Graduate Students
Sugandha Verma
Graduate student - sv9yz at virginia dot edu
M.Tech. (2020) Indian Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineering
B.E. (2018) MBM Engineering College, Chemical Engineering
I joined Paolucci Group in the Fall of 2020. My research focuses on understanding the kinetics and mechanism of N2O formation on supported metal catalysts. I did my Masters in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, where I explored the dried droplet patterns of human serum albumin, under the guidance of Prof. Sunando DasGupta. Outside of research, I enjoy cycling, swimming, painting and reading.
Arigaa Zolboot
Graduate student - sfn5wm at virginia dot edu
B.S. (2023) Mississippi State University, Chemical Engineering
I joined the Paolucci Group in the summer of 2023, focusing my research on the effects of sulfur exposure on Cu speciation and ammonia storage in Cu-ion exchanged chabazite (CHA) zeolite. This research is motivated by reducing NOx emissions through the diesel aftertreatment system – SCR. During my undergraduate studies, I immersed myself in sustainable energy research, honing practical skills through assistant teaching and research roles. Additionally, I acquired valuable industry experience by serving as a Process Engineer for seven months at an herbicide manufacturing company during my year-long internship. Research aside, I enjoy nature, especially the trails around Charlottesville, and unwinding with friends and family over board games.
Kelsey Levine
Graduate student - uvy5cb at virginia dot edu
B.S. (2022) Cornell University
I joined the Paolucci Lab in fall of 2023. My research uses molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical situations to study the effect of local electric fields on catalytic active sites in zeolites. I received my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University, where I researched pulsed electrochemical CO2 reduction in Prof. Tobias Hanrath’s lab. Outside of research, I enjoy drawing, painting, playing my guitar, fostering rescue cats, and training/rehabilitating birds of prey.
Maria Victoria Zuniga
Graduate student - gdg4fh at virginia dot edu
B.S. (2019) Petroleum Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
I joined the Paolucci Lab in the fall of 2023. My research applies molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning-based potentials to study noble metal nanoparticles' surface and subsurface structure evolution during catalytic oxidation reactions. During my undergraduate, I explored the physicochemical properties of crude oil, liquid fuels, and biofuels in the Crude Oil and Derivatives Lab. Later, I designed directional and horizontal well trajectories as a Well Planning intern in Sperry Drilling Services, Halliburton. Post-graduation, I joined the area of Project Management for Workover and Well Service operations. Outside of research, I enjoy dancing salsa, cooking, watching shows, and traveling.
Mohan Shankar
Graduate student - mjs7eek at virginia dot edu
B.S. (2024) University of Virginia, Chemistry
I joined the Paolucci Group in the Summer of 2024 with a focus on solvent effects in zeolites. One focus of my undergraduate research was creating a baseline for quantum mechanical transition state theories. The other project was centered on molecular dynamics simulations to ascertain properties of a novel interatomic potential. When I'm not working, I like to take walks and teach myself guitar (though I haven't made much progress).
Jason Lu
Graduate student - jl4zv at virginia dot edu
B.A. Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania
B.S.E. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania
As a member of the Paolucci group (since the fall of 2024), I’m studying nanoparticle encapsulated zeolite systems using computational methods. I first dipped my toes into the field of computational catalysis in undergrad, where I joined Professor Aleksandra Vojvodic’s group (during the pandemic) and studied the activity and stability of catalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction. In my free time, I like to watch random clips on YouTube, study foreign languages, and walk in new and old areas. You can ask me about anything but definitely ask me about recommendations on things to do/places to go in Japan.
Post Doctoral Fellows
Asanka Wijerathne
Post Doctoral Fellow - akw7uj at virginia dot edu
Ph.D. (2024) University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering
B.Sc. (2017) University of Peradeniya, Chemical and Process Engineering
I joined the Paolucci group in the fall of 2019. My research focuses on predicting the relative stabilities of metal exchanged zeolites and ultimately, computationally discovering the Zeolite Interconversion Synthesis Pathways. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. After graduation, I worked for two years as a temporary lecturer in the University of Peradeniya. My undergraduate research projects were related to mathematical modeling and Computational Fluid Dynamics where I worked with Prof. R. Shanthini and Prof. K.S. Walgama. As an undergraduate, I was involved in another research project: mathematical modeling of CaCO3 nanoparticle synthesis, where I worked with Dr. A. Manipura. Aside from research, I enjoy reading, watching movies and playing chess.
Undergraduate Students
Amish Madhav
Undergraduate student - ojw7hw at virginia dot edu
University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering, (B. S. (2025), expected)
I joined the Paolucci group in the Fall of 2022. My research focuses on using computational techniques to investigate Palladium cation-nanoparticle interconversion in the Pd/BEA zeolite. At UVA, I’m also involved in AIChE and VKA, a bollywood fusion dance team. In my free time, I enjoy reading and watching football.
Jalen Pryor
Undergraduate student - qcf7hc at virginia dot edu
University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering, (B. S. (2025), expected)
I joined the Paolucci group in the Fall of 2022. My research focuses on using computational methods such as machine learning algorithms to study the energies of transition metal carbides. Outside of classes at UVA, I am involved in the Rodman Scholars/Rodman Council and the Society for Women Engineers. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, art, and watching movies.
Eddie Macgill
Undergraduate student - ckr9zx at virginia dot edu
University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering, (B. S. (2027), expected)
I joined the Paolucci group in the Spring of 2025. My research includes using computational methods to calculate the energies of specific zeolites regarding carbon dioxide capture. At UVA, I'm involved in AIChE, Chem E Car, and ESC Peer Mentors, and German club. In my free time, I enjoy playing the trombone in the Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra, rock climbing, and enjoying Hoo's Hot Chicken.
Henry Lee Hayden
Undergraduate student - kpd5xt at virginia dot edu
University of Virginia, Chemical Engineering, (B. S. (2027), expected)
I joined the Paolucci group in the spring of 2025. My research focuses on using computational methods such as density functional theory to study ion exchange affinities in the ETS-10 zeolite. Outside of my studies at UVa, I'm also involved in club swimming and Greek life. In my free time, I enjoy running, watching movies, and listening to music.