Meek Yang (2021-) meeky@uark.edu

Meek received her BSc (Hons) in Analytical and Testing Sciences and MSc in Analytical Chemistry from the Hong Kong Baptist University in 2018 and 2019 respectively under the guidance of Prof. Hung Wing Li. She joined University of Arkansas in 2021 and is a first year Ph.D. student in the laboratory of Prof. Bin Dong, where she works on imaging for biophysical study as well as single particle tracking. She is also interested in single molecule imaging and developing optical microscopy imaging systems.

Elric Pott (2022-) epott@uark.edu

Elric Pott is a Belizean student with a BSc degree in Chemistry. He graduated from the University of Belize where he conducted an independent study using UV-VIS spectrometry. The knowledge and experience obtained from his study along with his passion for chemistry motivated him to join the University of Arkansas as a graduate student in 2022. Here, he has found his interest in further understanding analytical techniques; thus, he is a new member of Dr. Bin Dong’s research group where he will be developing advanced optical spectroscopy and microscopic imaging method.

Brooke Rainwater (2023-) bmrainwa@uark.edu

In May 2023, Brooke Rainwater graduated from Arkansas Tech University with honors and received a B.Sc. in Professional Chemistry. That fall she began her Ph.D. program in Chemistry at the University of Arkansas with a desire to further her education and conduct research. Due to her interest in analytical techniques, she joined Dr. Bin Dong’s research group in December 2023. Her studies will include investigating single molecule catalysis and the catalytic properties of metal nanoparticles.

Lauren Van Dee (2024-) vandee@uark.edu

Lauren graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello where she earned a B.Sc. in Biology and B.Sc. in Chemistry. She then obtained her M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Saint Joseph, Connecticut. She began work at the University of Arkansas in the Fall of 2023 where she studies metabolic reprogramming that results from the ribosomopathy Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. With the help of Dr. Dong and his expertise, Lauren hopes to learn to utilize super resolution microscopy, as well as other imaging techniques, to aid in this study.

James Ethan Batey (2022-) jebatey@uark.edu

Ethan is an honors undergraduate student at University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Ethan studying chemistry and physics and has interests in biophysics, single particle tracking, super-resolution imaging, and development of optical microscopy systems. He hopes to further research in these fields through graduate school and beyond.

Parker Foley (2024-) pkfoley@uark.edu

Parker is a third-year undergraduate at the University of Arkansas, studying physics with a concentration in astronomy. Parker is deeply interested in optical systems and imaging methods and their role in shaping his astronomy career. He plans to further his astronomy research in graduate school using the experience and knowledge he gains from Dr. Bin Dong’s research group.

Joie Embree (2024-) jembree@uark.edu

Joie is an undergraduate biochemistry student at the University of Arkansas. As a pre-med and Honors College student, Joie is conducting research on advanced imaging techniques, specifically focusing on super-resolution microscopy using optical spectroscopy and hyperspectral methodology to study cellular structures at the nanoscale. Her work aims to enhance the visualization of complex biological processes within cells, contributing to a deeper understanding of cellular mechanisms in health and disease. Passionate about both research and medicine, Joie is committed to integrating scientific discovery with clinical practice in her future medical career.

Jackson Brandt (2024-) jcbrandt@uark.edu

TBU