Justin Wilson

justinjwilson@ucsb.edu

Yangyang Gao

Oct 2023 – Present

• Ph.D. 2023, Chemistry — Xi’an Jiaotong University
• M.S. 2014, Analytical Chemistry — University of South China
• B.S. 2011, Chemical Engineering — Daqing Normal Universtiy

ygao417@ucsb.edu

If you didn’t choose to be a chemist, what would you be doing instead?
Dentist or seller.
If you were an Olympic athlete, what event would you compete in?
Marathon.

Grant Stec

Jan 2024 – Present

• Ph.D. 2024, Chemistry — Harvard University
• M.S. 2019, Chemistry — Harvard University
• B.S. 2017, Chemistry — Rice University

gstec@ucsb.edu

What are three items that you’d bring with you to a desert island?
My cat, cat food, and cat toys. My cat runs my life.
What is your favorite fun fact to share?
I used to short-track speed skate and raced against a couple Olympic medalists…it didn’t end well.

Maddy Denison

Sep 2024 – Present

• Ph.D. 2024, Chemistry — Wayne State University
• B.S. 2017, Chemistry — Albion College

mdension@ucsb.edu

What is your spirit animal?
Sloth (specifically Flash the Sloth)
What is your favorite fun fact to share?
I want to run a marathon in each state, so far I have done three

Haipei Zhou

2021 – Present

• B.S. 2020, Chemistry — University of Sydney

hz565@ucsb.edu

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Go to bed early (but I never make it).
If you were sailing around the world with 1 person, who would you bring?
Doraemon

Kevin Lee

2021 – Present

• B.S. 2021, Chemistry — SUNY Binghamton

kklee@ucsb.edu

If you didn’t choose to be a chemist, what would you be doing instead?
Dog Aquatic Instructor (It’s a real job).
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick.” -Kevin Malone

Piyusha Lotlikar

2021 – Present

• B.S. 2020, Chemistry — Stony Brook University

piyusha_lotlikar@ucsb.edu

What is your spirit animal?
I think a ocelot because I’m nimble, fairly resourceful, and witty/sharp.
If you were sailing around the world with 1 person, who would you bring?
In terms of practicality, someone who knows how to sail because I do not.

Jacy Lieberum

2023 – Present

• B.S. 2023, Pharmaceutical Chemistry — Saint Joseph’s University

jclieberum@ucsb.edu

How did you choose your major?
I found so much joy as a child in making what I called “concoctions” with household things. One concoction that I hid in my sock drawer exploded and turned all my socks blue. I was so proud. It’s been chemistry ever since.
What is your favorite thing about where you grew up?
I loved living so close to the beach!

Martin Panicacci

Oct 2024 – Present

• Pre-Chemistry (Biochemistry Track), Class of 2027

martinpanicacci@ucsb.edu

What is your spirit animal?
What I’d really love to be is a Nudibranch or a Jellyfish of some sort, but I think my spirit animal is probably a Tarsier.
What is your favorite snack food?
I’m not sure I have a favorite one but if I did have one it would be from Trader Joe’s