Meet the

Group

First Years

  • Hometown: Matthews, NC

    Joel obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Oregon. His projects include developing a single shot THz setup and THz measurements of conductive polymers. Outside of lab, Joel enjoys making pottery and indoor bouldering.

    sills4@purdue.edu

  • Hometown: Bangalore, India

    Favorite scientist: JC Bose

    Aditya holds an Integrated Bachelor of Science-Master of Science in Chemistry from Shiv Nadar IoE Delhi NCR and a minor in mathematics. His current research projects are on ultrafast light-matter interaction. Aditya enjoys working as a professional percussionist and playing badminton.

    verma218@purdue.edu

  • Hometown: Xinjiang, China

    Xiao received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington, Seattle. She is working on ultrafast light-matter interaction. Xiao likes listening to music, baking, and watching movies.

    zhan5100@purdue.edu

Second Years

  • Hometown: Walla Walla, WA

    Favorite scientist: Isaac Newton and Leonhard Euler

    Lance obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry Eastern Oregon University. He is working on harmonic spectroscopy and is also pursuing a Master’s at Purdue in Finance. Outside of lab, he enjoys playing basketball, cooking, and weightlifting.

    hatch16@purdue.edu

  • Hometown: Frankfort, IL

    Favorite scientist: Marie Curie

    Jayna received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering with a double major in Chemistry and minors in French and Mathematics from The University of Alabama. She works on extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy and THz spectroscopy on semiconductors. Jayna is a competitive ballroom dancer and enjoys baking and reading novels.

    jenguita@purdue.edu

Third Years

  • Hometown: Emporia, KS

    Favorite scientist: Maxwell

    Michael received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Emporia State University. He works on extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy and THz spectroscopy on 2D materials. Michael enjoys practicing judo and exercising in his free time.

    myackovi@purdue.edu

Undergraduates

  • Hometown: Owasso, OK

    Favorite scientist: Dirac

    Tate completed his Bachelor of Science in Physics at Purdue University in the Spring of 2025. He currently assists with XUV experiments. Tate’s hobbies include electronics, reverse engineering, and playing the banjo.

    young644@purdue.edu

  • Hometown: Lafayette, IN

    Favorite scientist: Isaac Newton

    Ben is a sophomore pursuing his ACS Chemistry degree and a math minor here at Purdue. He is currently working on SolidWorks CAD design of custom research equipment. Outside of his studies, Ben enjoys hiking and playing the piano.

    arts@purdue.edu