Graduate Students

B.A. in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2018

I am studying the selective hydrogenation of acetylene on a Ag(111) surface and Pd/Ag(111) single-atom alloy (SAA) using reflective absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) spectrometry and temperature-programmed reaction spectrometry (TPRS). We are interested in seeing the effect that alloying Pd with Ag has on the hydrogenation of acetylene and compare that to the reaction on the Ag(111) surface.

Outside the lab, I like to stay physically active if possible, by playing my favorite sports: soccer, volleyball and biking. I like to enjoy nights out with friends and loved ones and finding new places to eat. I am a fan of cooking and traveling to new places, so whenever possible I take the opportunity to try cooking different dishes from Japanese, Italian, Argentinian, and Spanish cuisines.

M.S. in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2021
B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2019

My research area covers the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene on Cu (111) and Pd/Cu(111) surfaces using ‘Reflection Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy’ and ‘Temperature-programmed Desorption’ to characterize the surface species and reaction intermediates and ‘Auger Electron Spectroscopy’ to quantify the surface coverages. We aim for a selective approach to obtain a high yield of the desired product, i.e., butenes.

I go without saying that I love my family and love to spend as much time as I can. I have a strong affection for sports, especially cricket, and cooking. I like to spend my leisure time watching TV series and news, and sometimes sleeping! I also take traveling as an escape plan in vacations.

B.Sc. Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria, 2018.

My research is focused on understanding the surface reaction mechanism that underlies the metastable growth of metal borohydrides on ZrB2(0001) surface by utilizing surface science methods such as; Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and Low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Using these methods, we aim to understand and establish at both atomic and molecular levels the surface chemistry behind this growth and thereby develop an optimal approach towards the thin film growth process via CVD metal borides and metal borohydrides.

Outside the lab, I love meditating on the wonders of nature, baking, cooking new dishes, and staying active through cycling, playing soccer, and table tennis.

BSc in Environmental Science ( 1st Class Honors ), University of Peradeniya , Peradeniya, 2022

My research area mainly aligns with Single Atom Alloys (SAA) and their catalytic properties over hydrogenation reactions. Currently several surface analytical techniques as RAIRS, TPD, AES and LEED are performed in my UHV system, with my group members to investigate and enhance catalytic properties of SAAs.

I spend my leisure time by playing musical instruments, reading books, traveling and playing Cricket.