Current Team Members                                                                                                                                   Group Alumni

PictureRachael Karugu, G6

Rachael is from Nairobi Kenya. She went to the University of Nairobi for her undergraduate and graduated in 2010 with a First Class honors in Bachelor’s of Science in chemistry. In 2013 she joined the doctoral program at Binghamton University and is currently in her 5th year of graduate studies. Her main research focus is on mechanistic studies of organocatalyzed and transition metal catalyzed reactions. She enjoys nature and being around family.
Chem. Eur. J. 2018, 24, 8098-8102.
PictureVictor Wambua, G5


Victor, is a Binghamton university graduate student from Kenya. He graduated in 2013 with a first class Honors in BSC Industrial chemistry at University of Nairobi. He is currently in his second year of his doctoral degree. His research interest focuses on mechanistic studies of organocatalyzed intramolecular reactions. He loves adventure.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 8756-8760
PictureJuliet Macharia, G4

Juliet comes from Kenya. She studied at   University of Nairobi, Kenya and attained a first class honours in Bsc Industrial chemistry back in the year 2013. In 2015 she joined Binghamton University for her Doctorate degree. Her main research focus is on transition state analysis and design of organocatalytic Enantiodivergent reactions. She loves nature ... I love to listen it, see it, smell it. I think we can all learn from nature to be simpler and have more patience and perseverance.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 8756-8760
PictureChetan Joshi, G1



​Chetan is from New Delhi, India. He went to Hindu College, University of Delhi for his Bachelors and Masters in Organic Chemistry. Later, he joined the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum as a project fellow and worked on synthesis of different metal complexes for catalysis. Further, in 2018, he joined SUNY Binghamton for doctoral program. When not occupied, he loves doing adventure sports or going for hiking or camping.
PictureConnor Allen, UG3


Connor Allen is from New City, NY. He graduated in 2016 from Clarkstown South High School and currently attends Binghamton University as an undergraduate chemistry major minoring in German studies. His goal is to continue his studies in an M.D./PhD program to combine organic chemistry and medicine. Connor reads his textbooks and studies in his free time. In the rest of his time, he watches T.V. and plays the trumpet with the Harpur Jazz Ensemble and his new group, "Jazztro Physics."
PictureOlivia Merseburg, UG3



​Olivia is from Queens, NY and graduated from The Mary Louis Academy in 2016. She is currently an undergraduate student at Binghamton University majoring in Political Science with minors in French and Chemistry. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school and one day become an Emergency Physician. Olivia is dedicated to her pursuit of interdisciplinary learning and takes advantage of her undergraduate research assistant position to explore her interests in mechanistic organic chemistry. When she is not in the lab or in class, Olivia spends her time working on the Executive Board of the Binghamton University Fencing Club and spending time with family and friends. 
PictureKelsey Devine, UG3


Kelsey Devine is a graduate of Hauppauge High School’s class of 2016, when she proceeded to study Mathematical Science with a dual minor in Chemistry and Spanish at Binghamton University. Upon graduating, Kelsey would love to attend medical school to pursue her passion of becoming a doctor. As an undergraduate research assistant, Kelsey is dedicated to learning more about the physical, and mechanistic aspects of organic chemistry, as well as developing strong research methods that she can carry with her throughout the rest of her career. Outside of being a student, Kelsey is currently a Residential Assistant for Hinman College, as well as the Education Officer for the Medical Roots Project. Both activities enable her to communicate and get to know others, which is her favorite thing to do.
PictureVraj Patel, UG3





Vraj is from Carmel, NY. He graduated from Carmel High School in 2016 and is currently attending Binghamton University as an undergraduate majoring in biochemistry. After graduation, he plans to pursue medicine. Outside of class and research, Vraj loves to spend time with his friends and family, and enjoys watching sports.