PI: Joshua Moon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering, University of Florida (2023-present)
Educational background
Post-doc in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (2019-2022)
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin (2019)
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Alabama (2014)
Research background
Dr. Joshua Moon is an experimentalist whose work aligns at the intersection between membrane separations, polymer chemistry, and polymer physics.
Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Florida, Dr. Moon worked as a post-doctorate researcher at UC Santa Barbara under the guidance of Drs. Craig Hawker and Rachel Segalman. His research focused on developing modular synthetic strategies for advanced water treatment membranes and understanding how polymer functionality and structure control water and ion transport in membranes at both molecular and macroscopic scales. Dr. Moon received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin under the mentorship of Drs. Benny Freeman and Donald Paul. His doctorate research investigated the complex interplay between polymer free volume and humidity-induced plasticization in gas separation membranes for hydrogen purification and carbon capture. He also developed new membrane materials using polymer blends that were capable of surpassing the conventional “upper bound” for H2/CO2 separation performance by leveraging control over polymer phase behavior and thermal post-modifications. Dr. Moon received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at University of Alabama where he worked with Dr. Jason Bara on ionic liquids for CO2 separations.
Ph.D. students
Ryan Johnson
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University (2022)
Ryan is working to develop advanced materials to address the growing energy crisis. His project is focused on using modular synthetic tools to install “clickable” functional groups into membranes to impart high permeability and selectivity towards CO2 for promoting efficient carbon capture.
Ryan completed his Bachelor’s in chemical engineering at Texas A&M University where he worked with Dr. Mark Hotlzapple to develop new ways to produce biofuels, starting Ryan’s interest in academic research. In the summer of 2021, Ryan had the opportunity to work as an REU student at the University of Florida in Dr. Ranga Narayanan’s lab studying the theory of hydrodynamic instabilities. Through this experience Ryan solidified his choice in graduate school and enrolled at UF for the fall of 2022 and subsequently joined the Moon lab. When not in lab, Ryan enjoys hiking with his wife and two dogs as well as training for and running triathlons with the UF triathlon team.
Lakshay Dhamania
M.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Florida (2023)
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University School of Chemical Technology, India (2021)
Lakshay is developing novel polymer adsorbents and membranes for remediation of water resources, particularly the capture and removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
“My motivation to keep studying and stay connected to my field made me move to the University of Florida in 2021 for my master's in chemical engineering where I started working with Dr. Vasenkov to investigate and quantize diffusion of gases in MMM (mixed matrix membranes) using PFG NMR. This work greatly inspired me to continue my graduate studies and devote more time to research on soft materials and this encouraged me to enroll as a Ph.D. scholar at UF under Dr. Joshua Moon. I like to eat well and work out so if not in the lab you can find me at the gym or a restaurant.”
Danielle Loftis
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines (2023)
Danielle is working on synthesizing novel PIM membranes and investigating correlations between polymer structure, dynamics, and gas transport properties
Danielle completed her bachelor’s in chemical engineering at Colorado School of Mines where she participated in an undergraduate led research group where she worked with blood bots to attempt to convert type A blood to type O blood. Here, Danielle found a liking for research and the want to continue in her academic pursuit for a graduate degree in chemical engineering. During her studies, she found an interest in polymers and separations. Along with her innate interest in electrochemical engineering, she decided to enroll in the University of Florida in 2023 to continue her academic career and joined the Moon lab. When she is not in lab, she enjoys going on walks and drinking coffee in a cafe.
Masters students
Siqi Wang
B.S. in Chemistry from Capital Normal University, China (2022)
Siqi is working on synthesizing and characterizing “clickable” polymers for gas separation membranes to understand the influence of polymer dynamics on gas transport in polymers
Siqi holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Capital Normal University, China, where she conducted graphene and hydrogel research guided by Professor Liu Jiaqi. This research emphasized graphene's role in hydrogel development. Siqi's internship at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences enriched her with hands-on experience in designing nanoscale drug particles for tumor treatment. These experiences fueled her passion for polymer synthesis and characterization, leading her to pursue graduate studies under Professor Joshua Moon at the University of Florida. Siqi also has a strong passion for cooking and believes that it shares many similarities with conducting experiments.
Undergraduate students
Karim El Hajj Sleiman
Class of 2024
Karim El Hajj Sleiman is an undergraduate student in Chemical Engineering. Karim’s research interests in polymer chemistry, catalysis for green chemistry, and circular economy are motivated by sustainable development. He enjoys the more experimental nature of research and strives to utilize new ideas and learnings to maximize on initiatives against climate change. When not in the lab, Karim is involved in Engineers Without Borders and also serves as a Chemical Engineering Peer Advisor and Resident Assistant. He enjoys being outdoors, playing tennis, guitar and learning about languages!
Zoe Reddecliff
Class of 2024
Zoe Reddecliff is an undergraduate student in chemical engineering minoring in materials science and engineering. They aim to address the climate crisis through research in Dr. Moon’s lab developing polymeric membranes for carbon capture and PFAS removal. In the Summer of 2022, Zoe had the opportunity to study abroad in Osnabrück, Germany where she learned about sustainability in engineering and planning and conducted research on plasma surface treatment of polymers. In the future, Zoe hopes to work with renewable energy, beginning with an internship at NextEra Energy in the Summer of 2023. They are very involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, serving as Secretary of the UF chapter in Spring 2023. In their free time, Zoe enjoys crocheting, hula hooping, and tending to her plants.
Nathaniel Rudman
Class of 2024
Nathaniel Rudman is majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. He is most interested in research involving pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or polymer chemistry. Nathaniel especially enjoys utilizing software engineering to assist in his research. Nathaniel has a wide variety of commercial and academic software projects under his belt and is always enthusiastic about utilizing and expanding the knowledge he has. In Nathaniel’s free time, he is an active member of UF’s club swim team and enjoys visiting Florida’s beautiful springs.
Rebecca Vosilla
Rebecca is majoring in chemical engineering and minoring in Spanish. She is passionate about using chemistry to solve pressing current issues and is interested in the Moon lab’s work with polymer synthesis for PFAS separation from water. In the future, she is also interested in working with renewable energy such as solar and geothermal. She is involved with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and is excited to serve as Mentor Mentee coordinator in the spring 2024 semester to help spread her passion for the discipline. She was part of UF’s ChemE Car team, energy generation and storage. In her free time, Rebecca loves to bake, play the piano, and do crossword or sudoku puzzles.
Molly Wannamaker
Molly is an undergraduate student from Jacksonville, Florida studying Chemical Engineering and minoring in Economics. She is interested in polymer chemistry and materials science, as well as the applications of organic synthesis in engineering projects. She has enjoyed manipulating and testing membrane properties through her research in Dr. Moon's lab. She recently studied abroad in Rome, Italy through an engineering program and now serves as a Peer Advisor for the University of Florida International Center. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Faith Dobias
Faith Dobias is an undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering, driven by a passion to address global energy and environmental challenges. She is particularly interested in exploring innovative solutions, exemplified by the research conducted in the Moon lab which involves synthesizing novel polymer membranes for enhanced gas separation. Outside of the lab, she is actively involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and serves as a Chemical Engineering Peer Advisor, which enables her to support and mentor fellow students. In her free time, Faith enjoys going on walks with her dog and traveling.