Janet Macdonald
Associate Professor of Chemistry
BSc 2003 McGill University
PhD 2008 University of Alberta
Post Doctoral Fellow 2008-10 The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Assistant Professor 2011- 2020 Vanderbilt University
Associate Professor 2020- present Vanderbilt University
My education started in the very small town of Dorset, Ontario in a school with twelve children and one teacher. Mrs. McLennan did a great job fostering my love to learn because decades later, I still have yet to "finish" going to school. As a young student, I seemed to be always staring out the window because I was fascinated by the spinning black and while panels of the Crooks Radiometer on her classroom windowsill and the hoar frost that would cover the glass on winter mornings. I haven't stopped thinking about solar energy and crystal growth since.
Graduate Sudents
Lexie Koziel
I am originally from Southborough, MA, but I spent 4 years in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University earning a B.A. in Chemistry. My undergraduate research with Dr. Ina Martin focused on the effects of surface treatment on the stability of perovskite solar cells. Currently my research focuses on using NMR to ensure my the precursors to my copper selenide nanoparticles behave like they are supposed to. In my free time I enjoy running, indoor cycling, reading, and traveling.
Jeremy Espano
I was born in Gainesville, Florida and raised in Ocilla, Georgia. After a few years in the rural south, I decided to explore a colder, more metropolitan area. Thus, after four years in Boston, I graduated from Boston College with a B.S. in chemistry. My undergraduate research with Professor Dunwei Wang focused on developing and improving materials for energy conversion and storage via solar water splitting. Currently, my research focuses on understanding how precursor decomposition affects the mechanisms of phase control in iron sulfide nanoparticles. In my free time, I love hanging out with my dog, swimming, biking, and playing the piano.
Andrey Shults
I am originally from Moscow, Russia. After finishing middle school in my country, I decided to continue my education in the US where I got my B.S. in Biochemistry from Florida State University. For my undergraduate research, I worked with Dr. Geoffrey Strouse on developing dilute magnetic semiconductor nanoparticles. My current research is focused on phase manipulation of metal sulfides. Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with my friends.
Emma Endres
I am from Bourbonnais, Illinois. I received my B.S in chemistry at Indiana University in 2021. In my undergraduate research under Dr. Sara Skrabalak, where I became interested in nanoparticle synthesis, I studied the galvanic replacement reaction with intermetallic palladium-copper nanoparticle templates and gold precursor as well as platinum precursor. I observed PdCu-Au dimer formation and analyzed its formation as a function of Au precursor injection rate and volume. Currently my research focuses on phase control of iron sulfide particles, specifically via the addition of bidentate ligands. In my free time I like to paint, trying new crafts, and spending time with my friends.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Undergraduates
Blake Catlett
I was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. I am a rising third-year undergraduate majoring in Chemistry, with a minor in Earth & Environmental Sciences. I spent my first year of undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before transferring to Vanderbilt University, returning to my home state. I joined the Macdonald group in the summer of 2023, continuing a project focused on Anishinaabe rock art chemistry. The main goal is to re-discover the methods that led to the incredibly durable murals. In my free time, I like to cook, chat with friends, enjoy music, and go on drives.
Nehemiah Stovall-Wright
This is Nehemiah. When not in the lab, you can find him speeding to class on his long board.