Current Group Members
Primary Mentor |
Postdoctoral Scholars |
Graduate StudentsChris Acquah |
Undergraduate StudentsAndrés González |
High School Students |
Honorary MembersMaricruz Crespo |
Former Group MembersVisiting Professors |
Primary Mentor
Carlos E. Crespo-Hernández
- B.S., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan Campus,
Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan Campus,
NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, The Ohio State University (2002-05)
Research Associate of Chemistry, The Ohio State University (2005-06) - Associate Dean for Research,
- Associate Editor,
- Professor of Chemistry,
- 2018 Morton L. Mandel Award for Outstanding Chemistry Faculty, Case Western Reserve University (2018)
- Nominated for the 2018 John S. Diekhoff Award for Distinguished Graduate Student Teaching, Case Western Reserve University
- Associate Professor of Chemistry,
- Co-director of the
- 2015-2016 John S. Diekhoff Award for Distinguished Graduate Student Teaching, Case Western Reserve University (2016)
- NSF Faculty
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- Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Division (2007-2014)
- Member of the President’s Advisory Council on Minorities (2015-present)
- Member of the NOA-AGEP Scholar Site Committee Member (2016-present)
- Associated Faculty of the Minority Graduate Student Organization (MGSO) at Case Western Reserve University (2007-present)
- Member of the Ohio Supercomputer Center, The Ohio State University and of the Mississippi Center for Supercomputer Research, Jackson State University (2007-present)
- Member of the Advisory Board of the Support of Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors (2009-present)
- Member of the Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Student Fraternity (2010-present)
- Program Director and Coordinator of the
- Cuarenta/Cuarenta Club Fellow, The Kaleidoscope Magazine (2011)
- Committee Member of Grants and Awards for the
- Member of the American Chemical Society Canvassing Committee for the Ahmed Zewail Award in Ultrafast Science and Technology (2014-2015)
- Chair of the American Chemical Society Canvassing Committee for the Ahmed Zewail Award in Ultrafast Science and Technology (2016-present)
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- Guest Editor for a high-profile Special Issue on "
Postdoctoral Scholars
Reshma Mathew
Sourav Kanti Seth
Graduate Students
Chis Acquah
Karitza Díaz González
- Karitza joined the Crespo group in December 2022. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. During this period, she worked with Dr. Liz M. Díaz Vázquez. This research group focus in Environmental Analytical Chemistry, studying the development of methodologies for the detection and mitigation of emerging contaminants as well as the sustainable development of nanomaterials. Currently, at Crespo’s Lab she is developing and investigating thionated DNA/RNA nucleobase derivatives as prospective photosensitizer agents. During her spare time, she likes to do CrossFit and listen to music.
- Nitza joined the group in December 2023. She was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Graduated from the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao Campus with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry. There she worked with Dr. Rolando Oyola-Martínez as part of NSF-PREM program for 4 years. The laboratory aimed to synthesize and characterize nanoparticles to study their interactions with biomolecules for potential use in biomedical applications. As part of PREM, she also enjoyed participating in outreach activities to public schools in Puerto Rico and mentoring high school students in a materials science summer camp. She participated in the LRSM REU program from the University of Pennsylvania in the summer of 2021 where she worked with Dr. Ivan Dmochowski. In the summer of 2022, she participated in the MRSEC REU at the University of Minnesota working with Dr. Timothy Lodge. At the Crespo Group, she is working on the synthesis of thionated organic compounds for PDT and phototheranostic applications.
- Rubej joined the Crespo group in December 2022. He did his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Mumbai, India. As an undergraduate student he received an opportunity for internship at the Institute of Chemical Technology, ICT Mumbai under the guidance of Dr. Anand Burange, where he worked on Catalytic application of heterogenous catalyst (HoCrO4 & K2Ce(PO4)2) for efficiently carrying out the Knoevenagel condensation reactions. Advancing his career in chemistry, he pursued a Master degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University, India, where he received scholarships from the NCL-National Chemical Laboratory & Lupin Pharmaceutical Industry based on his academic performance. Later, he was recruited as a Research Associate in the Discovery Chemistry Branch at Syngene International Limited, where he gained organic synthesis and analytical techniques knowledge. Currently, at the Crespo Lab, he is synthesizing thionated organic compounds for prospective therapeutic applications and studying their photophysical and photochemical properties using transient absorption spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations.
- Tazrin joined the group in December 2023.
- Andy joined the group in Spring 2019
- Collin joined the group in Fall 2018
- Ben joined the group in Fall 2019
- Mia joined the group in Fall 2019
- Nadia joined the group in Fall 2019
- Mike joined the group in Spring 2020
- Adina joined the group in Spring 2020
- Grace joined the group in Spring 2021
- Dharma joined the group in June 2022 as a high scholl student from Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville, Ohio.
- Maricruz married Dr. Crespo in August 2006. As of May 2014, she is a Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellow at Case Medical Center Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
- As of May 2019, Ariana is twelve years old. She loves playing outdoors with her dady and brother and learning new things.
- As of May 2019, Julian is eight years old. He is an active young child who loves playing with his father and big sister. He also loves go playing video games with her mom.
- As of May 2019, Coco is two years old. He is an active and loving puppy who loves playing with his family and destroying shoes.
- As of May 2024, Tobi is one years old. He is an active and loving puppy who loves playing with his family and destroying things.
- Karl Feierabend: Visiting Professo (07/2018-06/2019). Karl investigated the photoionization dynamics of Guanosine 5'-monophosphate.
- Amy Sage: Postdoctoral Scholar (02/2008-12/2008). Amy studied the steady-state photophysical properties of selected pharmaceutical compounds in aqueous environments.
- Christian Reichardt: Postdoctoral Scholar (04/2008-02/2011). Christian investigated the ultrafast excited-state dynamics of nitro-policyclic aromatic compounds and nucleic acid analogues in solution.
- Olexandr (Alex) Isayev: Postdoctoral Scholar (04/2009-02/2012). Alex performed theoretical studies of structure-function analysis of E. cloacae nitroreductase as part of a collaborative program with the US Army ERDC, Environmental Laboratory, VIcksburg, MS.
- Erqian investigated the ground and electronic excited states of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles. He graduated with a master degree in Chemistry in May 2023.
- Cameron investigated the excited-state dynamics and photochemistry of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles. He graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in July 2023.
- Luis investigated the excited-state dynamics and photodynamic therapy application of thiobase derivatives and thionated organic compounds. He graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in May 2022.
- Sean investigated the excited-state dynamics of pyrimidine derivatives. He graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in May 2022.
- Sarah investigated the excited-state dynamics of purine derivatives. She graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in May 2022.
- Naishka investigated the excited-state dynamics of purine derivatives. She graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in May 2022.
- Glemarie investigated the excited-state dynamics of thiobase derivatives. She graduated with a M.S. degree in Chemistry in May 2019.
- Matthew investigated the excited-state dynamics of DNA and RNA base derivatives and nitro-polycyclic aromatic compounds. He graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in May 2018.
- Regina investigated the excited-state dynamics of biologically-relevant pterin derivatives and of organometallic complexes for photovoltaic materials. She graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in May 2018.
- Marvin investigated the excited-state dynamics of sulfur-substituted DNA and RNA base analogues and their UVA-photosensitized reactions within skin cancer cells. He graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in December 2016.
- Hikari studied the steady-state and time-resolved photochemistry of folic acid as a graduate student. He graduated with a master degree in Chemistry in May 2016.
- Qing studied the steady-state and time-resolved photochemistry of 9-nitroanthracene as a graduate student. She graduated with a master degree in Chemistry in May 2011.
- Cao investigated the excited-state dynamics of DNA analogues as a graduate student. He graduated with a master degree in Chemistry in May 2011.
- Chenwei investigated the excited-state dynamics of DNA analogues as a graduate student. He graduated with a master degree in Chemistry in May 2011.
- Aaron investigated the excited-state dynamics and photochemistry of nitro-naphthalene derivatives and of (organophosphine)gold(I) polycyclic aromatic compounds as a graduate student. He graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in December 2012.
- Huijuan investigated the excited-state dynamics of Folic Acid and 6-carboxypterin as a graduate student. She graduated with a master degree in Chemistry in July 2013.
- Jeff worked with Leah on the pharmaceutical project as an undergraduate. He graduated with a degree in Chemistry in May of 2008.
- Kim investigated the photophysics of pharmaceutical compounds as an undergraduate. He graduated with a degree in Chemistry in May 2009.
- Brad investigated the photophysics of pharmaceutical compounds as an undergraduate. He graduated in May 2009 with a B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in Economics.
- Saeed investigated DNA binding interactions with certain nitro-explosives and their derivatives. He graduated with a degree in Chemistry in May 2010.
- Leah investigated the steady-state and time-resolved photochemistry of the pharmaceutical compound Salbutamol as an undergraduate. She graduated with a degree in Chemistry in May 2010.
- Veronica investigated the steady-state photochemistry of the folic acid and 6-carboxypterin as an undergraduate. She graduated with a degree in Chemistry and Music in December 2013.
- Akash investigated the photoconversion efficiency of DNA-based dye-sensitized solar cells. He graduated in December 2014.
- Hannah investigated the photooxidative damage to DNA nucleotides by 6-carboxypterin. She graduated in December 2015.
- Maggie investigated the photochemistry of nitro-policyclic aromatic compunds. She graduated in December 2015.
- John investigated the photochemistry of thiobases.
- Kelsie investigated the photooxidative damage to DNA nucleotides by 6-carboxypterin.
- Eric investigated the photophysics of the thiobases.
- Brenand investigated the photophysics and excited-state dynamics of nucleobase and thiobase derivatives and of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes coordinated with perylenebisimide.
- Anna investigated the photophysics of the thiobases.
- Kieran investigated the photophysics and excited-state dynamics of folic acid and 6-selenoguanine.
- Bradley investigated the photophysics of thiobases.
- Lidia investigated the excited state dynamics of thiobase derivatives.
- María visited our group for three weeks in 2009. She was trained in the use, data collection, and data analysis of femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. María performed transient absorption experiments in nitro-polycyclic aromatic compounds as part of her Ph.D. work and of an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Arce from University of Puerto Rico, San Juan Campus.
- Joyann visited the our group during the summer of 2009 to perform research. She was undergraduate student at the Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee. Joyann investigated the steady-state photochemistry of Salbutamol, which resulted in her becoming a co-author of a peer-reviewed publication in 2011. She also presented her summer research work in several conferences. Joyann joined the Ph.D. program at Virginia Tech University in 2010.
- Lara joined the group on February 4, 2013 as a visiting graduate student from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. She stayed with the group for two months.
- Luis joined the group on summer 2014 as a visiting summer-research undergraduate student from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao. He was a fellow of the Case-Fisk Partnership/ACES 2014 Summer Undergraduate Research Program. He stayed with the group for two months.
- Serra joined the group on May 1, 2016 as a visiting graduate student from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. She stayed with the group for three months.
- Ana joined the group on September 12, 2016 as a visiting graduate student from the Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain. She stayed with the group for three months.
- Enrique joined the group on March 2018 as a visiting graduate student from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. He stayed with the group for three months.
- Onel joined the group on the summer 2022 as a visiting summer-research undergraduate student from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. He was a fellow of the 2022 CanSUR Summer Undergraduate Research Program. He stayed with the group for two months.
- Courtney volunteered in the Crespo lab during her senior year (2008) at Revere High School in Bath, Ohio.
- Matthew worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2010.
- Briana worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2011 and 2012.
- Omar worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2012.
- Raymond worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2013 and 2014.
- Jessica worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2014.
- Erica worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2014 and 2015.
- Frankie worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2015 and 2016.
- Daisha worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2017 and 2018.
- Dawn worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2017 and 2018.
- Monai worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2018.
- Rayele worked in the Crespo lab as a fellow of the ACS SEED Summer Program in 2018 and 2019.
Nitza V. Falcón-Cruz
Rubej Khan
Tazrin Islam Tonny
Undergraduate Students
Andrés González
Andrés González
Collin Merrick
Collin Merrick
Benjamin Klucznik
Benjamin Klucznik
Mia Formato
Mia Formato
Nadia Abbass
Nadia Abbass
Michael Pogharian
Michael Pogharian
Adina Minkin
Adina Minkin
Grace Sleyko
Grace Sleyko
High School Students
Dharma Hutson
TBN
Honorary Members
Maricruz Crespo
Maricruz Crespo
Ariana Isabel Crespo
Ariana Crespo
Julián Enrique Crespo
Julian Crespo
Coco Crespo
Coco Crespo
Tobi Crespo
Tobi Crespo
