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Tag: Chemistry

Finishing Fellowship Award – Spring 2026 – Adenike Olowolagba

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Olowolagba, Adenike
Adenike Olowolagba, PhD in Chemistry, 2026

When I received my Ph.D. offer from Michigan Technological University, I was both excited and uncertain, having just been awarded another fully funded scholarship elsewhere. After reflecting on the research opportunities, mentorship, and environment that would best support my growth, I chose Michigan Tech, a decision that initially came with moments of doubt. Everyone had warned me about the cold, but no description could have prepared me for the first winter. During those early months, I sometimes wondered whether I had made the right choice. However, as I settled into my research group, connected with my advisor, and experienced the warmth and support of the Michigan Tech community, my uncertainty gave way to a deep sense of purpose and belonging. What began as a difficult decision has become one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey.

This growing sense of purpose translated into my research, which lies at the interface of chemistry and biology, focused on developing molecular tools for understanding disease mechanisms. My research centers on the design and synthesis of near-infrared fluorescent probes for detecting and monitoring key biomolecules in living systems. These probes help visualize complex biological processes such as enzyme activity, oxidative stress, and microenvironmental changes that are critical for early cancer detection and therapy. Working at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and imaging science has strengthened my creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for translational research that bridges laboratory discovery with real-world health impact.

The journey has not been without challenges, but it has shaped me profoundly. My time at Michigan Tech has taught me resilience, perseverance, and adaptability. It has reminded me that meaningful science takes patience, collaboration, and curiosity. Above all, it has shown me the value of community—the mentors who guide, the colleagues who inspire, and the friends who make even the coldest days feel warm.

I am sincerely thankful to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for selecting me as a recipient of the Spring 2026 Finishing Fellowship. This fellowship gives me the opportunity to focus fully on my dissertation and complete this journey that began with uncertainty but has evolved into one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. I am especially grateful to my advisor, Dr. Haiying Liu, whose mentorship, patience, and constant encouragement have shaped both my scientific perspective and personal growth, and to the Department of Chemistry for its unwavering support.

Michigan Tech has offered far more than a place to study. It has been a community that nurtures innovation, resilience, and purpose. Through the challenges and triumphs of this Ph.D. journey, I have learned to approach science with persistence, creativity, and gratitude. Holding this fellowship is both an honor and a reminder of how far I’ve come, and of the responsibility to use my training to make meaningful contributions to science and human health in the years ahead.

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Finishing Fellowship Award – Fall 2025 – Simahudeen Bathir Jaber Sathik Rifayee

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Simahudeen Bathir Jaber Sathik Rifayee, PhD in Chemistry, 2025

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been awarded the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship at Michigan Technological University. My heartfelt thanks go to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for recognizing my research and supporting me at this stage of my journey. First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful to my advisor, Dr. Christo Z. Christov, for taking me under his guidance and for his unwavering support throughout my PhD. His mentorship has been invaluable in shaping both my research and personal growth as a scientist.

Before joining MTU, I completed my B.S. in Chemistry at The New College, Chennai, India, and my M.S. in Chemistry at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India. In Spring 2021, I began my PhD research in the Department of Chemistry at MTU, focusing on the computational exploration of catalytic mechanisms of non-heme Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate enzymes.

My research aims to understand the factors that influence enzyme reactivity and the bifurcation of catalytic pathways – insights that can inform experimental efforts in drug design and enzyme engineering. To this effect, I have employed a variety of computational chemistry techniques, including Molecular Dynamics (MD), Quantum Mechanics (QM), and hybrid Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) approaches, to probe the structure-function relationships in enzyme catalysis.

During my Ph.D., I contributed to two significant projects. The first was an NSF-funded project on the Ethylene Forming Enzyme (EFE), where my research uncovered a second branch point in the catalytic mechanism of EFE using MD and QM/MM techniques. The second project was an NIH-funded investigation into Histone Demethylases (KDMs). In this project, I examined the distinct catalytic activity of the KDM6 family of enzymes, particularly focusing on the catalysis of different alkylated substrates by KDM6B. These findings have the potential to guide the design of novel peptide therapeutics.

I am eager to continue building upon these discoveries and to further contribute to the field of computational biochemistry. The knowledge, skills, and insights I have acquired during my PhD, from mastering advanced computational techniques such as MD, QM, and QM/MM, to elucidating intricate enzyme mechanisms, have provided me with a foundation to address challenging problems at the intersection of chemistry and biology. This experience has not only deepened my knowledge of enzyme catalysis but has also honed my capacity to design and interpret computational experiments that can guide and complement experimental efforts.

I am confident that the expertise I have cultivated at MTU will be instrumental in my future research career, enabling me to pursue impactful work in drug discovery, enzyme engineering, and beyond. I eagerly anticipate utilizing this foundation to explore novel questions, collaborate across disciplines, and make meaningful contributions to advancing science.
Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Graduate School, the advisory panel, and all who have provided me with support throughout this journey. I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in my career, driven by the curiosity and passion that have propelled me thus far.”

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Finishing Fellowship – Summer 2025 – Dilka Liyana Arachchige

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Dilka Liyana Arachchige, PhD in Chemistry, 2025

I started my Ph.D. in Chemistry at Michigan Technological University in the fall of 2021, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey. Throughout my doctoral studies, I have focused on addressing critical challenges in the field of bioimaging through the development of novel fluorescent probes.

My research centers on designing and synthesizing specialized fluorescent compounds that allow for real-time monitoring of key biological parameters such as pH, NAD(P)H levels, and intracellular viscosity in living cells and organisms. These tools offer valuable insights into cellular function and disease progression, with particular relevance to cancer biology and mitochondrial health.

I am truly honored to receive the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship from the Graduate School. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for this generous support. This fellowship will allow me to fully focus on completing my dissertation and preparing for the next steps in my research career.

I am especially grateful to my advisor, Dr. Haiying Liu, for his steady guidance and encouragement throughout my Ph.D. journey. I also deeply appreciate the support of my committee members, lab teammates, collaborators, and the faculty and staff of the Chemistry Department. A heartfelt thanks goes to my friends and peers at Michigan Tech, whose constant support made this journey both meaningful and memorable.


With this fellowship, I look forward to continuing my research and making a positive impact in the fields of healthcare and biomedical science.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Summer 2024 Recipient – Abdelrahman Ismail

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Abdelrahman Ismail – Chemistry

It’s hard to fathom how the start of my chemistry journey was a full decade ago when I was in high school. Back then, I had no idea this path would take me where I am today. Time seems to have flown by when I look to the past, but it slows down to a snail’s pace when I look towards the future, and with that long, bountiful future ahead of me, it makes my journey all the more worth it.

I graduated with a BS in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in spring 2019 and started my PhD here in Michigan Tech in the fall of the same year. My research is about understanding the substrate preferences of cellular sugar transporters, which would enable selective drug targeting of those transporters and allow for new treatments and diagnostic tools for many diseases including cancers. This work involved synthetic organic synthesis of novel compounds, analytical purification and characterization of those compounds, in-vitro pharmacological studies of those compounds on live cancer cells, and computational chemistry studies of the transporter-compound interactions. This monumental project required in-depth expertise in all of those different domains of chemistry, and despite initially thinking of myself as a pure organic chemist, taking on this challenge helped me grow into a well-rounded interdisciplinary scientist, and that is my biggest and most important prize out of my time in Tech.

My heartfelt thanks to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and Dean for the high honor and privilege of this award. Special thanks to Dr. Athar Ata, the chemistry department chair, for his generous support and excellent leadership. But most of all, I want to thank Dr. Marina Tanasova, my PhD advisor and graduate program director, for everything she’s done for me. She gave me and my colleagues in our research group all the freedom, independence, and room for growth that we need to flourish, and yet she was always there for us and guided us onto the path to success. She always believed in us, pushed us to question our limits, think critically, and deliver impactful and groundbreaking science. After mingling with my peers in the industry and hearing about their advisors, it further reinforced my thankfulness. It was a pleasure being part of her research group.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Spring 2024 Recipient – Yipeng Yin

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Yipeng leaning against stone pillar in front of evergreen trees
Yipeng Yin – Chemistry

There are people in this world aiming at the sky, reaching the stars, and there are people standing on the ground exploring the fundamentals of life beings. I happened to be one of the people that was thrilled by the fundamentals of life. Having two bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, I started my graduate study in the chemistry department at Michigan Technological University in August 2018. Under the supervision of Dr. Shiyue Fang, I began my journey of complex oligonucleotide synthesis and modification through synthetic organic chemistry for the study gene synthesis and development of antisense drugs.

My Ph.D. research is mainly focused on developing polymerizable tagging reagent for long oligonucleotide purification and new liker for surface solid support for unlimiting gene synthesis. During my time working in the lab, I have the opportunity to experience and master various techniques of compound synthesis, oligonucleotide synthesis, and peptide synthesis. Knowing various complex instruments for different applications. Applying the long DNA in biological assay and expressing the green fluorescent protein in vitro biological systems. Witnessing the outcome of my experiment contributing to the lacking area of DNA study. Developing market valuable compound and started the business. Also, I got the opportunity to collaborate with several different biological and chemical labs enriching my knowledge and experiences beyond my research areas. Got several chances to mentor undergraduate and graduate students providing knowledge and leading them to the next generation of the scientific world. All the skills and training that I have gained during my Ph.D. study is going to be a milestone ready for the next step of experience and will be well export to the scientific area and making benefits to human being.

It is my great pleasure and honor to be one of the recipients of the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship. I would like to thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and Dean for the recognition of my efforts and granting the award. It is a tremendous amount of help and support towards the end of my doctoral studies. “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. I would not have reached this step without the guidance of my advisor Dr. Shiyue Fang and the help of many other people during this journey. It is everyone’s support to make me who I am today and who I will be in the future.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Fall 2023 Recipient – Adelina Oronova

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From the very beginning of my academic journey, the intersection of chemistry and biology has thrilled me, as it embodies the essence of interdisciplinary challenges that encourage innovative thinking. Having BS and MS in biochemistry, I joined the Chemistry Department at Michigan Technological University in August 2018 as a Fulbright Graduate Student from Ukraine. Under the mentorship of Dr. Marina Tanasova, I pursued chemical biology research to utilize small molecules produced through synthetic chemistry for the study of complex biological systems.
My Ph.D. research focuses on the development of tools for the targeted detection of disease-relevant sugar transporters (GLUTs) to advance diagnostic and imaging capabilities. Working in Dr. Tanasova’s lab has been an incredibly rich research experience, allowing me to master a diverse set of skills and carry out the whole research project from the beginning to the end. I truly enjoy the process of designing molecules, synthesizing them, and validating their properties through a range of analytical techniques. Witnessing the colorful array of fluorescent probes we have developed and applying them for cancer research has evoked excitement in me. I am genuinely excited about the potential outcomes of my research, as they contribute to the advancement of novel strategies for targeting cancers in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Collaborating with other researchers and students, sharing my research, and promoting a safety culture within my department and on the national level have been rewarding and enriching experiences for me during my Ph.D. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had during my graduate program. I am confident that the training I received at MTU has provided me with a solid foundation to realize my research aspirations.
I am honored to be selected as one of the recipients of the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship. I would like to thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and Dean for granting the fellowship to me during this crucial phase of my Ph.D. journey. It is indeed an invaluable opportunity to dedicate my time and efforts to writing my dissertation, preparing for the defense, and embarking on the next chapter of my scientific career. I would like to thank my research advisor Dr. Marina Tanasova for the support and guidance she provided over the last 5 years. Her belief in my potential paved the way for me to transition from a Master’s student to a doctoral candidate, and I am truly grateful for the mentorship and encouragement she has provided. Moreover, I wish to express my gratitude to the Chemistry Department, Dr. Sarah Green, my committee members, and all the individuals who have played a role in shaping me into an independent research scientist.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Fall 2023 Recipient – Ann Varghese

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I began my Ph.D. journey in Chemistry in the Fall 2019 under the guidance of Dr. Tatyana G. Karabencheva-Christova. Prior to joining MTU, I earned a master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University and a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Calicut University, India. It was during my master’s program that I developed a profound interest in computational chemistry, which ultimately led me to pursue advanced studies in this fascinating field.

My research primarily focuses on exploring enzyme characteristics and mechanisms through the application of multilevel computational methods, including Molecular Dynamics (MD), Quantum Mechanics (QM), and combined Quantum mechanics/Molecular mechanics (QM/MM). During my Ph.D., I had the opportunity to contribute to NIH-funded projects on the non-heme Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase, Fat mass and Obesity Associated Protein (FTO), and the Zn(II) dependent metalloprotease, Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), both of which have crucial implications in various types of cancers. In the former project, I investigated the enzymatic mechanism of FTO with its major substrate, N6-methyladenine in single-stranded RNA, and explored the influence of clinically relevant mutations Arg316Gln and Ser319Phe on different stages of the catalytic cycle. In the latter, I unraveled the water-mediated catalytic mechanism of MMP-1, conformational dynamics and long-range correlated motions assisting in catalysis and the role of the catalytic and structural Zn(II) ions in the overall stability of enzyme.

I am immensely grateful to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and the Dean for recognizing my efforts and awarding me the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Tatyana G. Karabencheva-Christova, whose guidance and support have been invaluable throughout my Ph.D. journey. I also extend my thanks to all the faculty and staff in the Chemistry department for their encouragement and assistance.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Fall 2023 Recipient – Komal Chillar

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I joined the Ph.D.in Chemistry program at Michigan Tech in Fall 2018. Prior to this, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Miranda House, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India in 2016 and Master’s in Organic Chemistry from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India in 2018. During the course of my Ph.D., I honed multiple skills needed for the organic laboratory work, and developed various interpersonal skills including communication, presentation, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, leadership qualities and many more. These skills have not only contributed to my research success but have also shaped me into a confident and capable professional.

As an organic chemist, to accomplish the research objectives, I successfully synthesized various small and macromolecules that served as a monomer for oligodeoxynucleotides. This process involved the utilization of various instrumental analysis techniques. During my research, I focused on the synthesis of sensitive oligodeoxynucleotides under mild deprotection and cleavage conditions. Sensitive oligodeoxynucleotides are the DNA nucleosides that are unstable to harsh deprotection and cleavage conditions. The results of my work have been published in the New Journal of Chemistry in 2023. Furthermore, I developed a method for the direct quantification of the oligodeoxynucleotides using the HPLC peak area. This method not only eliminated the need for additional steps in quantification and purification but also saved valuable time for the researchers. The details of this method were published in PeerJ Analytical Chemistry in 2022. Additionally, I was able to achieve the 49 bases long oligodeoxynucleotides which could retain the sensitive groups under mild deprotection and cleavage conditions. These sensitive groups are believed to be the modifications present in the human genome resulting in disease-cause. The manuscript on this accomplishment is under review in a prestigious Peer-Reviewed Journal.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude towards the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and the Dean for providing me the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship for Fall 2023. This fellowship will help me to focus on my research goals while accomplishing all the degree completion timelines, including writing and defending my dissertation to graduate timely. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank my advisor Dr. Shiyue Fang whose unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship have been invaluable throughout my Ph.D. journey to help me to expand my knowledge and professional growth in the field.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Summer 2023 Recipient – Nazar Gora

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I joined a PhD program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan Technological University in the fall of 2020. My passion lies in the field of chemical biology, which involves using chemical tools to gain insights into the complex interactions between biological molecules. It is fascinating for me to explore the ways in which chemistry can be applied to understand and manipulate biological systems.


While working in Tanasova Lab, I have had the opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills. Starting with organic synthesis to produce molecular probes, I then progressed to performing bioassays and molecular modeling. The multidisciplinary nature of my work allowed me to gain valuable experience in various fields of study. My research focused on small molecule targeting of fructose transport in cancer. Facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs) play a crucial role in delivering sugars to cells, and their dysregulation is linked to various disorders. In my work, I designed fluorescently labeled sugars to explore the involvement of different transporters in live mammalian cells. By implementing novel small molecules specific to fructose transport, we can develop better targeting strategies for metabolically deprived cancers. My research has the potential to advance our understanding of cancer sugar metabolism and improve our ability to employ sugar transport to undermine cancer.


I am grateful to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me Finishing Fellowship, which provides me with the opportunity to complete my studies for the final research projects and focus on writing my thesis. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my advisor, Dr. Marina Tanasova, and the Department of Chemistry at Michigan Tech for their support during my PhD journey.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Summer 2023 Recipient – Thusitha Divisekara

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I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. In the fall of 2018, I started my PhD in chemistry at Michigan Tech and joined the research group of Dr. Lynn Mazzoleni. The group’s primary research focuses on using ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry to study the chemistry of organic aerosols in the atmosphere.


In my research, I have developed a new post-data processing approach for liquid chromatographic high-resolution mass spectrometric data. The need for this approach arose from the requirement to effectively analyze complex mixtures in the environment. Mimicking ambient BBOA is one of the significant challenges scientists face in atmospheric research. Therefore, I improved liquid smoke to simulate the ambient BBOA by mixing them with different environmental species. This significantly impacts aerosol research as it provides an option for environmentally relevant lab studies.


I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Lynn Mazzoleni for her guidance, support, and encouragement during my research journey. Her mentorship has been invaluable to me and has played an integral role in helping me with my accomplishment. Also, I sincerely thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for selecting me as a recipient of the finishing fellowship, which will allow me to focus on finishing my dissertation and publishing my work.

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