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Tian Research Group Department of Chemistry

Members

Tian group member

Principle Investigator

Dr. Shiliang Tian

Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience
Postdoc, Stanford University (Advisor: Prof. Edward Solomon)
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Advisor: Prof. Yi Lu)
B.A, Nanjing University
Office: BRWN 3107B
Phone: 765-494-5467

 

Tian group member

Graduate Student

Andrew Poore

Andrew graduated from Concordia University Irvine in 2019, earning a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology with a minor in Mathematics. During his time there, he served as the president of the Beta Beta Beta honors society for two years. His research experience includes studying Cu,Zn-SOD, binuclear chromium complexes, and co-authoring an Astronomy publication in the Journal of Double Star Observations. Currently, Andrew is actively involved in projects focused on characterizing and studying APP (Amyloid Precursor Protein), a potentially crucial factor in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing chess, video games, and cherishing the joys of being a first-time father.

Tian group member

Graduate Student

Khai Quynh Tien Pham

Khai obtained her B.S. in Biochemistry from Indiana University in 2018, with a particular emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases. Her previous experience and research interests revolve around the study of these conditions, with the goal of developing membrane therapy for such diseases. After gaining two years of industry experience, Khai has returned to academia in search of new challenges and a collaborative environment. In the Tian Lab, she specializes in studying Tau Fibrils, a significant hallmark in various neurodegenerative diseases. When not immersed in her research, Khai enjoys playing Animal Crossing, indulging in shopping, and exploring different cuisines, as she believes good food has the power to bring people together.

Tian group member

Graduate Student

Cuong Calvin Nguyen

Calvin completed his B.S. in Biochemistry from Xavier University in 2020. With a background in computational studies, his previous research focused on investigating the interactions between semiconductor surfaces and industrial gases. In graduate school, Calvin is eager to explore various branches of chemistry and engage in interdisciplinary work. Within the Tian Lab, he is actively involved in projects related to Ornithine Aminomutase (OAM) and Tau fibrils. Apart from his academic pursuits, Calvin finds joy in cooking, playing video games, and delighting his coworkers with song.

Tian group member

Graduate Student

Stephen Yachuw

Stephen graduated with Honors from The College of William and Mary in 2022, completing a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Economics. His research background involves the development of metal-halide sensors for detecting volatile organic pollution in water bodies. Presently, in the Tian Lab, Stephen actively contributes to projects focused on hydrogen gas production as a promising fuel alternative. Beyond his academic pursuits, he finds enjoyment in board games, bird watching, and telling his lab mates their opinions about the economy are wrong.

Tian group member

Graduate Student

Joseph Palazzo

Joey is a passionate scientist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of chemistry and its implications in biological systems. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Ohio State University in 2019, where he researched the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. Following graduation, Joey worked as a research technician at the Cleveland Clinic, focusing on heme trafficking in cells. Currently, Joey is delving into the role of IRP1 in iron homeostasis. Outside of lab, he can often be found cheering on his favorite Cleveland teams or engaging in friendly competitions on the pickleball court

Tian group member

Undergraduate Student

Caitlin Birthright
Caitlin is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Biotechnology.  She has been actively involved in various learning communities since her first year and currently serves as a mentor in the Women in Science learning community. After completing her bachelor's degree, she plans to continue her research journey in graduate school. In her free time, she enjoys baking new recipes, finding free food around campus, and struggling on Sunday crosswords.
Tian group member

Undergraduate Student

Maggie Kim
Maggie is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Mathematics. She plans on going to graduate school after getting her undergraduate degree. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching anime, and playing Tetris.
Tian group member

Undergraduate Student

Alana Thomas
Alana is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry and Classical Studies. She plans to attend Medical School after she graduates. She is currently involved with Purdue's professional chemistry fraternity, classics club, and higher ground dance company. In her free time she enjoys playing guitar and spending time with friends.
Tian group member

Undergraduate Student

Mackenzie Souchon
Mackenzie is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology. They are a member of the Undergraduate Women in Science Program Leadership Team, and they plan on attending medical school after graduation in the hopes of being a forensic pathologist. In their free time, they enjoy reading, crocheting, baking, and destroying their friends at Mario Kart. 
Tian group member

Alumni

  • Keela Zambre (undergraduate): Spring 2024
  • Peter Voss (graduate): November 2020 - March 2024
  • Eli Zuercher (undergraduate): Fall 2021 - Spring 2024, Current position: MD program at the University of Cincinnati
  • Christian Denault (undergraduate): Spring 2022 - Spring 2024, Current position: PhD program at the University of Minnesota
  • Caslyn Whitesell (undergraduate): Fall 2022 - Fall 2023
  • David Toba (visiting undergraduate, UREP-C program): Fall 2022 - Spring 2023, Current position: PhD program at Purdue
  • Natasha Das (undergraduate): Spring 2022 - Spring 2023
  • Natalia Benesiewicz (undergraduate): Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
  • Sam Lechlitner (undergraduate): Fall 2021 - Spring 2022