Principal Investigator
Dr. Donna Huryn – Professor of Practice
After receiving her undergraduate Chemistry degree (Cornell University) and Ph.D. degree (University of Pennsylvania, Chemistry), Donna M. Huryn began her career as a medicinal chemist in the pharmaceutical industry (Hoffmann-La Roche & Wyeth Research), and contributed to drug discovery efforts for HIV, cancer, asthma, and CNS disorders with increasing levels of responsibility. In 2004, she joined academia. She was a Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy, and until August 2023, when she was appointed Professor of Practice in the Chemistry Department at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Chemical Society (ACS), recipient of the ACS Philadelphia Local Section Award and Philip S. Portoghese Lectureship, and was inducted into the ACS Medicinal Chemistry Division Hall of Fame. She has held a number of elected positions at national levels of the ACS and the AAAS, and in the Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Technical Divisions. She is co-author of the textbook Medicinal Chemistry (CRC Press), and served as an Associate Editor of ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters from 2014- 2023. In 2019, she co-founded Empowering Women in Organic Chemistry (EWOC), and continues to serve on the organizing committee.
Contact: huryn@sas.upenn.edu
Graduate Students
G5 – Sebastian Dilones (He/Him)
Sebastian is a fifth year chemistry Ph.D. candidate from Queens, New York. He received his B.A. in Chemistry from Haverford College where he minored in Educational Studies and concentrated in Biochemistry. His research interests are mostly in the chemical biology and synthesis fields combined with a strong passion for DEI work and equitable teaching practices in classrooms. At Penn, he’s worked on projects involving post-translational modification installment via heterobifunctional molecules. He has also been a CBI, FERBS, and CTL-GFEIT fellow in addition to his research endeavors. In his free time, he loves to go on fun walks with his sheprador Estrella and play video and board games with his friends.
G3 – Kexin Xu
Kexin is a fourth year chemistry Ph.D. student from Suzhou, China. She received his B.S. in Pharmacy from China Pharmaceutical University and M.S in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Pittsburgh. Her research interests are mostly in medicinal chemistry (design and synthesis of small molecules). At Penn, she is now working on developing small molecules for the treatment of acute kidney injury. She also worked on designing and synthesizing compounds for profilin1-actin interaction. Outside the lab, she is a photographer focusing on fantasy portrait and fashion photography.
G2 – Caroline Consoli (She/Her)
Caroline is a second-year PhD student originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. She received her B.S. in chemistry with a minor in physics from Northeastern University in May 2022. At Northeastern, she pursued internships and co-ops at Oak Ridge National Lab, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers-Squibb, and the Manetsch Lab, with most projects at these organizations focusing on medicinal chemistry. Her research interests lie predominantly in the discovery, design, and synthesis of small molecules for medicinal chemistry projects. She is also a recipient of the NSF-GRFP. Currently, she serves as the co-chair for ADSE@Penn (Alliance for Diversity in Science and Engineering) and is passionate about developing a safe and inclusive graduate school environment in Penn Chemistry. Outside of lab, she loves to bake and decorate layer cakes, and on the weekends, you can often find her reading at one of Philly’s many cozy coffee shops!
G2 – Ros Paul
I am currently a PhD student, specializing in medicinal chemistry. My academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in chemistry from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, followed by a master’s degree, also focused on organic chemistry, from the University of Pennsylvania. When I’m not immersed in research, I enjoy playing tennis, traveling to new places, and binge-watching movies. Passionate about science and discovery, I aim to contribute innovative insights within the field of chemistry.
G1 – Marcello Ma
Marcello was born in Oxnard, California and earned his B.A. in Chemistry from Cornell University in 2021. While there, he conducted research in ROMP-active polycyclic hydrocarbons under Prof. Peter Wolczanski. In his free time, he enjoys baking, strength training, and trying to keep his gaming laptop just a little bit cooler.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Seung Tae Kim
Undergraduates
Samantha Martinez ’25
Samantha is an incoming fourth-year student from Westchester, New York. She is in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Chemistry and minoring in Music. She loves organic and medicinal chemistry and has previously conducted research on electronics prototypes for mouse models. On campus, she is a cellist in the Penn Symphony Orchestra and the Managing Director of Williams Cafe, a student-run business under Penn Student Agencies. In her free time, she loves to play the piano in chamber groups!
Julia Gauffreau ’26
From Media, Pennsylvania. Studying biochemistry and chemistry with a sub matriculation for the master’s degree in Chemistry and a minor in Hispanic studies, interested in synthesis and medical applications in chemistry with a passion for teaching/tutoring in chemistry. Previously did work on synthesis of electrocatalyst nanoparticles in anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Singer in the Penn Glee Club, volunteer with Shelter Health Outreach at Penn, and supervisor for Science Olympiad at Penn. Enjoys nature walks, trying new restaurants, and nostalgic/cozy video games (specifically Mario Kart).
Rotation Students