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
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.
Majid Shahbabaei
CPE 3.468
Joined: August 2024
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, South Korea
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Energy Conversion, Iran
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Thermal-Fluids, Iran
Postdoc, RIT, United States
Majid has expertise in water treatment, energy harvesting, and computational modeling. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, he has been exploring the mechanisms behind the permeability-selectivity of fluids (water, ions, and gas) across nanoporous membrane materials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and metal and covalent organic frameworks for environmental applications. His current work focuses on understanding the antifouling properties of zwitterionic membranes against proteins and foulants through MD simulations. By elucidating the fundamental molecular interactions between zwitterionic membrane surfaces and various foulants, his research contributes to the rational design of more efficient and sustainable water treatment technologies.
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)!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tyler “TJ” Duncan
CPE 3.472
Joined: Nov. 2020
M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Texas Austin
B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Kansas
TJ is pursuing research interests in artificial water channels for ion selectivity using Molecular Dynamics simulations. In his spare time, TJ studies music through the cello and the guitar.
Nico Marioni
CPE 3.468
Joined: Nov. 2020, coadvised by Prof. Benny Freeman
M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Texas Austin
B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Houston
Nico’s research is focused on studying ion diffusion through polymer membranes for water purification applications. Nico is a PC enthusiast and gamer and enjoys hanging out with friends in his free time.