	Matt is pursuing a BS in Chemical Engineering. He is passionate about the development of sustainable materials as an essential part of the project to transition current modes of production into modes which can cohabit with our planet. He has previously worked on sustainable textiles research, and is returning to school with the hopes of pursuing further research opportunities in the development of bioplastics.
Hussein Rezk Research Associate	Hussein Rezk is a young Palestinian chemical engineering undergrad at UIC with a growing interest in impacting the pharmaceutical industry. A flexible and curious minded learner, this internship will equip him with hands-on technical skills, expand his knowledge and interests, and prepare him for future roles. At MoDSE lab, He is investigating the antioxidant activity of lignin, a key requirement for biomaterial utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. This research will help me further his pharmaceutical interest with hands-on work and research.
MariElena Rivera Research Associate	MariElena is currently pursuing a BS in Chemical Engineering. After visiting Argonne National Laboratory for a bio symposium, she developed an interest in green chemistry and the goal of creating a more sustainable world. Her experience in the restaurant industry has made her aware of the significant amount of unnecessary waste generated, which she hopes to help reduce. She is excited to participate in research on lignin depolymerization and the creation of biodegradable plastics.
William In Research Associate	William In is a senior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, and he is passionate about chemical engineering processes for creating sustainable energy resources. As a high school student, he began delving into the academic aspects of chemical engineering and plans to pursue it as his major in college. William is inspired by the research statement of the Molecular Design for Sustainable Engineering Lab (MoDSE Lab) which focuses on molecular-level innovation with materials like lignocellulosic biomass. This internship will impart knowledge and experience of the scientific processes related to sustainable energy which will be relevant to his future endeavors.
Barakat E. Kadir Research Associate	Barakat Kadir is currently a high school senior at Muchin College Prep. She is interested in pursuing a career in chemical engineering. Her interest in chemical engineering was ignited when she first discovered that it’s a field driven to create materials while addressing global challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. This aligns perfectly with her goals of contributing to a more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious future. She is eager to contribute to innovative research on biomass and how it can be converted into useful resources to improve sustainability and energy preservation. During her time at UIC, she will gain hands-on experience in data analysis and research methodologies, which will prepare her for a future career in this field. Looking ahead, Barakat plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering with the long-term goal of driving innovation in environmentally friendly technologies. Her dedication to sustainability and her enthusiasm for research make her a valuable addition to the UIC lab team.

Previous Members Heading link

Donatella Poveda Research Associate	Marko Bogosavljevic Research Associate	Huyen Nguyen Research Associate	Love Patel Research Associate	Mustafa Soniwala Research Associate
Sylvia Jarecki Research Associate	Zain Alsalhani Research Associate	Salma Khalifa Research Associate	Najmin Isa Research Associate	Rawan E. Hussein Research Associate
Keira Leech Research Associate	Keith Michael Christopher Research Associate	Lauren Livingston Research Associate	Ogechikanma Ihenacho Research Associate	Jacob Nowobilski Research Associate
Cooper Ross Research Associate	Omar Aly Graduate Research Associate	Jessica Fajardo Research Associate	Ameena Beg Research Associate	Ben Dobbins Research Associate
Aman Dudeja Research Associate	Matthew McCawley Research Associate	Kacper Switalski Graduate Research Assistant	Abdullah Amer Graduate Research Assistant