Group Members

Principle Investigator

Dr. Jeffrey G. Bell

• Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry (August 2020-Present)
• Affiliate Faculty, Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering (January 2023-Present)
• Associate Editor, ECS Sensors Plus (2025-Present)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (2017-2020)
• PhD University of Windsor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2017)
• B.S. Chemistry, University of Windsor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2012)
• Email: jeffrey.g.bell@wsu.edu
• Office: Fulmer Hall, 270A

Pedaballi Sireesha – joined Fall 2023

Pedaballi Sireesha is a Research Associate in the Bell’s research group at Washington State University. I have received my doctoral degree in Material Science Engineering from the National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan.  My research interests are exploring interesting materials and methods for energy storage materials and applications. My recent projects mainly focused on aqueous zinc-bromide and Sodium-ion battery systems. In addition, I am curious to understand the latest advancements in sustainable batteries and interested in being involved in similar discussions. My hobbies are cooking and gardening.

Sarah Farahani – joined Summer 2023

Sarah obtained her master’s degree in micro and nanotechnology at Middle East Technical University. Her research focus is on the design and fabrication of microfluidic-based 3D cell cultures for cytotoxicity assays. Her area of interest includes 3D printing for fabricating organ-on-a-chip and microfluidics for analytical applications. She enjoys Latin dance, sports, and reading literature.

Desmond Salis Iddirisu – joined Fall 2023

Salis is affiliated with the Bell research group, embarking on his first year as a graduate student. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Accra Technical University. His research interest lies in fabricating analytical devices that find applications in bioanalysis and biosensing. Beyond academics, Salis finds delight in anime, music, and gaming as enjoyable hobbies.

Kaylie Mccracken – joined Fall 2023

Kaylie graduated with a BA in Chemistry-Environmental Studies from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. Her research focus will be on the synthesis of UO2 thin films via the electrochemical reduction of uranium. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and watching basketball.

Rishabh Kumar – joined Fall 2025

Rishabh Kumar is a graduate researcher in the Bell Group at Washington State University. He earned his Master’s degree in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, India. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis and its role in energy transformation processes. Recently, his work has involved investigating electrochemical CO₂ reduction reactions on cobalt-based Weyl semimetals. He is also keenly interested in recent developments in sustainable energy storage technologies, particularly metal-ion batteries, and enjoys engaging in related scientific discussions. Outside the lab, Rishabh enjoys cooking, watching films, and following cricket.

Alena Ovsiannikova – joined Spring 2026

Alena Ovsiannikova is a graduate student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. She received her B.S. in Physics from Moscow State University. During her time at MSU, her research focused on studying how electrolyte composition affects the performance of solid-state potentiometric gas sensors. In her free time, Alena enjoys reading, cycling, playing board games, knitting, and crocheting.

Hannah Medley – joined Spring 2024

Hannah is a first-year undergraduate student from Tri-Cities, Washington.  She is planning to graduate WSU in spring 2027 with a BS in chemistry.  Hannah is currently interested in researching Bilirubin and its different biomedical purposes and learning more about electrochemistry.  In her free time, she likes to binge watch TV shows and read books.

Nate Hille – joined Summer 2024

Nate is a third-year undergraduate student from Washtucna, Washington. He is planning to graduate with a BS in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. He is interested in aqueous batteries, magneto electrochemistry and diagnostic sensors. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, and watering his plants.

William Flager – joined Spring 2025

William Flager is a third-year undergraduate student at Washington State University. He is planning to graduate in 2027 with a BS in chemistry and a minor in mathematics. Will is interested in magnetoelectrochemistry and is excited to learn more about the field. In his free time, Will enjoys reading, hiking, and gaming with friends.

Kate Goodman – joined Fall 2025

Kate Goodman is a second-year undergraduate student at Washington State University pursuing a BA in Chemistry on the pre-med track. Her experience in robotics sparked an appreciation for creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, which she now finds reflected in research. Kate is interested in the development of analytical and diagnostic tools and how they can connect to her future goals in medicine. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and being active on campus.

Lucy Gittelman – joined Fall 2025

Lucy Gittelman is a first-year undergraduate student from Portland, Oregon. She is planning to graduate with a double degree in Chemistry and English in spring 2029. Lucy is interested in learning more about electrochemistry. In her free time she enjoys baking, and being outside. 

Madeyln Mahoney – joined Spring 2026

Madelyn Mahoney is a first-year undergraduate student at WSU from Silverdale, Washington. She’s planning to graduate in 2029 with a double major in Chemistry and Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and hanging out with her friends. She’s on the pre-med track and has a very high interest in the development of affordable diagnostic tools that have the ability to be used worldwide.

Morgan Weaver – joined Spring 2026

Morgan is a 4^th year undergrad from Vancouver, WA. I plan on graduating December 2026 with a BS in chemistry and minor in math. I’m interested in learning about forensic chemistry, but for right now just trying to get into the field of forensics. My dream job is forensic chemist at the FBI. In my free time I enjoy playing with my kitten Malibu and doing random arts and crafts.

Catherine Lacaba – joined Spring 2026

Catherine is an undergraduate student at Washington State University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry, she plans to graduate in Spring of 2028. Post-graduation she hopes to work closely with science and medicine with plans of continuing her studies to become a Physician’s Assistant. Outside of academics, she is interested in sports, music and cooking.