GROUP MEMBERS
Principal Investigator
Kurtis Carsch, PhD
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
he/him/his
he/him/his
Kurtis Carsch is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. His research combines synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry to address contemporary challenges in C–H functionalization catalysis, materials processability, transition metal electronic structure, and chemical separations.
When not in the lab, you’ll find him hiking, attempting to play pickleball, seeking out the spiciest foods known to civilization, or exploring the Texas Hill Country.
Email: kcarsch[@]utexas.edu
Read more
When not in the lab, you’ll find him hiking, attempting to play pickleball, seeking out the spiciest foods known to civilization, or exploring the Texas Hill Country.
Email: kcarsch[@]utexas.edu
Read more
CARSCH GROUP ALUMNI
Miles McMillan Austin Community College, Round Rock, Undergraduate
(May 2026 – August 2026, CREATE Program)
Current position: Undergraduate Student (Kurtis Carsch, UT Austin)
Jonathan (Deyu) Li University of Texas at Austin, Undergraduate
(May 2025 – July 2025).
Current position: Undergraduate Student (Mike Aubrey, UT Austin)
Dayon Kim Pohang Institute of Science and Technology, Visiting Undergraduate
(June 2025 – August 2025).
Current position: Graduate Student (Sarah Park, KAIST)
(May 2026 – August 2026, CREATE Program)
Current position: Undergraduate Student (Kurtis Carsch, UT Austin)
Jonathan (Deyu) Li University of Texas at Austin, Undergraduate
(May 2025 – July 2025).
Current position: Undergraduate Student (Mike Aubrey, UT Austin)
Dayon Kim Pohang Institute of Science and Technology, Visiting Undergraduate
(June 2025 – August 2025).
Current position: Graduate Student (Sarah Park, KAIST)
Interested In Joining Our Program?
Graduate Students – We are actively recruiting motivated graduate students of all backgrounds, drawing upon core concepts in synthetic chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. Students will receive an expansive world-class training in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as training in a range of analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, sorption, microscopy, and diffraction.
Our current research focuses on (1) the efficient synthesis of complex molecules through C–H functionalization, (2) solution-processability sorbents for membrane-based and adsorbent-based separations, (3) the design of reactive low-coordinate transition metal complexes with exotic electronic structures, and (4) and the design of fundamentally new sorbents to address climate change and abate increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Prospective graduate students to the Department of Chemistry at UT Austin are STRONGLY encouraged to reach out via email prior to submission of an application.
AI-generated inquiries will be discarded.
Postdoctoral Researchers – We are actively recruiting one postdoctoral fellow to join our growing research program. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Kurtis (kcarsch@utexas.edu) with a CV, a brief cover letter, a 1–2 page summary of prior research, and the names of at least two references who can provide letters of support upon request. Prospective applicants are welcome to reach out in advance to discuss current research directions and alignment with their career goals.
Strong applicants will hold a background in synthetic inorganic chemistry with an interest in either the synthesis of molecules with nontraditional electronic structures or chemical separations with porous materials.
Undergraduate Students, High School Students, & Visiting Scholars – We are actively recruiting undergraduate students and visiting scholars. Please reach out to Kurtis with a brief biosketch and/or CV, and please provide a few sentences on what interests you about scientific research.
Undergraduate applicants at UT Austin must be actively pursing a degree in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering. Please do not send AI-generated inquiries.
JOIN US – WE'RE RECRUITING!
Interested In Joining The Carsch Group?
Dr. An Ho
Postdoctoral Researcher
B.S. Nebraska Wesleyan University (2018)
Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin (2024)
An was born and raised in Binh Duong, Vietnam. In 2014, he moved to the U.S to attend college at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska where he got his B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Math. During his undergraduate study, he worked with Nathanael Fackler in multiple projects including template synthesis of macrocyclic imine and synthesis of verdazyl radical dye.
In 2018, An joined Dr. Kami Hull at the University of Texas at Austin where he worked on developing transition-metal-catalyzed amination of olefins and borylation of arenes. In 2024, An obtained his PhD and joined the Carsch group, where his research addresses C–H functionalization with metalloradical catalysis and small molecule functionalization with microporous liquids.
When he is not working on chemistry, An enjoys learning history, collecting interesting things, and playing Pokemon.
B.S. Nebraska Wesleyan University (2018)
Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin (2024)
An was born and raised in Binh Duong, Vietnam. In 2014, he moved to the U.S to attend college at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska where he got his B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Math. During his undergraduate study, he worked with Nathanael Fackler in multiple projects including template synthesis of macrocyclic imine and synthesis of verdazyl radical dye.
In 2018, An joined Dr. Kami Hull at the University of Texas at Austin where he worked on developing transition-metal-catalyzed amination of olefins and borylation of arenes. In 2024, An obtained his PhD and joined the Carsch group, where his research addresses C–H functionalization with metalloradical catalysis and small molecule functionalization with microporous liquids.
When he is not working on chemistry, An enjoys learning history, collecting interesting things, and playing Pokemon.
Dr. Manasseh Osei
Postdoctoral Researcher
B.S. KNUST (2017)
Ph.D. Rice (2025)
Manasseh is from Kumasi, Ghana, and earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he conducted DFT studies under the supervision of Dr. Evans Adei, sparking his research interest. In 2019, he moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry and joined the lab of Dr. Raúl Hernández Sánchez, where he investigated the synthesis and reactivity of multinuclear copper and iron clusters designed for small-molecule activation.
Manasseh received his Ph.D. in 2025 from Rice University and joined the Carsch Lab as a postdoctoral researcher, where he is exploring reactivity of low-coordinate metal ions in coordination complexes are metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), drawing inspiration from biological entatic states.
Outside of lab, Manasseh enjoys playing tennis casually.
B.S. KNUST (2017)
Ph.D. Rice (2025)
Manasseh is from Kumasi, Ghana, and earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he conducted DFT studies under the supervision of Dr. Evans Adei, sparking his research interest. In 2019, he moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry and joined the lab of Dr. Raúl Hernández Sánchez, where he investigated the synthesis and reactivity of multinuclear copper and iron clusters designed for small-molecule activation.
Manasseh received his Ph.D. in 2025 from Rice University and joined the Carsch Lab as a postdoctoral researcher, where he is exploring reactivity of low-coordinate metal ions in coordination complexes are metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), drawing inspiration from biological entatic states.
Outside of lab, Manasseh enjoys playing tennis casually.
Dr. Miguel Gakiya-Teruya
Postdoctoral Researcher
B.S. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (2016)
Ph.D. Florida State University (2025)
Miguel was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where he earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM). He did his Bachelor's thesis under the supervision of Dr. Juan Carlos Rodríguez-Reyes between UNMSM and the University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC), where he conducted the synthesis and characterization of gold and silver nanoparticles functionalized with peptides.
In 2019, he moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Florida State University (FSU) and worked under the supervision of Dr. Michael Shatruk, where he investigated sublimable or exfoliable spin crossover (SCO) Fe(II) complexes and their behavior as a thin film. Also, he worked on increasing the coherence time of molecular spin qubits of lanthanides and transition metals using a quantum property known clock transition.
Miguel received his Ph.D. in 2025 from FSU, and in 2026, he will join the Carsch Lab as a postdoctoral researcher, where he is exploring the synthesis and characterization of metal–organic liquids for targeted environmental nanoseparations.
Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing soccer and going hiking.
B.S. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (2016)
Ph.D. Florida State University (2025)
Miguel was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where he earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM). He did his Bachelor's thesis under the supervision of Dr. Juan Carlos Rodríguez-Reyes between UNMSM and the University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC), where he conducted the synthesis and characterization of gold and silver nanoparticles functionalized with peptides.
In 2019, he moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Florida State University (FSU) and worked under the supervision of Dr. Michael Shatruk, where he investigated sublimable or exfoliable spin crossover (SCO) Fe(II) complexes and their behavior as a thin film. Also, he worked on increasing the coherence time of molecular spin qubits of lanthanides and transition metals using a quantum property known clock transition.
Miguel received his Ph.D. in 2025 from FSU, and in 2026, he will join the Carsch Lab as a postdoctoral researcher, where he is exploring the synthesis and characterization of metal–organic liquids for targeted environmental nanoseparations.
Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing soccer and going hiking.
Ian Arny
Graduate Student
B.S. Miami University (2024)
Ian was born and raised in rural Ohio.
In 2021, Ian began his studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his undergraduate years, Ian worked in the research group of Dr. Dominik Konkolewicz, synthesizing dynamic polymers and exploring novel crosslinkers. This work fueled his passion for polymer chemistry and advanced materials.
In 2024, Ian graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in Chemistry, marking the beginning of his journey in scientific research and innovation on microporous metallopolymers at The University of Texas at Austin.
In his free time, Ian enjoys watching Formula 1 and playing video games.
B.S. Miami University (2024)
Ian was born and raised in rural Ohio.
In 2021, Ian began his studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his undergraduate years, Ian worked in the research group of Dr. Dominik Konkolewicz, synthesizing dynamic polymers and exploring novel crosslinkers. This work fueled his passion for polymer chemistry and advanced materials.
In 2024, Ian graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in Chemistry, marking the beginning of his journey in scientific research and innovation on microporous metallopolymers at The University of Texas at Austin.
In his free time, Ian enjoys watching Formula 1 and playing video games.
Ning Deng
Graduate Student
B.S. New York University (2025)
Ning was born in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Ning began his undergraduate education in New York University in 2021 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his undergraduate years, Ning worked in the Dr. Marvin Parasram’s research group, developing synthetic methodologies.
Ning graduated from New York University in 2025 and started his graduate education in the University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, Ning’s research focuses on metalloradical C–H functionalization catalysis.
In his free time, Ning likes playing video games.
B.S. New York University (2025)
Ning was born in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Ning began his undergraduate education in New York University in 2021 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his undergraduate years, Ning worked in the Dr. Marvin Parasram’s research group, developing synthetic methodologies.
Ning graduated from New York University in 2025 and started his graduate education in the University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, Ning’s research focuses on metalloradical C–H functionalization catalysis.
In his free time, Ning likes playing video games.
Chengmin Xie
Graduate Student
B.S. Shanghai Jiao Tong (2023)
Chengmin Xie was born in Ningde, Fujian, China. He moved to Shanghai and lived there with his family since 2011.
In 2019, he begin to receive his undergraduate education in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. There he attended Prof. Yuanhai Su’s lab studying the development of microflow reactors. Then, he moved to Prof. Yongjian Zhang’s lab where he received training in organic chemistry and finished his graduation thesis on PHOX ligand synthesis.
After graduating in September 2023, he moved to Prof. Pengfei Zhang’s lab working on mechanochemistry, synthesizing porous metal oxide with catalyst activity. Now, his research focuses on microporous liquids for catalysis and microporous materials for chemical separation and storage.
Outside of science, he is also interested in learning languages.
B.S. Shanghai Jiao Tong (2023)
Chengmin Xie was born in Ningde, Fujian, China. He moved to Shanghai and lived there with his family since 2011.
In 2019, he begin to receive his undergraduate education in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. There he attended Prof. Yuanhai Su’s lab studying the development of microflow reactors. Then, he moved to Prof. Yongjian Zhang’s lab where he received training in organic chemistry and finished his graduation thesis on PHOX ligand synthesis.
After graduating in September 2023, he moved to Prof. Pengfei Zhang’s lab working on mechanochemistry, synthesizing porous metal oxide with catalyst activity. Now, his research focuses on microporous liquids for catalysis and microporous materials for chemical separation and storage.
Outside of science, he is also interested in learning languages.
Hana Lee
Undergraduate Student.
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Hana is from Frisco, TX and is pursuing a B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, she works on synthesizing metal–organic frameworks with multiple binding sites in proximity to furnish new separation mechanisms, After graduating, she plans on pursuing a Ph.D in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry.
In her free time she enjoys cooking, video games and spending time with her 3 cats.
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Hana is from Frisco, TX and is pursuing a B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, she works on synthesizing metal–organic frameworks with multiple binding sites in proximity to furnish new separation mechanisms, After graduating, she plans on pursuing a Ph.D in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry.
In her free time she enjoys cooking, video games and spending time with her 3 cats.
Jonathan Hu
Undergraduate Student
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Jonathan was born in Livingston, New Jersey. He is currently pursuing B.S. degrees in chemistry and mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, Jonathan works on synthesizing electron-rich metal complexes and metal–organic frameworks. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a PhD in chemistry.
Outside of lab, he enjoys listening to music and playing video games.
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Jonathan was born in Livingston, New Jersey. He is currently pursuing B.S. degrees in chemistry and mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, Jonathan works on synthesizing electron-rich metal complexes and metal–organic frameworks. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a PhD in chemistry.
Outside of lab, he enjoys listening to music and playing video games.
Yasaman Karbalaeemorad
Yassi was born and raised in Tehran, and moved to the United States to pursue graduate studies.
In 2018, Yassi joined Prof. Saeed Sheibani’s research group at the University of Tehran, where she worked on the synthesis and characterization of photocatalytic materials.
After earning her B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering in 2023, Yassi began her Ph.D. studies at The University of Texas at Austin. Working with Prof. C. Buddie Mullins and Prof. Kurtis Carsch, her research focuses on adsorption mechanisms and porous carbon materials.
Beyond her research, Yassi enjoys staying active, exploring the outdoors, and balancing science with creativity through painting.
In 2018, Yassi joined Prof. Saeed Sheibani’s research group at the University of Tehran, where she worked on the synthesis and characterization of photocatalytic materials.
After earning her B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering in 2023, Yassi began her Ph.D. studies at The University of Texas at Austin. Working with Prof. C. Buddie Mullins and Prof. Kurtis Carsch, her research focuses on adsorption mechanisms and porous carbon materials.
Beyond her research, Yassi enjoys staying active, exploring the outdoors, and balancing science with creativity through painting.
Ruoyang Zhang
Ruoyang was born in Changzhou, China. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Rice University in 2026, where he worked with Prof. Rafael Verduzco on the synthesis and characterization of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), including methods for gram-scale synthesis under ambient conditions. He also studied self-healing polymers at Nanjing University and chiral conjugated polymers with Prof. Seth Marder at the University of Colorado Boulder.
In 2026, Ruoyang began his Ph.D. studies in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include porous materials and functional polymers, particularly how their structures influence their properties. His current work involves the design of metal–organic membranes and polyMOFs.
Outside the lab, Ruoyang enjoys playing video games and traveling.
In 2026, Ruoyang began his Ph.D. studies in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include porous materials and functional polymers, particularly how their structures influence their properties. His current work involves the design of metal–organic membranes and polyMOFs.
Outside the lab, Ruoyang enjoys playing video games and traveling.
Rajarshee Dey
Rajarshee was born and raised in Kolkata, India.
From 2021 to 2024 he pursued his B.Sc. (with Hons.) in Chemistry at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata affiliated to the University of Calcutta. During his undergraduate studies, he worked with Dr. Koushik Sarkar on Metallacycles with applications in sensing and catalysis.
In 2024, Rajarshee joined the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur for his M.Sc. in Chemistry. During his Masters he worked with Dr. Prakash Chandra Mondal on Molecular electronics, particularly on charge transport studying through molecular thin films. After completing his Master's degree in 2026, Rajarshee joined The University of Texas at Austin as a graduate student and is currently a member of the Carsch group, where is investigates MOFs and polyMOFs.
Outside of lab, he is listens to music, plays the keyboard, and watches soccer.
From 2021 to 2024 he pursued his B.Sc. (with Hons.) in Chemistry at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata affiliated to the University of Calcutta. During his undergraduate studies, he worked with Dr. Koushik Sarkar on Metallacycles with applications in sensing and catalysis.
In 2024, Rajarshee joined the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur for his M.Sc. in Chemistry. During his Masters he worked with Dr. Prakash Chandra Mondal on Molecular electronics, particularly on charge transport studying through molecular thin films. After completing his Master's degree in 2026, Rajarshee joined The University of Texas at Austin as a graduate student and is currently a member of the Carsch group, where is investigates MOFs and polyMOFs.
Outside of lab, he is listens to music, plays the keyboard, and watches soccer.
Yuto Onozuka
Yuto was born in Niigata and raised in Hyogo, Japan.
In 2018, Yuto began his studies at the University of Tokyo. During his undergraduate years, Yuto worked in the research group of Prof. Yoshiaki Nishibayashi, developing light-driven catalytic nitrogen fixation. After graduating in 2022, Yuto joined Prof. Takashi Uemura’s group at the University of Tokyo, where he studied the physical properties of carbon nanomaterials confined in the MOF nanospace, and received his master’s degree in 2024. He then joined Dow Chemical Japan as a researcher in the product development department.
In 2026, Yuto moved to the United States to pursue a doctoral degree and joined the Carsch group. He is interested in metalloradical catalysis.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, Japanese chess (Shogi), chess, listening to music, and reading novels.
In 2018, Yuto began his studies at the University of Tokyo. During his undergraduate years, Yuto worked in the research group of Prof. Yoshiaki Nishibayashi, developing light-driven catalytic nitrogen fixation. After graduating in 2022, Yuto joined Prof. Takashi Uemura’s group at the University of Tokyo, where he studied the physical properties of carbon nanomaterials confined in the MOF nanospace, and received his master’s degree in 2024. He then joined Dow Chemical Japan as a researcher in the product development department.
In 2026, Yuto moved to the United States to pursue a doctoral degree and joined the Carsch group. He is interested in metalloradical catalysis.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, Japanese chess (Shogi), chess, listening to music, and reading novels.
Mykaela Ocampo
Mykaela grew up moving frequently as a military child, but claims San Diego as home.
In 2022, she began her undergraduate studies at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. During her time at PLNU, she did chemistry research under Dr. Marc Perry, focusing on the design, synthesis, and study of N-metallocyclic carbene complexes and their respective precursor ligands. This work culminated in her honors scholar project “Development of a Computational Model to Predict the Electronic Properties of N-metallocyclic Carbenes,” which integrated experimental synthesis with DFT calculations to model the electronic structures of the carbene complexes.
In 2026, she graduated from PLNU with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Data Analytics. Now at the UT Austin, her work in the Carsch Lab specializes in coordination chemistry
In her free time, Mykaela likes to read, watch Formula 1, and hang out with her cats, Beaker and Bunsen.
In 2022, she began her undergraduate studies at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. During her time at PLNU, she did chemistry research under Dr. Marc Perry, focusing on the design, synthesis, and study of N-metallocyclic carbene complexes and their respective precursor ligands. This work culminated in her honors scholar project “Development of a Computational Model to Predict the Electronic Properties of N-metallocyclic Carbenes,” which integrated experimental synthesis with DFT calculations to model the electronic structures of the carbene complexes.
In 2026, she graduated from PLNU with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Data Analytics. Now at the UT Austin, her work in the Carsch Lab specializes in coordination chemistry
In her free time, Mykaela likes to read, watch Formula 1, and hang out with her cats, Beaker and Bunsen.
Miles McMillan
Miles is from Round Rock, Texas. She received her A.S. from Austin Community College, where she worked under Dr. Shawn Amorde, in collaboration with Dr. Sean Roberts from UT, primarily synthesizing a library of DFF compounds.
Miles is currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, she is focused on synthesizing and characterizing Metal-Organic Frameworks for use in Porous Liquids. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry.
Miles is currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, she is focused on synthesizing and characterizing Metal-Organic Frameworks for use in Porous Liquids. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry.
© The Carsch Group 2024
