Current members
Dr. David Halat is a postdoctoral scholar in the group studying ion dynamics in Li-ion battery electrolytes with NMR and PFG techniques. His current research focus is developing electrophoretic NMR to probe ion motion under an applied electric field. He completed his PhD with Prof. Clare Grey at Cambridge on 17O NMR of high-temperature oxide-ion conductors, before repatriating back to the U.S. When not in the lab he can likely be found on the computer trying to automate everything, building Twitter bots, trying to learn signal processing, or legally radiating rf waves (call sign KN6CXJ).
David Halat
Post-doc Researcher, University of California, Berkeley
Ph. D University of Alberta, Canada
Research: Solid-state NMR studies of nanoporous materials (MOFs, COFs and Porous Polymer Networks), sustainable wood-based carbon materials, cellulose nanocomposites, CO2/VOCs gas adsorption and separation
Hobbies: Yoga, travelling, hiking and playing badminton
“Choose a life of action, not one of ostentation”
Haiyan Mao
Lena M. Funke
Feodor Lynen Postdoctoral Fellow
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
To decrease carbon emissions, the energy spent on separating molecules – 15% of the energy spent in the US – needs to be reduced. Further, low-emission transportation e.g. via fuel-cell driven trucks require affordable, save tanks.
Researchers found metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can host guest molecules at high capacities and selectivities; whereby molecules can be separated at lower energetic costs and gases be stored at lower pressures. However, we are still missing a complete picture of the adsorption mechanisms in metal-organic frameworks to expand adsorption-based separation and storage to more fields of application.
My mentors at college showed me experiments that blew me away, physics and chemistry fascinated me ever since. After a PhD in Chemistry in Germany and Brazil at the University of Muenster, I joined the Reimer group in October 2019. I probe host-guest interactions in MOFs with magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Together with the Long group we strive to predict adsorption mechanisms in MOFs for their further improvement.
Interests: learning about cultures, hiking, running, cooking.
Xudong earned double degrees in Physics and Economics in 2016 from Peking University before joining Pines & Reimer Lab as a graduate student. His current research interests include: optical diamond hyperpolarization via NV- centers, hyperpolarized diamond enhanced MRI and quantum sensing with NV- centers.
NV- centers are atom-like defects in the diamond material that demonstrates extraordinary quantum properties. We aim to harness the power of NV- electronic spin to enable much higher precision measurement of NMR spectroscopy than conventionally possible. With the understanding of the physics of the system, we develop a set of diamond-based imaging techniques that opens up new applications.
In my spare time, I enjoy doing sports, such as basketball, skiing and golfing
Xudong Lv
In the beginning of my PhD, I focused on applying solid state NMR techniques to characterize ion transport mechanisms in MOF and COF electrolytes. Now, I work on developing hyperpolarization strategies for MOFs.
I enjoy traveling and hiking, especially with my identical twin.
Kaitlyn Engler
2014-2018 B.S., Chemistry, Tsinghua University, China
2018- Present Ph.D. student, Materials Science and Engineering, UC Berkeley
Research interests: Solid State NMR, Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance, Metal Organic Frameworks, Gas Separation
Hobbies: basketball, reading
Hao Zhoang
Romina is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Business & Management at the University of California, Berkeley. She conducts research under the guidance of Dr. Lena M. Funke. Romina is passionate about sustainability and finding ways to mitigate waste. Outside of lab, you will find her playing music, doing photography, traveling, playing sports and learning about UX/UI and web design.
Romina Silva
Pursuing B.S. in Chemical Engineering & Minor in Material Science
Hobbies: hiking, soccer, playing piano, watching football
Rohit Rungta
Currently, Yang is focusing on developing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to study the mechanisms of various interactions for accurate characterization of functional materials. Her current project involves the employment of NMR Pulsed Field Gradients (PFG) techniques to investigate the interaction between CO2 and polymer-based electrolytes to unveil the specific roles which the electrolytes play in the process of CO2 electrochemical reduction.
In addition, Yang has a background in functional nanomaterials design and fabrication for the use in electrochemical conversion in the field of renewable energy. She is also adept at materials characterization using Electron microscopes, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), (Scanning) Transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) and Powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD).
Hobbies: Reading, Jogging
Yang Wang
Hello! My name is Kendra Htut and I'm a second year chemical engineering student at Cal with a concentration in Energy and Environment. My current research focuses on synthesizing MOF's using single atomic catalysts in the reduction of CO2. For my synthesis, I personally work with nickel and cobalt (which is in the latter) metals under the guidance of Dr. Haiyan Mao.
Growing up in the Bay Area, I experienced a melting pot of cultures which I still admire to this day. Coming to Cal, I realized that it was the place for me because of how diverse and unique the campus culture and people are. Having the opportunity to not only study the field I love, the friendships I've developed with faculty and students has made my college journey thus far something I'll always cherish.
Kendra Htut
Ah-Young Song is a postdoctoral scholar in the group. She received her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and studied ion dynamics of solid electrolytes with Prof. Gleb Yushin. Currently, her research interest is to understand the fundamental insights regarding materials for carbon capture in various solid systems especially utilizing solid-state NMR. She is interested in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students to help them to utilize what they learn in the classroom.
Ah-Young Song
Michelle is a fourth-year chemical engineering student at UC Berkeley. She works with Alicia on the characterization of CO2 adsorption on Mixed Metal Oxides. Outside of the lab, Michelle enjoys playing music, dancing, and reading.
Michelle Zhao
The Reimer Group enjoys a strong and symbiotic relationship with the staff in the College of Chemistry NMR Facility
My research interests are developing NMR methods to study porous material such as MOF and mixed metal oxides for CO2 capture in industrial flue gas. In particular I am interested in how NMR can help elucidate the molecular level interactions that influence water competition with CO2 adsorption in these materials.