The Ganesan Group Venkat Ganesan, Ph.D. Kenneth A. Kobe Professor in Chemical Engineering CPE 3.414 Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.S., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California at Santa Barbara Mail Google Scholar Postdoctoral Scholars Zidan Zhang, Ph.D. CPE 3.472 Joined: Dec. 2018 Ph.D., Material Physics and Chemistry, Tianjin University, China M.S., Material Physics and Chemistry, Tianjin University, China B.S., Material Physics and Chemistry, Tianjin University, China Postdoctoral Researcher, KU Leuven, Belgium Zidan has been working on the multiscale simulation of the polymeric ionic liquid electrolytes. He uses a combination of quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, coarse-graining, reactive coarse-grained molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo methods. The adaptive resolution method and transferable force fields are the bridges to link all the methods together so he can move from the fine to coarse scales and vice versa. Mail Google Scholar Link Krishnendu Mukherjee, Ph.D. CPE 3.472 Joined: Sep. 2025 Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame M.S., Chemical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, India Krish’s current research focuses on coarse-graining and machine learning methods for gas separation using polymer membranes. During his PhD, he developed active machine learning frameworks for multi-component gas adsorption in metal–organic frameworks and examined the impact of electrostatic configurations on water vapor adsorption. In his free time, he enjoys watching the sport of cricket. Mail Google Scholar LinkedIn GitHub Link Dina Kussainova, Ph.D. CPE 3.468 Joined: Nov. 2025 Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Princeton University B.Eng., Chemical Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan Dina studies ion transport in polymer membranes and electrolytes using molecular dynamics simulations. Her PhD work focused on developing ab initio-based machine-learning potentials to study the chemical reactions and thermodynamics of molten salts and electrolyte solutions. Mail Google Scholar LinkedIn Graduate Students Siqi Wang CPE 3.472 Joined: Nov. 2024 M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Florida B.S., Chemistry, Capital Normal University, China Siqi explores artificial water channels for ion selectivity using Molecular Dynamics simulations. Previously, she worked on polymer synthesis during her master’s. Outside the lab, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen (trying new recipes)! Mail Ying Zheng CPE 3.468 Joined: Nov. 2024 B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Ying’s research currently focuses on exploring interactions between ions and zwitterions in the aqueous solution through Molecular Dynamics simulations. In her free time, she likes to play video games (PS & NS) and listen to music. Mail Kazuya Morishita CPE 3.468 Joined: Nov. 2023 M.S., Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University B.S., Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University Kazuya’s current research is focused on studying ion diffusion through zwitterionic copolymer membranes for water purification by using Molecular Dynamics simulations. In his spare time, he likes to eat something delicious. Mail Meron Tadesse CPE 3.468 Joined: Nov. 2021 M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Texas Austin B.S., Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Meron’s current research interest is focused on understanding the ion transport in zwitterionic polymer-supported salt-doped ionic liquid electrolytes. She also enjoys exploring the city of Austin through its beautiful scenery and amazing cuisine options. Mail Google Scholar LinkedIn Paul Irving CPE 3.468 Joined: Nov. 2021, coadvised by Prof. Benny Freeman B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester Paul is interested in selective ion transport and partitioning in polymer membranes. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and attending UT sporting events. Mail Google Scholar LinkedIn
