Melanie Frolich is completing dual B.S. degrees in Physics and Biochemistry at Florida International University, graduating in Spring 2025. She joined the Chuvashova Lab in January 2024 and is currently working on the synthesis of materials in the Nd–Re–B–O system with the potential to exhibit frustrated magnetism arising from Kagome lattice geometries. She also assists with the lab’s optical laser setup.
Fascinated by the limits of material behavior and the physical frameworks that define them, Melanie is passionate about exploring novel quantum materials under extreme conditions. She left the lab in Summer 2025 to begin a Ph.D. program in Physics at the University of Maryland in Fall 2025.

Hannah Truong is currently pursuing a BS in Biological Sciences and a BA in Natural and Applied Sciences. Hannah has worked under Dr. Chuvashova’s guidance since she participated in FIU’s Summer Research Internship Program in 2022. Her project focused on the study of non-stoichiometric gadolinium telluride using Raman spectroscopy under extreme conditions. Hannah hopes to become a doctor in the future and graduated from the lab in Spring 2025.

Jose earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from Florida International University in Spring 2025. He is passionate about expanding his understanding of chemistry and biology to build a strong scientific foundation.
From Spring to Fall 2024, he conducted research on the behavior of organic compounds under high-pressure conditions, contributing to the lab’s exploration of molecular stability and reactivity in extreme environments.

Ethan Hall participated in the Chuvashova Lab as a high school junior through a full-time dual enrollment program at Florida International University. From Spring to mid-Fall 2024, he worked on Raman spectroscopic analysis of europium-containing clathrates under high-pressure conditions, gaining experience in experimental design and data interpretation.
Ethan graduated from high school in June 2025 and plans to pursue a degree in Physics, beginning in Fall 2025. He is passionate about both physics and chemistry and is eager to continue exploring materials science and spectroscopy in his future studies

Nazanin Kazemiasl earned her B.A. in Chemistry from Florida International University in 2023. She joined the Chuvashova Lab in November 2021, where she contributed to high-pressure research on rare-earth borides. Her work began with the preparation, assembly, and calibration of multi-anvil press systems and later transitioned to single-crystal X-ray diffraction data analysis using diamond anvil cells (DACs).
Nazanin concluded her time in the lab in Fall 2023 to prepare for pharmacy school, which she began in Fall 2024. She looks forward to integrating her background in high-pressure materials research into her future career in pharmacy.

Kenan Hussaini, originally from Damascus, Syria, graduated from Florida International University in Spring 2023 with a double major in Chemistry and Natural and Applied Sciences. He joined the Chuvashova Lab in May 2022 and contributed to the analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data for materials with potential applications in solar energy. His work focused on understanding the structural behavior of these materials under high-pressure conditions.
Kenan completed his research in May 2023 and plans to pursue a career in medicine, building on his strong scientific foundation.

Bryan Ferro was born and raised in South Florida and comes from an Argentinian and Cuban family background. He joined Dr. Chuvashova’s research group from May to October 2022 while pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry at Florida International University. During his time in the lab, he assisted with the study of non-stoichiometric gadolinium telluride under high-pressure conditions, contributing to the group’s efforts in understanding the behavior of rare-earth compounds in extreme environments.

Daniela Calvachi Prieto is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Florida International University in Fall 2022. She joined the Chuvashova Lab in November 2021, where she worked with the multi-anvil apparatus, gaining hands-on experience in high-pressure experimental techniques until December 2022.
In addition to her engineering background, Daniela is a certified flight instructor with over three years of teaching experience, combining technical precision with a passion for education and applied science.

Angela Bracho is originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela, and earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from Florida International University in Spring 2023. She worked in Dr. Chuvashova’s lab from January to September 2022, gaining research experience in chemistry and materials science.
After graduation, Angela transitioned into a career in the medical field, combining her scientific background with a commitment to healthcare.

Jose Lopez is a rising senior at Miami Coral Park Senior High School with a long-standing passion for robotics and aspirations to become a mechanical engineer. He joined the Chuvashova Lab in June 2025 to deepen his understanding of chemistry through hands-on research. His project focuses on the synthesis of rare-earth borates, specifically exploring solid solutions between gadolinium and lanthanum at ambient pressure and high temperatures.
Outside the lab, Jose is a dedicated student actively involved in firefighter training and theater as a thespian, reflecting his diverse interests and strong commitment to learning.

Veronica Silva is a 12th-grade student interning in the Chuvashova Lab, driven by her strong interest in science and research. Over the summer, she is working on the synthesis of gadolinium borate at ambient pressure and high temperature, gaining hands-on experience in solid-state chemistry and materials synthesis.
Veronica has completed college-level chemistry courses and has earned state-level awards in forensic science and astronomy. She has also represented Florida in national science competitions. Passionate about a wide range of scientific fields, she envisions a future career as a researcher.
In her free time, Veronica enjoys reading, sewing, and playing Minecraft with friends.

Hannah Truong is a graduate of John A. Ferguson Senior High School, Class of 2023. She participated in the Summer Research Internship (SRI) Program at Florida International University in 2022, where she worked under the guidance of Dr. Chuvashova on research related to the creation of new functional materials under extreme conditions.
With a strong passion for both chemistry and biology, Hannah aspires to pursue a career in science, driven by a desire to uncover the mysteries of the natural world. She values the opportunity to grow academically and personally through hands-on research and is committed to using her experiences to contribute to and inspire others.

Daniel Garcia is a graduate of TERRA Environmental Research Institute, Class of 2023. He participated in the Summer Research Internship (SRI) Program at Florida International University in 2022, where he gained hands-on experience in a research lab and deepened his interest in the chemical sciences.
Daniel’s passion for chemistry began in childhood when he received a book on the periodic table of elements—a moment that sparked a lifelong fascination with the building blocks of the world around us. His curiosity and enthusiasm for science continue to guide his academic and career aspirations.

Daisy Hernandez is a graduate of TERRA Environmental Research Institute, Class of 2023. She participated in the Summer Research Internship (SRI) Program at Florida International University in 2022, where she had the opportunity to explore her long-standing interest in chemistry through hands-on research in Dr. Chuvashova’s lab.
Her passion for chemistry began in middle school, and her experience in the lab allowed her to deepen her understanding of the field while working alongside like-minded peers and mentors. Daisy aspires to continue studying chemistry and is excited to pursue a future in scientific research.