Group Members
Current Members
Dr. Xingchen Wan
Xingchen is originally from Shanghai, China and received his B.S. in Chemistry from Fudan University, his M.S. in Materials Engineering from the University of Southern California, and his Ph. D. in Chemistry from the University of Florida under Dr. Aponick. He returned to Dr. Aponick’s lab in 2026 as a postdoctoral researcher following the group’s move to the University of Georgia.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr. Deshkanwar Singh Brar
Deshkanwar received his M.S. in Chemistry in 2020 from Panjab University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Kansas under Prof. Jon A. Tunge. He is also a former project associate at the CSIR–Institute of Microbial Technology. In 2026, he joined Dr. Aponick’s lab at the University of Georgia as a postdoctoral researcher.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Divya Radhakrishnan
Divya is originally from Kerala, India, and received her integrated B.S./M.S. from the Institute for Intensive Research in Basic Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University. She began her doctoral studies at the University of Florida in 2021 before transferring to the University of Georgia in 2026. In her spare time, Divya likes to sing, hike, and draw.
6th Year Ph.D Candidate
Sagar Badoni
Sagar is originally from Uttarakhand, India, and received his M.S. in Process Chemistry at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education in Mohali, India. He began his doctoral studies at the University of Florida in 2021 before transferring to the University of Georgia in 2026. Outside of lab, Sagar enjoys listening to rock and metal as well as playing PS5.
6th Year Ph.D Candidate
Sagar Saswade
Sagar is originally from Pune, Maharashtra, India, and received his B.S./M.S. dual degree in chemistry from the Indian Institute for Science Education and Research, Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) in 2021. He began his doctoral studies at the University of Florida in 2022 before transferring to the University of Georgia in 2026. In his free time, Sagar enjoys playing soccer and badminton.
5th Year Ph.D Candidate
Anthony Rodriguez Pesci
Anthony is originally from Morristown, New Jersey, and received his B.S. in Chemistry from Seton Hall University. He began his doctoral studies at the University of Florida in 2022 before transferring to the University of Georgia in 2026. He enjoys working out, watching sports, and playing guitar.
5th Year Ph.D Candidate
Gabriel Eaton-Landau
Gabriel is originally from Hanover, Pennsylvania (snack capital of the world!), and received his B.S. in Chemistry from York College of Pennsylvania. He began his doctoral studies at the University of Florida in 2023 before transferring to the University of Georgia in 2026. In his spare time, Gabriel loves thrift shopping, checking out new cafes, and going to the beach.
4th Year Ph.D Student
Jacob Watson
Jacob is originally from Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, and received his B.S. in Chemistry from Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, where he was also a member of the track and field team. He began his doctoral studies at the University of Georgia in 2025, and in his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting and traveling.
2nd Year Ph.D Student
Pedro Prudencio
Pedro is originally from Katy, Texas, and received his B.S. in Biochemistry from Baylor University before beginning his doctoral studies at the University of Georgia in 2025. He enjoys biking, cooking, and playing viola in his spare time, and he is currently a member of the UGA Philharmonia Orchestra.
2nd Year Ph.D Student
Jenna Devin
Jenna is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and received her B.S. in biomedical sciences from the University of South Florida. She began her doctoral studies at the University of Georgia in 2026. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys listening to music, going out with friends, and spending time with her cat, Sylvester.
1st Year Ph.D Student
Jacob Walz
Jacob is originally from Rochester, Minnesota, and received two B.A. degrees in chemistry and psychology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He began his doctoral studies at the University of Georgia in 2026. In his spare time, Jacob likes to spend time outside, mainly hiking, fishing, and biking, and also enjoys meeting new people.
1st Year Ph.D Student