Corson Lab Members
Postdocs
Kinithi Wickramaratne
Ph.D. in Materials Science & Inorganic Chemistry, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, 2024
B.S. in Analytical Chemistry, College of Chemical Sciences, Sri Lanka, 2017
Apoorva Ranjekar
Apoorva is a skilled researcher specializing in sustainable energy technologies. His Ph.D. in Green Technology focused on optimizing hydrogen production through catalyst development. With extensive experience in characterization techniques and a strong foundation in materials science, including molten salts and conducting polymers, Apoorva is well-versed in intellectual property rights. He brings a year of postdoctoral research experience from the Archer Daniels Midland- University of Kansas research (ADM-KU) lab, where he contributed to catalysis advancements. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) at KU, he is working on a cutting-edge electrochemistry project funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Graduate Students
Karthik Mamandur Gopalakrishna
M.Tech in Chemical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad, India, 2015 B.Tech in Biotechnology, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, India, 2011
Mukhtiar Ali
Mukhtiar Ali has dedicated himself to the field of chemical engineering with a profound mission: tackling the pressing global challenges of our time. His overarching goal is to combat the greenhouse effect and optimize the utilization of renewable resources to enhance human existence. He is working on plasmon-assisted ammonia electrosynthesis to produce affordable fertilizers, thereby benefiting farmers and contributing to agricultural sustainability.
Seth Takyi
Seth Takyi is a graduate researcher specializing in chemical engineering, with a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2020. His undergraduate work encompassed two major projects: the removal of color, magnesium, and calcium ions from crude potash derived from plantain husk ashes, and the design of a biodiesel production plant that also converts glycerol into propylene glycol. Seth’s academic excellence was recognized twice with nominations as one of the outstanding students in his college. Currently, Seth's research explores Plasmon Enhanced reduction of CO₂, aiming to develop cutting-edge approaches for carbon capture and utilization. His work holds the potential to contribute significantly to advancements in environmental sustainability and carbon management.
Mohammad Abazid
Mohammad Abazid is a graduate researcher and Fulbright scholar from Germany, currently pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. His academic and professional journey bridges research and industry experience. Mohammad has contributed to optimizing solar cell production at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Europe’s largest solar energy research institute. Additionally, he has gained valuable expertise in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Undergraduate Students
Carter Stokes
Carter Stokes is an undergraduate student from Olathe, Kansas, majoring in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kansas. He became a research assistant in Dr. Corsons lab as part of the 2024 KU Chemical Engineering REU program, and is working under graduate student Mukhtiar Ali to study ways to increase the selectivity of electrochemical nitrate reduction. Carter is passionate about sustainable engineering, and plans to pursue a job in industry post graduation. Alongside participating in undergraduate research, he is a member of the KU Marching Jayhawks, KU Basketball Band, KU Jazz Ensembles, and the KU Volleyball Band.
Morgen Keller
Morgen Keller is an undergraduate student from Liberty, Missouri, majoring in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kansas. She is currently a research assistant in Dr. Corson's lab for the Emerging Scholars program and is working under graduate student Karthik Mamandur Gopalakrishna to study ways to increase the selectivity of electrochemical nitrate reduction. Morgen is passionate about water pollution and wastewater and plans to pursue graduate studies in environmental engineering. In addition to participating in undergraduate research, she is a member of KU's Oread Singers Choir and the Honors program.
Cypher Troutner
Cypher is an undergraduate student from Kansas City, Missouri, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering with a minor in environmental studies. They are working with their mentor, Seth Takyi, to investigate different electrode materials in literature that have the highest CO2 to methanol conversion rate and whether combining them with Ag increases methanol selectivity through plasmon enhancement. Cypher is extremely passionate about sustainability, environmental justice, and equal access to clean water and food, and intends to attend graduate school to pursue a career in research addressing these issues. Along with their participation in undergraduate research, they are in Engineers Without Borders, Aerial Arts Club, and the Trans Lawrence Coalition.
Ryker White
Ryker White is an undergraduate student from Wichita, Kansas, majoring in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kansas. He is currently a research assistant in Dr. Corson’s lab under Postdoc Kinithi Wickramaratne working to reduce nitrate pollution by converting it into valuable resources such as Ammonia. Ryker is passionate about the production of biodegradable materials and repurposing of waste products and plans to pursue an industry position post-graduation. Alongside participating in undergraduate research, he is a board member for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers as well as a member of the student relays committee.
Alumni
Corson Lab Alumni
Lauren Hamm - Summer 2024 REU IDEA Incubator