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Members

Principal Investigator

Dr. Joshua M. Blechle

Education:
B.S. Chemistry, Truman State University
Ph.D. Physical/Analytical Chemistry, Colorado State University

About:
As a physical and analytical chemist, my interests lie in the design and implementation of experiments which help to elucidate the fundamental interactions of complex systems. My fascination with non-thermal plasmas was developed during my graduate work and continues to be a focus of my research efforts. Plasmas provide a unique (and largely unexplored) chemical environment that have a number of controllable parameters which significantly impact the overall chemistry of the resulting system. This tunability allows for limitless areas of scientific exploration with far-reaching applications.

Hometown:
Washington, MO

Hobbies:
Craft beer, reading, grilling, and general nerdery


Current Group Members

Morgan Schnell

About:
I am a biochemistry and neuroscience major in the class of 2028. I am an E-mentor and Bonner Leader, as well as the President of the Chemistry Club. I enjoy the biomaterials aspect of plasma research most, especially finding interest in the long term goals and applications of what we explore. I first showed interest at the end of my first year at Wilkes, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through research.

Hometown:
York, PA

Hobbies:
Reading, music, theater, watching movies, and crocheting


Madison Hennick

About:
I am a biochemistry major in the class of 2029. I started my education at Wilkes as a pharmacy major, but my passion for chemistry and interest in hands-on laboratory work led me to pursue biochemistry instead. I am excited about the opportunity to participate in research because it will allow me to expand my understanding of chemistry and its role in scientific research while also developing my skills in the lab. I was initially interested in joining Dr. Blechle’s research group because plasma chemistry is a unique and innovative field that is not commonly explored, and I look forward to learning more about its applications.

Hometown:
Pottsville, PA

Hobbies:
Reading, baking, and staying active


Angelique Calise

About:
I am a sophomore Biology major and Chemistry/Spanish minor. I gained an interest in Dr. Blechle's research during my second semester at Wilkes, when I learned how plasma/surface interactions could be used to alter biomedical materials. As a current member of the group, I have developed a broader interest in plasma mechanisms overall. Plasma somehow involves every rule you learn in general chemistry while simultaneously breaking it. As I gain more experience within the group, I hope to better understand these systems despite how unpredictable they can be.

Hometown:
Humacao, Puerto Rico

Hobbies:
Music, volleyball, and reading


Brianna Rentko

About:
I am a sophomore pharmacy major with a chemistry minor graduating in 2031. I chose my major from a place of loving both healthcare and chemistry, and after taking classes with Dr. Blechle, I wanted to turn my love for chemistry into a minor. Doing research with Dr. Blechle gives me the opportunity to expand upon my interest in chemistry by directly engaging with it in a way I wouldn’t otherwise be able to. I am so excited for what I’ll learn as I continue this journey.

Hometown:
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Hobbies:
Reading, scrapbooking, and hiking


Former Group Members

Darren Dolan, Ph.D. ('19)

   Graduate School: George Washington University ('25)
   Current Affiliation: MXene Inc.

Jimmy Fritz ('20)

   Current Affiliation: Saladax Biomedical

Ryan Chapman ('22)

   Current Affiliation: University of Kentucky, Graduate Student

Melanie Fouts ('23)

   Current Affiliation: Pennsylvania-American Water Company

Jeremy Vanauken ('23)

   Current Affiliation: United States Air Force

Emily Purcell ('24)

   Current Affiliation: Kawneer Company, Inc.

Mollie Corbett ('25)

   Current Affiliation: Tufts University, Graduate Student

Simon Farrell ('26)

   Current Affiliation: Wacker Chemical Corporation

Bethany Yashkus ('26)

   Current Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh, Graduate Student