Team

The Team Leader

Mohammad A. Halim

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.

Graduate Students

Funsho Afolabi
Graduate Student
Research focus on: Peptide Chemistry
Research Project: Developing bi-cyclic peptide targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2

Momena Begum
Graduate Student
Research focus: Eutectic Solvent
Research Project: Synthesis and Characterization of water containing eutectic solvents

Zainab Noor
Graduate Student
Research focus: Peptide Chemistry
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer Disease

William Bryant
Incoming Graduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents

Undergraduate Researchers

Julia Franz
Assistant Lab Manager
Summer Research Scholar
Birla Carbon Scholar
Sophomore Scholar
Major: Biochemistry
Research Project: Peptidomimetics targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2

Iona Alatar
Assistant Lab Manager
Birla Carbon Scholar
Sophomore Scholar
First Year Scholar
Major: Chemistry
Research Project: Peptidomimetics targeting the amyloid beta peptide.

Shubh Patel
Sophomore Research Scholar
First Year Research Scholar
Major: Chemistry
Research Project: Peptidomimetics targeting the main protease of Rhinovirus.

Lily Schwartz
Sophomore Research Scholar
First Year Research Scholar
Major: Biology
Research Project: Fluorine containing Peptide targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2

Cecilia Le
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
First Year Scholar
Major: Biology
Research Project: Peptidomimetics

Nataly Barahona
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
First Year Scholar
Major: Chemistry
Research Project: Peptidomimetics

Matthew Berg
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research Project: Deep eutectic Solvents

Inaara Dinani
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research Project: Alpha methylated based Staple Peptidomimetics

Nellie Abdur-Rahman
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research Project: Lipidomics

Heidi Woods
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Substrate based peptide targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2

Ngoc Diep Dong
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research Project: Developing cation-pi peptide targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2

Vahreena Kong
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research Project: Cationic and Cell-penetration Peptide-based Inhibitors Targeting the NMDA Receptor

Michelle Mba
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Charge Reducing Agents in Native Mass Spectrometry

Sophia Rodriguez
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of Skin Care Peptides

Taylor Evans
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Impact of Sugar on Protein Stability by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Rannah Ross
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Staple peptide targeting the Papin-Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2.

Former Research Students

Abdul Hannan
Graduate Student
Research focus: Eutectic Solvent
Research Project: Developing amino acid based eutectic solvents for biomedical applications

Airin Akhter
Graduate Student
Research focus on: Proteomics
Research Project: Proteomics method development for Fish and Lentil

Lyric Gordon
Graduate Student
Research focus: Peptide Chemistry
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer Disease

Md Taimuzzaman Sharif
Graduate Student
Research focus on: Peptide Chemistry
Research Project: Developing cyclic peptide targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2

Oluseyi Olawuyi
Graduate Student
Research focus: Eutectic Solvents
Thesis project: Multi-technique Characterization of Mechanochemically Synthesized Deep Eutectic Solvents

Ackas Ali
Graduate Student
Research focus: Peptide Chemistry
Thesis project: Noncovalent Peptide Stapling and Antiviral-Cell Penetrating Peptide Conjugations Targeting the Main Protease of SARS-COV-2

Anusha Bhattarai
Graduate Student
Research focus: Eutectic Solvents
Thesis project: Impact of Deep Eutectic Solvents on the Structure and Dynamics of Protein and Enzyme

Mubassarah Munjirin Sazmi
Graduate Student
Research focus: Environmental Chemistry
Research project: Mass Spectrometry Investigation of the Gas Phase Degradation of Pesticides and their Interaction with Biomolecules

James Stewart
Graduate Student
Research focus: Peptide Chemistry
Research project: Structure-Guided Design and Development of Antiviral Peptides against the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2

Blaise Williams
Lab Manager
Senior Undergraduate Student
Research focus on: Biochemistry
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19

Noam Lewit

Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry

Former
First Year-Scholar
Sophomore Scholar
Birla Carbon Scholar

Grace Kurniawan
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry

Former
First Year-Scholar
Sophomore Scholar

Mahdi Ghasemi
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Birla Carbon Scholar)
Major: Biology
Research project: Green peptide synthesis using deep eutectic solvents.

Journey Elder-Lark
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Inspire Summer Scholar)
Major: Biology
Research Project: Enzyme activation by deep eutectic solvents

Jada Iseghohi
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19

Imran Dabdoub
Summer Research Scholar
Major: Biochemistry
Research Project: Bottom-up and middle-down proteomics

Amal Samih
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Proteomics analysis of Salmon and Sardine Fish
Past Project: Enamelin Peptide for Tooth Enamel Mimetics and Repair

Kelechi Okere
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer

Lexie Thrasher

Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research Project: Peptide-based sunscreen

Vanessa Thenot
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Bottom-up Proteomics of Mushrooms.

Saania Ansari
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research Project: Scorpion Venom Peptidomimetics

Ashley Zamora
U-Rise Research Scholar
Major: Biology
Research Project: Peptidomimetics targeting the amyloid beta peptide.

Jonathan Stincer
First Year Research Scholar
Research Project: Peptidomimetics targeting the amyloid beta peptide.

Wesley Dieudonne
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Research Project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer and Covid-19

Kaylee Stone
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Summer Research Scholar
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19 and Breast Cancer

Nolan Hale
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Research Project: Peptide-based sunscreen

Renata Fleury
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Inspire Summer Scholar)
Major: Forensic Chemistry and Psychology
Research Project: Enzyme activation by deep eutectic solvents

Siam Sarower
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Inspire Summer Scholar)
Major: Physics
Research Project: Enzyme activation by deep eutectic solvents

Gabriela Marinho
Sophomore Undergraduate Student (Inspire Summer Scholar)
Major: Biology
Research Project: Enzyme activation by deep eutectic solvents

Josefa Wolf
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

Aura Valter-Franco
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

Candy Kelly
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Chemistry
Research project: Deep eutectic solvents

Muhammad Behzad
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Cancer

Roger Brown
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer

Caleb Griffith
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer

Cole Bourque
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

Mya Chaari
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Alzheimer

Emily Brown
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

Hunter Hambrick
Sophomore Undergraduate Student
Major: Biochemistry
Research project: Peptide therapeutics for Covid-19

Emily (Fatemeh) Ghasemi
Junior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antibacterial Peptides

Sydney Carvalho
Senior Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Research project: Antiaging Peptides

Amnah Alchalabi
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

Jaden Means
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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Harmeet Kaur Chohan

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.

Sydney Du

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.

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.

Honey Matevia

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

Cody Merrell

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.

Cladie Belle White

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.

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.

Stephanie Tinsley

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Jack Neal

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.

Muhammad Abdul Rahim

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.

Breanna Lee

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.

Judith Rylee Norton

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.

Former High School Researcher

Mahdir Anower

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.