Katherine M. Davis

Principal Investigator

Pronouns: she/her/hers

After formal coursework in physics and mathematics, Kate pursued doctoral research under Prof. Yulia Pushkar (Dept. of Physics) at Purdue University where she used X-ray spectroscopic techniques to characterize catalytic mechanisms of natural and artificial photosynthetic reaction centers by monitoring the structural and electronic changes associated with turnover.

Samantha (Sam) Horwitz

Member since Fall 2020

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I grew up near Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Kent State University with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in English in 2020. In undergrad, my research focused on the synthesis and crystallographic characterization of novel inorganic compounds, but I also spent time as an editor for one of my school’s annual literary and art magazines, Brainchild. My current work in the Davis lab involves the development of time-resolved X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy methods for studying metalloenzyme dynamics in crystallo. When I’m not in lab, I’m usually playing or recording music with my  band Indigo Bunting, rereading Harry Potter for the 20^th time or cooking vats of vegetarian curries.

Benjamin (Ben) Dratch

Lidia Waidmann

Gabe DeLong

Member since Fall 2022

Pronouns: he/him/his/they/them/theirs

Hey, I’m Gabe! I grew up in rural Pennsylvania outside of Allentown. I graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Spanish. During my undergraduate research in the Willets lab, I worked with gold nanosphere lithography, gold nanorod synthesis, and sample preparation of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticle arrays. Outside of chemistry, I love astrology, horror movies, and Charli XCX.

Tiffany Alvarez

Member since fall 2023

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am from Cartersville, GA. I graduated from Berry College in 2020 with a B.S.
in Biochemistry. I then decided to continue my education and graduated from
University of San Francisco in 2023 with an M.S. in Chemistry. My project
during my time at USF involved quantifying the thermodynamics of Cu(II)
binding to the antimicrobial peptide PG-KI using isothermal titration
calorimetry (ITC). My hobbies include doing yoga, shopping, and going to
coffee shops.

Jesus Vazquez Hernandez

Member since fall 2023

Pronouns: he/him/his

I was born in Mexico and was brought to the USA when I was five years of age. From then until I left for college, I lived in Houston, Texas. For my undergraduate education, I attended Lycoming College, a small liberal arts college in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In college, I developed a love for the outdoors. Due to this, some of my favorite hobbies are hiking, rock climbing, and camping. One of my favorite research experiences was working for Dr.  Booker at Penn State for an REU. In the Booker lab, I worked on Class B radical S-adenosylmethionine methylases, which use cobalamin as a cofactor to methylate unactivated carbon centers. Some areas of research I am interested in pursuing in the Davis Lab are continuing to work with radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes and spectroscopy techniques.

Drisha Sehgal

Member since Spring 2024

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I finished my master’s degree in Physics with a minor in Science Education from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research(IISER) Mohali, India. I did a variety of research during my undergrad and finished my thesis in a quantum optics group where I coupled a nanostructure with NV centers to tune their emission. In the Davis lab I work on time resolved crystallography and develop methods to study metalloenzymes. I am passionate about interdisciplinary research and like to combine topics in physics, chemistry and biology in my research. Outside of my research work I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music and cooking.

Yuna Chang

Member since fall 2024

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hi, I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. I graduated from Sookmyung Women’s University with a B.E. in Applied Physics and a B.S. in Chemistry. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted research on enhancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells and attempted to fabricate single-crystal perovskite thin films. In my free time, I love cooking, baking, and crocheting. In the Davis lab, everyone from diverse background is welcomed, just like me.

Ishraquddin Wasif

Member since Spring 2025

Pronouns: He/Him/His

I was born in Bangladesh, moved to the US when I was 1, and grew up in Bridgeport, CT. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in May 2024 and received my degree in Chemistry and Physics at Wesleyan University. At my time at Wesleyan, my research endeavors have primarily revolved around studying the dynamic intersections of physical chemistry and materials science, with a specific concentration on soft matter complexes. In the Davis Lab, I hope to bring my expertise to metalloenzymes so that I can better understand and contribute to advancing research in this area. During my “free-time”, I like reading, investing, and playing soccer.

Qianyi (Kiu) Yang

Member since Fall 2025

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Hey! I am Kiu, originally from Wuhan, China. I graduated from Brandeis University, MA, double majoring in Chemistry and Biology. In Dr. Maria-Eirini Pandelia’s lab, I was previously studying the allosteric regulation of a metalloenzyme named SAMHD1 which is the only dNTP hydrolase in human body. Outside of lab, I love playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and going to concerts!

Monica Zheng (EC ’27)

Member since Summer 2025

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Hi! I am Monica Zheng. Originally from Hangzhou, China. I am majoring in Chemistry and considering minoring in Korean. I am interested in how metalloenzymes catalyze biologically important reactions and how metal cofactors influence enzyme structure and function. Outside of uni, life is about traveling, going out with friends, and baking

Dominic Kassing (EC’27)

Member since Fall 2025

Pronouns: he/him/his/they/them/theirs

Hi! My name is Dominic and I’m from Charleston, South Carolina. I am working on my chemistry degree with a special interest in biochemistry and neuroscience. I want to learn how to study and map out protein structures with an end goal of specifically studying various enzymes and processes important to our neurological pathways. Outside of lab I’m always playing and writing music, eating good food (especially KBBQ!), or, of course, spending time with my lovely friends.

Kevin An (EC’28)

Member since Fall 2025

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Hi I’m Kevin and I’m from Potomac, MD. I’m studying biophysics with a minor in ethics on the pre-med track. I’m interested in the application of physical chemistry at a biological level, especially how the dysfunction of metalloenzymes can cause diseases like ALS. Outside of school and the lab I like to watch Instagram reels, take pictures of sunsets, listen to Frank Ocean, drink matcha, and hang out with friends.

Zoe Pan (EC ’28)

Richmond Debrah (EC ’28)

Benjamin Pritchard (EC ’28)

Daniel Deng (REU Summer ’26)

We saved you a spot!

Interested in joining the team?

The Davis Lab accepts rotation students as part of the chemistry graduate program. Apply to the graduate program!

Undergraduate researchers should reach out to Kate directly. For tips about getting involved in undergraduate research in chemistry, check out the Undergraduate Research Information Guide. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate new undergraduate scholars at this time. Please check back again later.