The Team Leader
Mohammad A. Halim
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Dr. Halim grew up in a small village of northern Bangladesh. He completed his BSc and MSc at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh and obtained his second masters in computational chemistry from Memorial University, Canada. Dr. Halim received his PhD from CNRS and University de Lyon. Before moving to UAFS, he worked as a post-doc at Atomic Energy Commission, France and Carnegie Mellon University, USA.
Dr. Halim has diverse research experiences in liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, top-down proteomics, native mass spectrometry, computer-aided drug design and molecular dynamics. Besides research, he loves to teach chemistry incorporating everyday thinking, depicting big and small pictures, and integrating history, mythology and fiction. When not in the department, Dr. Halim enjoys reading books, writing poetry, cooking, fishing and spending time with his family. |
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Graduate Students
Ackas Ali
Md Ackas Ali received his Bachelor of Science degree in 2021 from Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh, where he majored in chemistry and minored in physics and mathematics. Ali has significant undergraduate research experiences on computational chemistry and drug-surfactant interactions and published several articles on these topics.
Currently, Ali is enrolled in the Master of Science program in chemistry and biochemistry at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, USA.
Ali's current research focuses on developing staple peptide therapeutics against viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2. He is working on developing and synthesizing new peptides and characterizing their properties using analytical techniques such as LC/MS, NMR, as well as using theoretical approaches to understand their structural and dynamic behavior.
Email: mali39@students.kennesaw.edu
Currently, Ali is enrolled in the Master of Science program in chemistry and biochemistry at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, USA.
Ali's current research focuses on developing staple peptide therapeutics against viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2. He is working on developing and synthesizing new peptides and characterizing their properties using analytical techniques such as LC/MS, NMR, as well as using theoretical approaches to understand their structural and dynamic behavior.
Email: mali39@students.kennesaw.edu
Anusha Bhattarai
Anusha Bhattarai was born and raised in Nepal and has been in Nepal her entire life until now. Anusha is graduated from Tribhuvan University in 2020 and came to United states to pursue a master’s degree in Kennesaw state university. During her undergraduate, she performed research work in the electrophysiology.
In Dr. Halim group, she is focusing her research on deep eutectic solvents and their impact on enzyme activation.
In her leisure time, she loves to read books, gardening, and painting.
Email: abhatta3@students.kennesaw.edu
In Dr. Halim group, she is focusing her research on deep eutectic solvents and their impact on enzyme activation.
In her leisure time, she loves to read books, gardening, and painting.
Email: abhatta3@students.kennesaw.edu
Mubassarah Munjirin Sazmi
Mubassarah graduated from Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. She has also completed her Master's degree in Agroforestry in 2018 from the same university. She is fascinated by Agricultural Chemistry and wants to learn more about it and work on it further. For that reason, she joined the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Kennesaw State University as a graduate student in 2022. She is also a teaching assistant.
Now she is working in Dr. Halim's lab. As she has a background in Agriculture and is also interested in Chemistry, she wants to work on something related to both and can bind both of them together. Currently, she is working on the gas phase degradation of toxic pesticides and their interactions with proteins using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Email: msazmi@students.kennesaw.edu
Now she is working in Dr. Halim's lab. As she has a background in Agriculture and is also interested in Chemistry, she wants to work on something related to both and can bind both of them together. Currently, she is working on the gas phase degradation of toxic pesticides and their interactions with proteins using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Email: msazmi@students.kennesaw.edu
James Stewart
James received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Kennesaw State University in 2017. During his time with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, he performed research in the Shaw lab focusing the synthesis and characterization of a novel porphyrin. In addition, he also worked in Msimanga lab concerning quantitation and chemical characterization of various OTC medications.
After completing his bachelor degree in chemistry, he worked as a chemist for Birla Carbon’s Analytical laboratories for 2 years before returning to KSU to pursue his Masters degree in Chemical Sciences.
He is currently a member of the Halim Laboratory where he is investigating potential peptide inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.
After completing his bachelor degree in chemistry, he worked as a chemist for Birla Carbon’s Analytical laboratories for 2 years before returning to KSU to pursue his Masters degree in Chemical Sciences.
He is currently a member of the Halim Laboratory where he is investigating potential peptide inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.
Oluseyi Olawuyi
Oluseyi received his Bachelor of Technology degree in Pure and Applied Chemistry at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria, in the year 2012. During his course of study, he specialized on the science of environmental remediation using adsorption technology, under the mentorship of Professor O. S Bello.
His undergraduate research work was based on the preparation and characterization of agricultural based adsorbents for the removal of dyes and heavy metals from industrial effluents.
After his graduation, he joined Christ the King College, Ibadan, where he taught high school chemistry for some years. He thereafter worked with Nestlé Nigeria as Nutrition Advisor for six months.
Currently, Oluseyi is pursuing his Master’s degree in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at Kennesaw State University.
In Dr. Halim group, he is focusing his research on deep eutectic solvents and its impact on protein structure and dynamics using various techniques including FT-IR, Raman, HPLC, mass spectrometry and molecular simulations.
Email: oolawuy1@students.kennesaw.edu
His undergraduate research work was based on the preparation and characterization of agricultural based adsorbents for the removal of dyes and heavy metals from industrial effluents.
After his graduation, he joined Christ the King College, Ibadan, where he taught high school chemistry for some years. He thereafter worked with Nestlé Nigeria as Nutrition Advisor for six months.
Currently, Oluseyi is pursuing his Master’s degree in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at Kennesaw State University.
In Dr. Halim group, he is focusing his research on deep eutectic solvents and its impact on protein structure and dynamics using various techniques including FT-IR, Raman, HPLC, mass spectrometry and molecular simulations.
Email: oolawuy1@students.kennesaw.edu
Undergraduate Researchers
Blaise Williams
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Wesley Dieudonne
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer and Covid-19
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer and Covid-19
Josefa Wolf
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Matthew Frias
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Enzyme activation by deep eutectic solvents
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Enzyme activation by deep eutectic solvents
Aura Valter-Franco
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Cyclic peptides therapeutics for Covid-19
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Cyclic peptides therapeutics for Covid-19
Eli Briggs
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents
William Bryant
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents
Candy Kelly
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents
Mahdi Ghasemi
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Birla Carbon Scholar)
Major: Biology
Research project: Green peptide synthesis using deep eutectic solvents.
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Birla Carbon Scholar)
Major: Biology
Research project: Green peptide synthesis using deep eutectic solvents.
Kaylee Stone
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Summer Research Scholar)
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19 and Breast Cancer
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Summer Research Scholar)
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19 and Breast Cancer
Jada Iseghohi
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Muhammad Behzad
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Cancer
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Cancer
Roger Brown
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer
Caleb Griffith
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer
Nolan Hale
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Research Project: Peptide-based sunscreen
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Research Project: Peptide-based sunscreen
Cole Bourque
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Liquid chromatography and Mass spectrometry-based protease assay.
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Liquid chromatography and Mass spectrometry-based protease assay.
Ryan Mensha
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antibacterial peptide
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antibacterial peptide
Mya Chaari
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer
Emily Brown
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Nursing
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Cancer
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Nursing
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Cancer
Jack Corcoran
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Hunter Hambrick
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19
Emily (Fatemeh) Ghasemi
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antibacterial Peptides
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antibacterial Peptides
Sydney Carvalho
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antiaging Peptides
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antiaging Peptides
Amnah Alchalabi
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide from Amelogenin Biomimetic Tooth Repair
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide from Amelogenin Biomimetic Tooth Repair
Aria Mokhtari
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Synthesis of Same Amino Acid Based Sequence
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Synthesis of Same Amino Acid Based Sequence
Amal Samih
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Enamelin Peptide for Tooth Enamel Mimetics and Repair
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Enamelin Peptide for Tooth Enamel Mimetics and Repair
Jaden Means
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Tryptophan zipper
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Tryptophan zipper
Ryan Faddis
Ryan was born and raised in Cartersville, Georgia. After graduating high school in 2018, he decided to enter Kennesaw State University to obtain his bachelor's degree. Ryan is majoring chemistry and currently he is a senior.
Outside of the lab, Ryan works as a pharmacy technician and enjoys gardening and reading science fiction in his free time. After graduating, Ryan wishes to receive his PhD in Biochemistry and go on to become a professional researcher.
In Dr. Halim lab, Ryan is employing peptidomimetics approach to design and develop potent peptide targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
Outside of the lab, Ryan works as a pharmacy technician and enjoys gardening and reading science fiction in his free time. After graduating, Ryan wishes to receive his PhD in Biochemistry and go on to become a professional researcher.
In Dr. Halim lab, Ryan is employing peptidomimetics approach to design and develop potent peptide targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
Noam Lewit
Noam was born and raised in Israel, graduated from Sha'ar Hanegev high school, and served in the Israeli military. In 2020, she moved to the United States to pursue a college degree in chemistry at Kennesaw State University where she is currently a freshman. After graduating from KSU, Noam wants to pursue a career in pharmaceutical chemistry.
In high school, She loved studying chemistry and playing the piano. Playing piano is a big part of her life today as well as science.
In Dr. Halim’s research group, Noam is doing research on therapeutic deep eutectic solvents employing Raman spectroscopy, HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. She also focuses her research to understand how the deep eutectic solvents would affect the inhibitory activities of antiviral peptides targeting the viral protein of SARS-CoV-2.
Noam received Birla Carbon Fellowship working on synthesis and characterization of Scorpion Venom peptides. Recently, she received sophomore research scholar award to continue her project.
In high school, She loved studying chemistry and playing the piano. Playing piano is a big part of her life today as well as science.
In Dr. Halim’s research group, Noam is doing research on therapeutic deep eutectic solvents employing Raman spectroscopy, HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. She also focuses her research to understand how the deep eutectic solvents would affect the inhibitory activities of antiviral peptides targeting the viral protein of SARS-CoV-2.
Noam received Birla Carbon Fellowship working on synthesis and characterization of Scorpion Venom peptides. Recently, she received sophomore research scholar award to continue her project.
Grace Kurniawan
Grace was born in Marietta, GA and has been her for all of her life. She graduated from Sprayberry High School in 2021, and is planning on majoring in Biochemistry at KSU.
Grace is involved in a few clubs, such as AMSA and MIM, and plans on participating in many research projects. She plans on going to medical school to become a pathologist.
In her free time, she loves to watch shows, hang out with friends, or play with her dog
(also loves cats).
Grace received KSU sophomore research scholar award to work with Dr. Halim focusing her research on 'antiviral peptide therapeutics targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2'.
As a sophomore scholar, she is excited to learn new lab techniques and is eager to design and optimize new peptide candidates from SARS-CoV-2.
Grace was born in Marietta, GA and has been her for all of her life. She graduated from Sprayberry High School in 2021, and is planning on majoring in Biochemistry at KSU.
Grace is involved in a few clubs, such as AMSA and MIM, and plans on participating in many research projects. She plans on going to medical school to become a pathologist.
In her free time, she loves to watch shows, hang out with friends, or play with her dog
(also loves cats).
Grace received KSU sophomore research scholar award to work with Dr. Halim focusing her research on 'antiviral peptide therapeutics targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2'.
As a sophomore scholar, she is excited to learn new lab techniques and is eager to design and optimize new peptide candidates from SARS-CoV-2.
Former Research Students
Aisha Choudhary
Aisha was born and raised in Acworth, Georgia. She graduated from North Cobb High School in 2017. She will receive her bachelor’s in psychology at the end of summer 2022. After she graduate, she wants to go to medical school.
During her undergrad she has interned at the North Georgia Autism Center. She also worked as a teaching assistant for a psychology research methods and statistics course. Moreover, she was a member of the Undergraduate Research Club, volunteered at the Kennestone Hospital rehab department, worked as a Radiologist Assistant, and has participated in Nursing and Biology research projects.
Besides study and research, Aisha loves traveling, reading, and going to the movies.
She is currently participating in Dr. Halim’s lab and conducting research on targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 with peptides from the skin of American Bullfrog (Lithobates).
During her undergrad she has interned at the North Georgia Autism Center. She also worked as a teaching assistant for a psychology research methods and statistics course. Moreover, she was a member of the Undergraduate Research Club, volunteered at the Kennestone Hospital rehab department, worked as a Radiologist Assistant, and has participated in Nursing and Biology research projects.
Besides study and research, Aisha loves traveling, reading, and going to the movies.
She is currently participating in Dr. Halim’s lab and conducting research on targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 with peptides from the skin of American Bullfrog (Lithobates).
Mohammad Hashmi
Mohammad was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee but has lived in Georgia the majority of his life. He graduated from high school in December 2020 and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biology.
Mohammad's goal is to attend Medical School after his bachelor's degree and is interested in psychiatry. He is currently working as a scribe in the Emergency Department and is involved in numerous clubs at KSU. His interests include playing table tennis, travelling, and playing video games.
In Dr. Halim's group, Mohammad is conducting research to explore the solvents effects on the protein structure and dynamics employing ESI-MS technique.
Mohammad's goal is to attend Medical School after his bachelor's degree and is interested in psychiatry. He is currently working as a scribe in the Emergency Department and is involved in numerous clubs at KSU. His interests include playing table tennis, travelling, and playing video games.
In Dr. Halim's group, Mohammad is conducting research to explore the solvents effects on the protein structure and dynamics employing ESI-MS technique.
Aamna Aijaz
Aamna was born in Pakistan and she completed her high school in Pakistan. In December 2020, she moved to US pursuing a degree in biochemistry at Kennesaw State University. After graduating from KSU, she would like to work in the field of molecular genetics.
During her high school years in Pakistan, Aamna worked as a volunteer for various community services. Besides her community works, she enjoys painting, drawing and learning more about genetics in real world.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, Aamna focuses her research on designing and optimizing antimicrobial peptide therapeutics targeting the bacterial membranes and viral proteins of SASR-CoV-2.
During her high school years in Pakistan, Aamna worked as a volunteer for various community services. Besides her community works, she enjoys painting, drawing and learning more about genetics in real world.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, Aamna focuses her research on designing and optimizing antimicrobial peptide therapeutics targeting the bacterial membranes and viral proteins of SASR-CoV-2.
Taylor Moore
Taylor is from a small town near Athens named Monroe, Georgia. She graduated from Walnut Grove High School in May 2021. Currently, Taylor is pursuing a degree in biochemistry at the Kennesaw State University.
After graduating, she is planning to attend a graduate degree in pharmacy and eventually would like to pursue a carrier as a research scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta.
Her hobbies include baking, painting, and gardening.
As a freshman, Taylor received the first-year research scholar award, and she is working on 'antiviral peptide therapeutics' project under the supervision of Dr. Halim.
After graduating, she is planning to attend a graduate degree in pharmacy and eventually would like to pursue a carrier as a research scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta.
Her hobbies include baking, painting, and gardening.
As a freshman, Taylor received the first-year research scholar award, and she is working on 'antiviral peptide therapeutics' project under the supervision of Dr. Halim.
Sareena Kandavalli
Sareena was born and raised in Georgia but moved to India when she was 8 years old. She came back to Georgia last year and started going to KSU. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology. After graduating, she wants to go to medical school and earn an MD so that she can work as a doctor.
Her goal is to travel remote areas where people are finding it hard to get proper medical care and help them. She is also very interested in pursuing further research on viruses like COVID-19. Her hobbies are reading, drawing, playing video games, and skateboarding.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, Sareena is working on epitope based peptides from SARS-CoV-2 and their interaction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II proteins.
Her goal is to travel remote areas where people are finding it hard to get proper medical care and help them. She is also very interested in pursuing further research on viruses like COVID-19. Her hobbies are reading, drawing, playing video games, and skateboarding.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, Sareena is working on epitope based peptides from SARS-CoV-2 and their interaction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II proteins.
Indus Wasti
Indus Wasti was born in Denver, Colorado but she moved to Georgia during pre-school and has been there ever since. In 2021, she graduated from Johns Creek high school located in Johns Creek, Ga.
She is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Kennesaw State University and is in her freshman year. After graduating she hopes to go to medical school and get her M.D.
She would like to go into the field of pathology and is very interested in studying and diagnosing diseases. For fun she loves to read, play with her cat, and spend time with loved ones.
Indus joined to Dr. Halim lab as first-year scholar and will focus her study on peptide design targeting the RBD-ACE2 complexes in SARS-CoV-2.
She is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Kennesaw State University and is in her freshman year. After graduating she hopes to go to medical school and get her M.D.
She would like to go into the field of pathology and is very interested in studying and diagnosing diseases. For fun she loves to read, play with her cat, and spend time with loved ones.
Indus joined to Dr. Halim lab as first-year scholar and will focus her study on peptide design targeting the RBD-ACE2 complexes in SARS-CoV-2.
Helena Celedon
Helena was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and has lived there ever since. she started to go to Kennesaw State University in 2020 to pursue a degree in Biology. After graduating, Helena wants to attend medical school to follow her dreams of becoming a Forensic Pathologist.
Helena is a proud advocate for recovery regarding substance use disorders and process addictions. She works with CYAAR as a Peer Educator to spread awareness on substance use and addiction. Helena also enjoys helping produce plays, reading, and making floral arrangements.
In Dr. Halim's Lab, Helena is performing research on venom peptide synthesis, purification using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Helena is a proud advocate for recovery regarding substance use disorders and process addictions. She works with CYAAR as a Peer Educator to spread awareness on substance use and addiction. Helena also enjoys helping produce plays, reading, and making floral arrangements.
In Dr. Halim's Lab, Helena is performing research on venom peptide synthesis, purification using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Gracie Smith
Gracie was born in Atlanta, Georgia and has lived in Woodstock, Georgia for the majority of her life. She graduated River Ridge High School in 2020, and she is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a concentration in forensics. She plans on graduating in the spring of 2024. After going to graduate school to earn her master’s in chemistry, she is planning work in a forensic laboratory.
Outside of academics, Gracie works with a high school color guard team, and she plans on spinning on an independent team this upcoming winter. She also likes to paint and spend time with friends in her free time.
Gracie joined Dr. Halim’s research group in the Spring of 2020. She is investigating the effect of hair products on hair fiber structure and the testing of these products by IR spectroscopy, HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Outside of academics, Gracie works with a high school color guard team, and she plans on spinning on an independent team this upcoming winter. She also likes to paint and spend time with friends in her free time.
Gracie joined Dr. Halim’s research group in the Spring of 2020. She is investigating the effect of hair products on hair fiber structure and the testing of these products by IR spectroscopy, HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Breauna Strawder
Breauna was born in Virginia, but moved to California and lived there for 13 years. She moved to Georgia in her sophomore year of high school and have lived here ever since.
Breauna graduated from Cook County High school December of 2020 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at Kennesaw State University. Her goal is to go to Morehouse School of Medicine pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery.
In high school, she was in track and volleyball, and even attended an internship at Morehouse School of Medicine known as “community health worker program for high school and young adults” in 2019.
In Dr. Halim’s research group, Breauna is working on snake venom peptides against the viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
Breauna graduated from Cook County High school December of 2020 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at Kennesaw State University. Her goal is to go to Morehouse School of Medicine pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery.
In high school, she was in track and volleyball, and even attended an internship at Morehouse School of Medicine known as “community health worker program for high school and young adults” in 2019.
In Dr. Halim’s research group, Breauna is working on snake venom peptides against the viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
Aisha Mohammed
Aisha Mohammed was born in Snellville, Georgia and has lived in the state ever since. After graduating from Northview high school in 2019, she has been majoring in Software Engineering at KSU.
As a software engineering major, Aisha likes to learn different programing languages and apply them to various ventures. Out of the languages she’s learned so far, Java is her favorite. When she’s not coding away, you can find her playing her favorite video games, reading thrillers, and drawing.
In Dr. Halim’s research group, Aisha is doing research on computational chemistry and bioinformatics related to antiviral peptide therapeutics.
As a software engineering major, Aisha likes to learn different programing languages and apply them to various ventures. Out of the languages she’s learned so far, Java is her favorite. When she’s not coding away, you can find her playing her favorite video games, reading thrillers, and drawing.
In Dr. Halim’s research group, Aisha is doing research on computational chemistry and bioinformatics related to antiviral peptide therapeutics.
Adam Ashley
Adam was born in Livingston, New Jersey but he has lived in Georgia for majority of his life. In 2018, He graduated from Grayson High School located in Loganville, Georgia.
At Kennesaw State University, he is pursuing a degree in interactive design with a minor in software engineering. His goal is to develop programs and applications that make life easier for people. He played drums from when he was 5 years old but stopped in high school. His hobbies now are event coordinating, boxing, and skateboarding.
In Dr. Halim group, he is currently researching on bioinformatics and molecular modelling associated to the cell penetrating antimicrobial peptides.
At Kennesaw State University, he is pursuing a degree in interactive design with a minor in software engineering. His goal is to develop programs and applications that make life easier for people. He played drums from when he was 5 years old but stopped in high school. His hobbies now are event coordinating, boxing, and skateboarding.
In Dr. Halim group, he is currently researching on bioinformatics and molecular modelling associated to the cell penetrating antimicrobial peptides.
Harmeet Kaur Chohan
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Harmeet is an Indian citizen but born and raised in Philippines. After she graduated from Highschool in 2018 from De La Salle University –Dasmarinas, she came to United states of America to pursue college degree. She is pursing BS in Chemistry and currently in her sophomore year.
Currently, she is working as a student worker in the Office of International Relations (OIR) in University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS). Giving any kind of help to the students is the foundation of everything they do in OIR. Outside of school and work, Harmeet loves to sketch realistic portraits and loves to dance Bhangra and Giddha. In Dr. Halim's group, Harmeet is doing research on mass spectrometry and molecular modelling. |
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Sydney Du
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Sydney Du was born in Westminster, California but moved to Fort Smith before she even turned one and has lived here since. Sydney graduated from Northside High School in 2019 and is majoring in biochemistry at UAFS. Her goal is to attend UAMS College of pharmacy after graduation to become a pharmacist.
In high school, she was very involved in band and orchestra (she played clarinet and viola) and even though she no longer plays any instruments now, she still loves music very much. Her hobbies now are drawing and playing video games. In Dr. Halim’s research group, Sydney is doing research on developing peptide therapeutics against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. |
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Paul Gambill
Paul Gambill was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas and has stayed in the area since. Paul graduated from Alma High School in 2020 and continued his education at UAFS, pursuing a biology major. Although a biology major, a good understanding of chemistry is essential to understanding the intricacies of life on a cellular scale.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, Paul is not only excited to gain knowledge that relates to classes he takes, but he is also excited to gain valuable knowledge in the field of experimental chemistry. When not found at school, he enjoys flying, spending time outdoors, and playing and listening to music. In Dr. Halim’s lab, Paul is doing research utilizing mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, Paul is not only excited to gain knowledge that relates to classes he takes, but he is also excited to gain valuable knowledge in the field of experimental chemistry. When not found at school, he enjoys flying, spending time outdoors, and playing and listening to music. In Dr. Halim’s lab, Paul is doing research utilizing mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy.
Honey Matevia
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Honey Matevia was born in Van Buren, Arkansas and graduated from Van Buren High School in 2018. She is currently pursuing a biomedical degree at the University of Arkansas- Fort Smith with the intention to further her degree to become a physician's assistant.
She has a special interest in cardiology and hopes this will guide her future career choices. She is a certified nursing assistant and has a passion for caring for others. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, mountain biking, taking her dog to the park, and reading. In Dr. Halim's lab, she is working on scorpion venom peptides as potential antiviral agents against the SARS-CoV-2 |
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Cody Merrell
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Cody Merrell was born in Fort Smith Arkansas. He currently lives in Van Buren, Arkansas. He is attending UAFS and majoring electrical engineering.
When he is not studying for school, he works part time managing the Pizza Parlor on Rogers in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In Dr. Halim’s group, Cody is doing research on nano-synthesis and nanoparticle-peptide conjugation. |
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Cladie Belle White
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Cladie Belle White was born in Mountain Home, Arkansas and was raised on a farm close to St. Joe, Arkansas. She graduated from Marshall High School in 2019. She is presently pursuing a biomedical degree at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith with hopes to complete her education at Cleveland University in Kansas City.
Her goal is to become a doctor in the Natural Medicine field. She is interested in acupuncture, chiropractic care and other natural medicine practices. Her hobbies are hiking, swimming, and fishing. In Dr. Halim lab, Cladie is working on antimicrobial peptides against the SARS-CoV-2. |
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Khuong (Peter) Ta
Khuong (Peter) Ta was born in Cantho, Vietnam. After finishing his Junior year at Ly Tu Trong high school, he moved to U.S as an exchange student. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in biochemistry at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. He also works as a student worker in the School of Health Science. Peter is also participating in the UAFS Japan Club and a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
In his free time, he enjoys playing League of Legends, watching movies, study about history and political facts, listen to music and hang out with friends.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, he is doing research on synthesizing and characterizing metal-based nanoparticles.
In his free time, he enjoys playing League of Legends, watching movies, study about history and political facts, listen to music and hang out with friends.
In Dr. Halim’s lab, he is doing research on synthesizing and characterizing metal-based nanoparticles.
Stephanie Tinsley
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Stephanie Tinsley was born in Van Buren, Arkansas and graduated from Van Buren High School in 2020.
She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Arkansas at Fort smith with the intention of furthering her degree to become a Pediatric Endocrinologist. She has a special interest in Type one diabetes and plans to use this in her future career. She has a passion for children and helping others. Her hobbies include traveling, fishing, shopping, and spending time at the lake. In Dr. Halim’s Lab, Stephanie is doing research to understand the structure and dynamics of peptide and protein by mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. |
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Austyn Russell
Austyn Russell was born in Colorado but soon left to travel to Europe as a small child. She eventually ended up in Gravette, Arkansas where she completed her high school and graduated in the summer of 2020.
Austyn moved to UAFS in the fall of 2020 with a major of Biomedical Sciences, in hope of becoming an Optometrist later on.
In high school, she was very involved with athletics and student government. She played both basketball and softball. She was also elected at Student Body President for her senior year. Outside of school she loves to be with her friends and loves being outside. In
Dr. Halim’s group, Austyn is doing research on conformational dynamics of epitope peptide employing mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy.
Austyn moved to UAFS in the fall of 2020 with a major of Biomedical Sciences, in hope of becoming an Optometrist later on.
In high school, she was very involved with athletics and student government. She played both basketball and softball. She was also elected at Student Body President for her senior year. Outside of school she loves to be with her friends and loves being outside. In
Dr. Halim’s group, Austyn is doing research on conformational dynamics of epitope peptide employing mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy.
Mary-Kate Wewers
Mary-Kate Wewers was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas and graduated high school from Northside in 2020. She is now a freshman at UA-Fort Smith where she is majoring in Biology and planning on attending medical school to become a dermatologist.
Mary-Kate stays involved in our community by volunteering at a local Boys & Girls Club. She has been a volunteer dance coach for five years now. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with family.
In Dr. Halim’s group, Mary-Kate is researching Therapeutic Deep Eutectic Solvents.
Mary-Kate stays involved in our community by volunteering at a local Boys & Girls Club. She has been a volunteer dance coach for five years now. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with family.
In Dr. Halim’s group, Mary-Kate is researching Therapeutic Deep Eutectic Solvents.
Kairy Galvez
Kairy Galvez was born in Springdale, AR and currently lives in Rogers, AR. Kairy graduated from Rogers Heritage High School in 2020 with her associate of science and is currently majoring in biology with a minor in spanish. Her goal is to further her degree to become a Physician Assistant and work in either Surgery or Dermatology.
Kairy also has a passion for helping others. At the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Kairy is a member of LionHeart and volunteers regularly at the Dave Stevens Lion Pantry. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.
In Dr. Halim group, Kairy works on amino acid based deep eutectic solvents using spectroscopic and mass spectrometry techniques
Kairy also has a passion for helping others. At the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Kairy is a member of LionHeart and volunteers regularly at the Dave Stevens Lion Pantry. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.
In Dr. Halim group, Kairy works on amino acid based deep eutectic solvents using spectroscopic and mass spectrometry techniques
Melina Reeves
Melina Reeves (born Müller) was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She graduated from high school there in 2019 and came to the United States to pursue a college degree in the fall of the same year.
She is currently attending the University of Arkansas Fort Smith pursuing a bachelor of science in Biology. She is a sophomore and planning to attend medical school after graduation. Melina enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
In Dr. Halim lab, she is performing research on antiviral peptide design for Covid-19
She is currently attending the University of Arkansas Fort Smith pursuing a bachelor of science in Biology. She is a sophomore and planning to attend medical school after graduation. Melina enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
In Dr. Halim lab, she is performing research on antiviral peptide design for Covid-19
Jack Neal
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Jack Neal was born in Beaumont Texas and grew up in Colleyville Texas most of his life. He originally came to UAFS to run cross country. He did Cross Country and Boy Scouts in high school, earning his Eagle Scout just before his 18th birthday.
Jack graduated from Grapevine High School in the class of 2019. His major is in Biochemistry and although he doesn’t have a specific career in mind yet, he likes to be challenged by the obstacles chemistry can provide. He likes to skateboard and hangout with friends in his free time. In Dr. Halim's lab, Jack is working on computational chemistry and mass spectrometry. |
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Muhammad Abdul Rahim
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Muhammad was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He has lived here his entire life, and it's been fantastic although his father is from Iraq, and his mother is from Lebanon. Muhammad is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, his hobbies include games, basketball, watching movies. Muhammad graduated from Northside High School, class of 2019. He is very excited to gain lots of valuable knowledge for the future, and ultimately shaping his career path into any passion that he chooses. In Dr. Halim's Lab, he does research on protein mass spectrometry and molecular modelling. |
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Breanna Lee
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Breanna Lee was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas and grew up in a multitude of cities across the United States. Her family were part-time residents of Van Buren, Arkansas until two years ago when they relocated to Sacramento, California.
Breanna graduated in 2019 from South Sutter Charter School after having been homeschooled all of her life. She is pursuing a degree in Biology with the eventual goal of becoming a pharmacist. During her tenure in high school, Breanna was the captain of a varsity girls golf team, an avid outdoors person, an addicted reader, and part time gamer. She still enjoys most of these activities with the addition of linguistics. In Dr. Halim's research group, she is researching molecular modeling and mass spectrometry. |
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Judith Rylee Norton
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Judith was born in raised in Fort Smith, AR and attends UAFS.
Judith is a Biomedical Professionals major and plans to attend medical school after graduation to become a Radiologist. As a student, Judith participates in many extracurricular activities like Choir, Pokémon Go Club, and Student Government. She is also a member of a Panhellenic sorority on campus. In her free time, Judith enjoys reading, photography, and playing Xbox. |
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Former High School Researcher
Mahdir Anower
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Mahdir was born in New Orleans, LA before moving to Chattanooga, TN, then Fort Smith, AR. However, his lineage can be drawn back to his Bangladeshi roots. He attends Southside High School, and hopes to pursue astrophysics in college.
In Southside, Mahdir involves himself in many clubs such as NHS, Band, Senior Council, and the Quiz Bole team. In his spare time, Mahdir likes to socialize with friends and watch YouTube. In Halim laboratory, Mahdir is performing research on quantum chemistry simulation for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in star-forming clouds in our galaxies. |
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