Members

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Lead Researcher

Our Mentoring Philosophy

We believe that great scientists are developed through support, belonging, challenge, and respect for others. Students and researchers at all levels, including high school interns, undergraduates, master’s students, and postdoctoral scholars, participate in every stage of the research process. Through mentorship, collaboration, and a culture that values diverse perspectives, laboratory members are empowered to develop the independence, confidence, and leadership skills necessary for successful scientific careers.

Current Graduate Students
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Mukeh Cafarina Ngubui

Cafarina joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as a master’s student in Fall 2025. She earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry with a minor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Buea, Cameroon. Supported by the NSF LEAPS-MPS Program, her research focuses on the development of visible-light-absorbing photocages for the synthesis of challenging organic and biologically active molecules. Despite being early in her graduate career, Cafarina has already co-authored one peer-reviewed publication. Following completion of her master’s degree, she plans to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry or in quality control, where she hopes to apply her training in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

Current Undergraduate Student Researchers

Genevieve “Geni” Insalaca

Geni started working in our lab in the Fall 2025 semester. She is an undergraduate student studying both Criminal Justice and Chemistry, with a concentration in Forensic Chemistry. After earning both degrees, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree, and a future career, in Forensic Science.

Malaurie Georges

Malaurie joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as an undergraduate researcher while pursuing her B.S. in Biology. Her research focuses on organic synthesis and the development of voltage-sensitive dyes, with particular interest in designing and studying fluorescent molecules for biological applications. Through her work in the lab, Malaurie has gained experience in organic chemistry research and the synthesis and characterization of novel fluorophores. Following graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue an M.D., with the goal of building a career in medicine while continuing to draw on her background in scientific research.

Anayah Jerome

Anayah Jerome is a Double Owl Scholar at Kennesaw State University, simultaneously completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees through KSU’s accelerated pathway. Her research focuses on the development of fluorescent probes for detecting and characterizing cell membranes, with the goal of gaining deeper insight into membrane structure, dynamics, and function in biological systems. Anayah is passionate about both scientific discovery and serving others. Following the completion of her graduate studies, she plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D., combining clinical medicine and biomedical research to advance human health. She is known for her strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to fostering a collaborative and respectful research environment.

Current High School Students

Alexandru “Alex” Tapu

Alex is a high school research intern from Wheeler High School who joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory in Summer 2025 through the Wheeler Magnet Program. His research focuses on “Tuning the Photophysical Properties of Nitro-Substituted BN-Heteroarene Fluorophores Through Molecular Twisting,” where he investigates how molecular structure influences the optical and fluorescence properties of BN-containing materials. Through this work, Alex has gained hands-on experience in synthetic chemistry, photophysical characterization, and scientific research. Despite being early in his research career, he has already co-authored one peer-reviewed publication, highlighting his dedication and potential as a young scientist.

Saint-Louis Research Group Alumni

Dr. Lingaraju “Raju” Gorla

Raju joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Spring 2025 and remained with the group through Spring 2026. During his time in the lab, he helped develop multifunctional fluorescent polycyclic 1,2-BN-heteroarenes and visible-light-responsive photocages for the synthesis of challenging organic and biologically relevant molecules. His contributions resulted in five peer-reviewed publications and two provisional patent applications, highlighting both the scientific impact and translational potential of his work. Raju is currently a Research Scientist at Augusta University.

Blaise Williams

Blaise Williams joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as a master’s student in Spring 2025 after earning his B.S. in Biochemistry from Kennesaw State University in 2024. Supported by an NIH T32 training grant through the Peach State Bridges to the Doctorate Program, he completed his M.S. in Chemical Sciences in August 2026. His research focused on the design of electron-deficient 1,2-BN-heteroarenes, investigating how molecular geometry influences solubility, photophysical properties, and multifunctional applications. During his time in the lab, Blaise co-authored three peer-reviewed publications and contributed to two provisional patent applications. Following graduation, Blaise plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. in Pharmacology.

Student in goggles in lab “A student wearing protective goggles and a lab coat smiles while standing at a laboratory bench.”

Albert Campbell

Albert joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as an undergraduate researcher in Fall 2020 and continued his training through the completion of his graduate studies. Supported by an NIH T32 training grant through the Peach State Bridges to the Doctorate Program and the NSF LEAPS-MPS Program, he earned his M.S. in Chemical Sciences from Kennesaw State University in May 2024. His research focused on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials and the development of photolabile protecting groups for the synthesis of hydroxamic acids. During his time in the laboratory, Albert co-authored three peer-reviewed publications and contributed to one patent application, reflecting both the scientific impact and translational potential of his work. Following graduation, Albert joined the Ph.D. program at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he continues to pursue his passion for scientific research and discovery.

A researcher wearing a lab coat, safety goggles, and blue gloves holds a glowing blue liquid sample over a handheld fluorescence device in a chemistry lab.”

Adeline Moss

Adeline joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as an undergraduate researcher in Spring 2022 while pursuing her B.S. in Biochemistry at Kennesaw State University. During her time in the laboratory, she contributed to research projects that resulted in one peer-reviewed publication, demonstrating her commitment to scientific research and scholarship. After earning her bachelor’s degree in May 2023, Adeline pursued a career in forensic science and is currently a Crime Laboratory Scientist in Toxicology with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), where she applies her expertise in chemistry and analytical techniques to support criminal investigations.

Ophelia Adjei-Sah

Ophelia joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory in Fall 2022 and earned her M.S. in Chemical Sciences from Kennesaw State University in May 2024. Her graduate studies were supported by the NSF LEAPS-MPS Program. Her research focused on the development and application of visible-light-absorbing photolabile protecting groups for the synthesis of hydroxamic acids, advancing light-mediated approaches to organic synthesis. During her time in the laboratory, Ophelia co-authored four peer-reviewed publications and contributed to a patent application, demonstrating both the scientific impact and translational potential of her research. Following graduation, Ophelia joined The Coca-Cola Company as an Analytical Chemist at its global headquarters, where she continues to apply her expertise in chemistry and analytical science in an industrial setting.

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“A researcher wearing a lab coat, safety goggles, and gloves smiles while holding a flask containing green liquid in a chemistry lab.”

Lyric conducted undergraduate research in the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory while pursuing her B.S. in Chemistry at Kennesaw State University. During her time in the lab, she contributed to ongoing research projects and co-authored one peer-reviewed publication, demonstrating her commitment to scientific inquiry and scholarship. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Lyric earned her master’s degree at KSU, building on the strong research foundation developed during her undergraduate studies.

Kaia Ellis

Kaia joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as an undergraduate researcher in Spring 2022 while pursuing her B.S. in Biochemistry at Kennesaw State University. During her time in the laboratory, she contributed to research projects that resulted in one peer-reviewed publication, demonstrating both her scientific curiosity and commitment to research excellence. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Fall 2022, Kaia continued her academic journey and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Temple University, where she is building on the research foundation established during her undergraduate training.

“A researcher wearing a lab coat, safety goggles, and gloves smiles while holding a round-bottom flask containing yellow liquid in a chemistry lab.”
“A researcher wearing glasses and a striped shirt operates laboratory glassware connected to a rotary evaporator in a chemistry lab.”

Robert Hughley

Robert joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory in Fall 2020 as a master’s student after earning his B.S. in Chemistry from Georgia College & State University in 2018. His research focused on the development of azaborine-based fluorescent glucose sensors and their applications in molecular sensing. During his time in the laboratory, Robert co-authored one peer-reviewed publication, contributing to the group’s efforts in fluorescent sensor development. He earned his M.S. in Chemical Sciences from Kennesaw State University in Fall 2021 and subsequently continued his graduate training at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry.

Janiyah Riley

Janiyah joined the Saint-Louis Research Laboratory as an undergraduate researcher in Spring 2022 while pursuing her B.S. in Chemistryat Kennesaw State University. During her time in the laboratory, she contributed to research projects that resulted in one peer-reviewed publication, demonstrating her dedication to scientific research and professional growth. After earning her bachelor’s degree in May 2022, Janiyah began her career as an Associate Scientist at Alcon Pharmaceuticals, where she works as part of a multidisciplinary team involved in the manufacturing and development of contact lenses. 

“A researcher wearing a lab coat, safety goggles, and blue gloves smiles while holding two small glowing blue samples over a fluorescence device in a chemistry lab.”
Scientist holding glowing flask “A scientist wearing gloves and safety goggles holds a flask containing green liquid while standing at a lab bench.”

Lilianna “Lili” Kocai

Lili joined our lab in Fall 2023 as a First-Year Scholars student. She continued through the Sophomore and Junior Scholars Program. She has presented her research at ACS, NCUR, SURC, and SERMACS and published on nitro-substituted fluorescent polycyclic 1,2-BN-heteroarenes and exploring their potential applications.

Skylor Seetaram

Skylor joined our lab in Fall 2024 through the First-Year Scholars Program and has continued her research as part of the Sophomore Scholars Program. She worked on synthesizing Voltage-sensitive dyes.

Researcher holding test tube and instrument “A researcher in a lab coat and blue gloves holds a test tube with yellow liquid next to a handheld instrument in a laboratory.”
“A researcher wearing a lab coat, safety goggles, and blue gloves adjusts laboratory glassware connected to a benchtop instrument in a chemistry lab.”

Temitope Folorunsho was an undergraduate student researcher at KSU (Fall 2021).

Samuel Moore was undergraduate student researcher at KSU (Fall 2021-Spring 2022).

“A student wearing a lab coat, safety goggles, and blue gloves holds a small glowing sample over a handheld fluorescence device in a chemistry lab.”
“A researcher wearing a white lab coat stands in front of a laboratory fume hood with chemical structures drawn on the glass.”

Peter Gobran was an undergraduate student researcher at KSU (Spring 2021).

Former Students Mentored as Post Doctoral Associate

Renée Shavnore was an undergraduate student researcher at UWF. She is now a medical student at Ross University School of Medicine. 

A medical professional wearing a white coat stands smiling outside a building with a large ‘Cleveland Clinic Florida’ sign on the wall.”
Three students holding flasks “Three students wearing gloves hold flasks containing glowing green and yellow solutions in a laboratory.
  • Ashton Taylor (left) worked as an undergraduate student researcher at UWF. She is now a graduate student at the University of South Florida.
  • Caleb McCliton (middle) was an undergraduate student researcher at UWF. He is now a technician at 3Mc Mobile Mechanical.
  • Haliegh Castonguay (right) was an undergraduate student researcher at UWF. She is now completing her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at The University of North Florida.

Andrew Schroeder was an undergraduate student researcher at UWF. He is now pursuing a MD/PhD degree at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. His PhD thesis focuses on the adaptive immune response to viral infections.

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Three researchers at poster session “Three researchers stand in front of a scientific poster at an academic conference.”
  • Lacey Magill (left) was an undergraduate student researcher at UWF. She is now a dental assistant in the Air Force Dental Corps’ Advanced Education General Dentistry II residency program in San Antonio, TX
  • Breonna Brown (middle) was an undergraduate student researcher at UWF.
  • Julie Wilson (right) was an undergraduate student researcher at UWF. She is now working as an analyst at Eurofins Environment Testing US at Pensacola, Florida.