Postdoctoral Scholars
*We currently do not have any funded openings for PDFs, however contact Dr. Bruce if you are eligible for independent funding and are interested in the group!
Graduate Students
Mekha P M hails from Kerala, India, and holds an MSc. in Applied Chemistry from CMS College, Kottayam and Mahama Ghandi University, Kottayam in her home state. With a keen interest in research, she conducted pioneering work in the area of Polymer Chemistry and Supramolecular Chemistry. Mekha’s research interest lies in the understanding of fundamentals of chemical reactions and she strives to contribute the advancement of scientific world by unravelling the exiting secrets hidden within these reactions. Beyond her academic pursuits, Mekha finds creative expression in poetry, using language to convey her thoughts and emotions.
Elizabeth Hildebrand is an incoming first year graduate student from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is originally from Washington State and is currently working on liquid jet photoelectron spectroscopy of nanoclusters in solution
Undergraduate Students
Amal Berhan is born and raised in Las Vegas and is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry. As a member of the group, Amal’s work is focused on functionalizing the surface of silicon using organic reactions and characterizing it with XPS, UPS, IPES, etc. Her long term goal is to apply all that she has learned to combat climate change. Outside of the lab, Amal enjoys hiking, listening to history podcasts, and caring for her two cats.
Rebecca Woods is a senior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Rebecca’s current research focuses on the formation of nanoparticles in aqueous solutions and furthering the use of liquid-jet X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (LJ-XPS) within the group. Originally from Kingston Springs, Tennessee she gained an interest in hiking and participated in archery courses, gaining proficiency in the use of recurve and compound bows. In her time outside academic pursuits she enjoys learning about advancements in the fields of forensics and psychology, watching comedy shows and spending time with friends and family.
Lauren Felknor is originally from Boulder, Colorado. She came to Las Vegas as a member of the UNLV cross country and track teams. She is in her fifth year pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Criminal Justice. In addition to her academic work, she works part time as a Forensic Laboratory Assistant for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. After graduation, she hopes to either continue her work in the criminal justice field or transition to a research field in the physical sciences. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys the outdoors, cooking, reading, and playing instruments.
Hunter Clark was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After attending his first year of college at Colorado State University, he transferred to UNLV to further his academic journey. With a passion for education, he dreams of becoming a teacher. He currently supports students by tutoring chemistry and math and working as a substitute teacher for CCSD. Outside of academics, he enjoys swimming, hiking, cycling, working out at the gym, exploring car culture, and attending concerts. His diverse interests and dedication to helping others shape his vision for a meaningful career in teaching.
*Contact Dr. Bruce for Research and Summer Student Opportunities. We are always on the lookout for excited, motivated undergraduates to join our team!
