PSE Bavarian Team

Principal Investigator

Mona Bavarian

Dr. Mona Bavarian joined the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering of the University of Nebraska Lincoln in January 2020. Prior to joining UNL, she was a senior technical specialist at PALL corporation, microelectronics division. She received her PhD degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University in 2012. Mona is a member of several professional societies and served as the director of computing and systems technology division from 2019 to 2021. Mona has a great interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion and believes that diversity and inclusion should be promoted and practiced across all organizations.

Post Doctoral Associates

Syed Ibrahim Gnani Peer Mohamed

Syed Ibrahim Gnani Peer Mohamed (He/Him/His) is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from NIT Karnataka, India. He joined the PSE and TCIL at UNL in Nov 2020. He is supervised by Prof. Mona Bavarian and Prof. Siamak Nejati. His current work focus on the synthesis of Ionic Covalent Organic Frameworks (iCOFs) and Vapor-phase synthesis of COFs for energy and environmental applications. Before joining to Ph.D., he had also worked as a Research Executive and Scientist in Pharmaceutical R&D for six years.

Graduate Student Researchers

Alyssa Grube

she/they
  agrube3@huskers.unl.edu 

Bachelor's in Engineering Science and Mechanics specializing in high temperature microbial fuel cells, Pennsylvania State University 
Associate's in Engineering Leadership and Development specializing in international teams, Pennsylvania State University 
PhD student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering specializing in energy storing textiles, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

I came to UNL when I applied to their CHME PhD program and joined Dr. Bavarian's team as the PSE Bavarian Lab Safety Officer in 2020. My dissertation is on the development of MXene-coated textile-based supercapacitors for energy generation and storage for military and consumer applications. 

My hobbies include cooking, computer programming, knitting, sewing, reading, writing, blogging, martial arts, classical Indian dance (Kathak and Kuchipudi), and gaming. I also love traveling, and I am a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. 

Sahand Serajian

He/Him
  Sserajian2@huskers.unl.edu

Master’s in Polymer Engineering- University of Tehran
Bachelor’s in Polymer Engineering- AmirKabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic)
Ph.D. student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering- University of Nebraska-Lincoln

I have joined Dr. Bavarian’s lab since fall 2021, and I am currently involved in the synthesis and characterization of Mxenes (Novel 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides) as well as fabrication and characterization of novel polymer-Mxene composites in electrochemical systems.

I love biking, swimming, and eco camping.

Sarang Ismail

He/Him
  sismail2@huskers.unl.edu

Ph.D. student in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering- University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering - Mehran U.E.T (Pakistan)  
Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering - Mehran U.E.T (Pakistan)

Before joining UNL in Fall-2022, I worked as a Process Engineer in Upstream Oil & Gas and Downstream Oil refining complex in Pakistan. In PSE, my research revolves around synthesizing and characterizing Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes for CO2 absorption using AI aided approach. 

I enjoy bringing unique perspectives gained from 8 years of professional experience so I can take my research to unprecedented levels. I am enthusiastic about science, technology, and data. When not toiling away in the laboratory, I can be found playing cricket and socializing with like-minded individuals. 

Habib Safari

He/Him
  Hsafari2@huskers.unl.edu

Ph.D. Student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department - University of Nebraska - Lincoln
M.Sc. in Modelling, Simulation, and Control from Chemical Engineering Department - Sharif University of Technology
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Chemical Engineering Department - Isfahan University of Technology

I joined Dr. Bavarian’s PSE lab since August 2023 and my current research field includes the application of Machine Learning and AI in Chemical Engineering specially in Polymer Science.

I like Mountain Climbing, Chess, and Persian Literature

Mahmoud Mohamed Fathy Shaban

He/Him
  mshaban2@unl.edu

PhD in Applied Organic Chemistry, Mansoura University (2016-2020)
Master of Science in Organic Chemistry, Mansoura University (2012-2016)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Al-Azhar University (2008 -2012)

I joined the team of Dr. Bavarian (PSE Bavarian Lab) in February 2023. My research project is focused on the synthesis, characterization, and surface modification of MXene as well as the development of MXene-coated textile-based supercapacitors for energy applications.

My hobbies include reading, traveling, and playing football.

Undergraduate Student Researchers

Taylor Adams

She/Her
  tadams24@huskers.unl.edu 

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Associate in Spanish at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Born and raised in Omaha, I stayed in Nebraska specifically for the engineering program. I have career aspirations in the research and development sector of chemical engineering, so that is why I sought out an opportunity to work in a lab during my undergraduate program.  

An interesting fact is that I studied abroad in Granada, Spain, for five weeks over the summer! 

Abaigeal Aydt

She/Her
  Aaydt2@husker.unl.edu

Working on a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln

I joined Alyssa’s research on MXenes and textile-based supercapacitors in the Fall semester of 2023. My interests are in learning about research and working on innovation and improvement.

My hobbies include running, waterskiing, baking and cooking, and enjoying nature.

Jarod Harris

He/Him
  jharris58@huskers.unl.edu

Currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at UNL

My project right now involves the creation of thin-membrane films from a solution of polymer and ionic liquid to capture and sequester CO2, which will hopefully provide an alternative to costly CO2 sequestration techniques currently used in industrial settings.

My hobbies include being involved with my fraternity, Acacia, rock climbing, and traveling. I am a massive fan of trips with a purpose, and I believe you don't truly see the world unless you are looking from above.

Laurel Hilger

she/her
  lhilger2@huskers.unl.edu

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Associates of Applied Sciences in Computer Software Development specializing in web development at Indian Hills Community College

I began working in Dr. Bavarian's lab in Fall 2021. I am assisting Alyssa in her research of MXene-coated textile-based supercapacitors. I am performing equivalent circuit modeling (ECM) with our electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data (EIS), running cyclic voltammetry tests with our knitted cells, and analyzing the data with the goal to minimize resistance in our cells.

I am a member of the UNL Taekwondo Club.

Kaitlin McKenzie

She/Her
  Kmckenzie4@huskers.unl.edu

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

I joined Dr. Bavarian’s lab Fall 2022. I am working with Alyssa to research MXenes and textile-based supercapacitors for practical use in energy generation and storage for consumer and military applications.

My hobbies consist of playing volleyball, cooking, and doing art projects.

Jacob Voigt

He/Him
  jvoigt2@unl.edu

N/A, working on Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering

I joined Dr. Bavarian’s lab in Fall 2023. Since joining, I have been involved in research with Sahand investigating MXene composite polymer electrolytes. I have assisted in the synthesis of the MXene polymer composite electrolytes and am learning about the characterization techniques we use to describe the produced films.

A fun fact about me is that I love to go hiking and backpacking. In addition, I am involved on the ChmE Car team at UNL.

Lab Alumni

Leila Ba

she/her
  lba@huskers.unl.edu

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at the University of Nebraska Lincoln

I came to UNL when I applied to their bachelor's program in 2018. I am assisting in research based on the development of MXene-coated textile-based supercapacitors for energy generation and storage for military and consumer applications.

My hobbies are reading, traveling, cooking, swimming, and decorating.

Tommy Nguyen

He/Him

Bachelor of Science in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2016-2022)
Master of Science in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2020-2022)
PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Northwestern University (2022-present)

My hobbies include computer programming, playing chess, running, and drawing. I also love sightseeing. I also love watching football.

I joined Dr. Bavarian's team (PSE Bavarian Lab) in 2020. My research project was about applying Machine Learning in Polymer Engineering & Sciences. My research used both experimental and computational works.

Past Members

Maryam Al-jabri

She/her/hers
  Mal-jabri2@unl.edu

Undergraduate student in Chemical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

I came to UNL when I was selected by the Ministry of Higher Education- Oman, after I have applied in their scholarship program.  I joined Dr. Bavarian team in 2021, I assist Alyssa with MXene synthesis and with developing textile based supercapacitors.

My hobbies are writing, volleyball, basketball, cooking, cycling, learning, watching the sunset, and listening to podcasts.  I like to attend online recorded courses on self-development.