People

Yaguang Zhu

Assistant Professor · Texas Tech University

Ph.D. · Washington University in St. Louis
Postdoc · Princeton University

Yaguang Zhu leads the Zhu Lab, where research connects molecular interactions, interfacial transport, materials design, electrochemistry, and operando synchrotron X-ray characterization across length scales.

Chuanqi Jia

Ph.D. Student · Chemical Engineering

Chuanqi Jia is a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional materials and Joule-heating-assisted material processing.

Outside the lab, he enjoys playing basketball and cooking.

Yan Zhao

Ph.D. Student · Civil Engineering

Yan Zhao is a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering at Texas Tech University. Her current research focuses on the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Before joining Texas Tech, she studied Environmental Science and Engineering at Beijing University of Technology, where her research focused on CO₂ electroreduction using copper-based catalysts, including catalyst synthesis, structural regulation, electrochemical performance, and product analysis.

Yan is friendly, outgoing, and always curious about trying new things. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling, experiencing different cultures, spending time in nature, and discovering new foods.

Isaac Acevedo

Environmental Engineering · Texas Tech University

Isaac Acevedo is an Environmental Engineering student at Texas Tech University. His current research focuses on how iron-based materials can convert nitrate and nitrite in water into useful nitrogen products, such as ammonia. His research also examines how adding different metals can change reaction efficiency and product sensitivity. This work aims to improve our understanding of nitrogen conversion and support the development of more effective nitrogen-recovery technologies.

Outside the lab, Isaac enjoys hiking, traveling, learning as much as he can, gaining new perspectives, and getting his hands dirty.

Rylee Young

Chemical Engineering · Texas Tech University

Year: Sophomore
Program: Honors College
Minor: Renewable Energy

Rylee Young is a sophomore at Texas Tech University and a proud member of the Honors College. She is pursuing a major in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Renewable Energy. Her current research focuses on pulsed electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction in an electrochemical cell, with the goal of converting CO₂ into valuable fuels and chemical feedstocks.

Outside the lab, Rylee is always eager to take on a new challenge. She enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, traveling, and exploring research in hydroponics and synthetic fuel production.