Graduate Students

Hai Zhao

I am from Chongqing, P. R. China. I got my B.S. in the summer of 2023 in Molecular Science and Engineering from the South China University of Technology (SCUT) supervised by Associate Prof. Boxing Zhang. My research topic is “Composite Materials Based on Bacterial Cellulose and Eucommia ulmoides Gum”. In the fall of 2023, I joined Prof. Chuanbing Tang’s group. My research interests lie in the field of polymer catalysts.

Email : haiz@email.sc.edu 

Adam Parris

I am from Columbia, South Carolina, and I received my B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular biology in 2023 here at USC. During my undergraduate studies I aided in synthesis and characterization of metallic organic frameworks under Dr. Natalia Shustova, and on nickel catalyzed arylation of gem-difluoroalkenes for novel NSAID synthesis under Dr. Ming Joo Koh at the National University of Singapore. I joined Dr. Tang’s group in Fall 2023 and am interested in antimicrobial polymer research. In my free time I often enjoy gardening and metalsmithing.

Email : adambp@email.sc.edu 

Alimi Abiodun

I am from Nigeria. I received my B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry in 2015 from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. During my undergraduate degree, I examined the phytochemicals in two different Combretaceae species. Afterward, I worked as a production manager at Vitafoam Nigeria Plc for four years. My research interests are sustainable polymers and their application. In the fall of 2022, I joined Dr. Tang's group to further my knowledge about polymers. I spend my free time on sports (soccer, tennis, and indoor games).

Email : aabiodun@email.sc.edu 

Md Waliullah Hossain

I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I got my bachelor's degree from University of Dhaka in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering in February 2021. In the fall of 2021, I joined Prof. Chuanbing Tang’s group. My research interest lies in the field of Polymer and their potential application in renewable energy and biomaterials. In my free time I like to cook and watch anime.

Email : mh130@email.sc.edu 

Xiaomeng Li

I am from Laiwu, Shandong Province, P. R. China. I got my B.S. in 2018 in Polymer Science and Engineering from Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST) supervised by Prof. Runxiong Lin. My research topic is “Study on properties of photosensitive resin for 3D printing”. After that, I joined Dr. Junpeng Wang’s group in University of Akron (UAkron), and got my M.S. in Polymer Science in 2020. During my master project, I worked on mechanochemistry. In the fall of 2020, I joined Prof. Chuanbing Tang’s group. My research interests lie in the field of mechanochemistry.

Email :xiaomeng@email.sc.edu

Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholars

Dr. Zhitao (Hubert) Hu (Ph.D. Sun Yat-Sen University)
I am from Zhangjiajie, China. I obtained my B.S. in material chemistry from Sun Yat-Sen University. Subsequently, I joined Prof. Yongming Chen’s group at Sun Yat-Sen University, where I obtained my Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry. During my Ph.D., I worked on the monomer design and polymer synthesis. After that, I joined Prof. Garret Miyake’s group as a postdoc from 2022-2024. During this period, I mainly worked on the sustainable polymer to establish a circular economy. In 2024, I commenced a new postdoctoral position in Prof. Chuanbing Tang's group. My primary research interests are in the areas of new mechanophore design and sustainable polymer synthesis.

Email: zhitao@mailbox.sc.edu

Dr. Nagarjuna A Mahadas (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research)
I am from Andhra Pradesh, India. I obtained my master’s in chemistry in 2014 from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram. I pursued my Ph.D. in chemistry in 2020 from Shiv Nadar University, Delhi, India. During my Ph.D., my research was centered on synthesizing and characterizing biobased polybenzoxazine networks using renewable building blocks and their application towards flame retardants and adhesives. Later, I joined as a ‘Scientific Employee’ at Fraunhofer IFAM, Bremen, Germany in 2021. Further, I joined as a Joint Manager at Atul Ltd., Valsad, Gujarat, India. In 2023, I moved as a postdoctoral fellow to the University of South Carolina in Prof. Tang’s polymer group. I am currently working on sustainable thermoplastics.

Email: nmahadas@mailbox.sc.edu

Dr. Swagatam Barman (Ph.D, JNCASR, India)
I am Swagatam from Kolkata, India. I obtained master’s in chemistry in 2015 from Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati and received PhD in chemical science in 2021 from new chemistry unit, JNCASR, Bangalore, India. My PhD dissertation involves the development of small molecular and polymeric antimicrobial to combat infections and inflammations. In 2022, I moved to University of South Carolina and joined Prof. Tang’s research group. I am currently working on the development of antimicrobial polypeptide polymers. I believe in people, nationalism, and liberal leftism. It’s my keen interest to interact with new people and new cultures. I like to cook, watch medical dramas, movies, travel and chatting with friends with a drink.

Email: sbarman@mailbox.sc.edu

Undergraduate/High School Students

Jackie DePodesta

I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I’m currently obtaining my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at UofSC and I’m graduating in spring of 2025. I joined Dr. Tang’s research group in spring 2023 and I’m working with research focusing on creating biodegradable forms of plastic using organic polymer synthesis. I intend to continue doing research throughout my undergraduate career and eventually hope to work in the medical industry. In my free time I love to read and watch Greys Anatomy.

Email : depodesj@email.sc.edu

Tristian Merringer

I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UofSC and plan to graduate in 2025. I joined Dr. Tang’s research group in spring 2022 and am currently working on the polyamide brush polymer project. I plan to further pursue research and continue towards a career in either the field of medicine or chemistry. When I have the time, I enjoy traveling, playing guitar, and reading.

Email : menningt@email.sc.edu