The Research Team
Patricia R. Calvo
Assistant Professor
Kansas State University
Department of Chemistry
Dr. Patricia Calvo was born and raised in Dusseldorf, Germany. She moved to the United States at age 18 to attend Lindenwood University in Missouri, where she received her B.S. in Chemistry. Dr. Calvo pursued her doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry at the University of Florida. Her graduate research, under the guidance of Dr. Ken Wagener and Dr. Brent Sumerlin, focused on the synthesis of well-defined functionalized polymers for biomedical applications. After receiving her PhD in 2016, Dr. Calvo worked as a research scientist at a Biotech company (Rochal Industries LLC) in San Antonio, TX. Her research in this position focused on the applications of polymer chemistry to create advanced wound care products and antimicrobials. After two years in industry, Dr. Calvo realized that her true passion lies in academic teaching and research. She served as a chemistry lecturer at Texas A&M University San Antonio for a year before starting a position as Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2018. After five years at NSU, Dr. Calvo accepted a tenure-track position at Kansas State University in July 2023. Dr. Calvo is actively involved with the American Chemical Society (ACS), both locally and nationally, and is passionate about teaching and involving students in research. She hopes to share her passion for chemistry with her students and offer her experience and advice to help students achieve their goals.
Graduate Students
Dean Afsar
PhD Candidate
Dean Afsar earned his master’s degree in chemistry from Manchester Metropolitan University. His current research focuses on the synthesis of antimicrobial polymers, employing various RAFT polymerization methods. Dean's future aspirations lie in transitioning to industry, where he seeks to apply his extensive research background to practical applications. His goal is to contribute to the advancement of polymer synthesis in an industrial setting, leveraging his deep understanding of both organic and polymer chemistry. In addition to his research, Dean also plays a role in supporting undergraduate students, sharing his knowledge and insights as part of the academic community.
Graham Moran
PhD Student
Graham earned his bachelor's in chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in May of 2023. During his undergraduate studies he spent time as a student intern at the IBRL working on fermentation. After joining Kansas State University, Graham decided to pursue inorganic chemistry. Graham is working on the synthesis and applications of metal chelating polymers, combining his background in inorganic chemistry with polymer science. In the future Graham plans on spending time in industry before coming back to academia to pursue his passion for teaching.
Ayesha Imiya
PhD Student
Ayesha graduated from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. She chose to continue her education at Kansas State University in 2024 after working for a year as a research and development chemist for one of Sri Lanka's top cosmetic companies. Ayesha decided to pursue inorganic chemistry and is currently investigating the effect of polymer topogy on metal chelation. She plans to work in industry after completing her PhD.
Dilanka Dassanayake
PhD Student
Dilanka earned his BSc Hons in Applied Science with a focus on Physics and Chemistry from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2022. Following graduation, he spent one and a half years as a Research Officer at a Research and Development Company in Sri Lanka. In 2024, Dilanka embarked on his graduate studies at Kansas State University, pursuing a path in inorganic chemistry. Currently, Dilanka is conducting research on the synthesis and functionalization of chitosan nanoparticles. Upon completing his graduate studies, Dilanka plans to apply his expertise working in industry.
Digambar Bhandari
PhD Student
Digambar Bhandari holds a master's degree in chemistry from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. His research currently focuses on synthesizing precision aliphatic polyesters and polyamides using ADMET polymerization. He aims to develop functionalized polymers that can be used in the medical field for efficient drug delivery. In the future, he plans to work in industry, applying polymer chemistry to advance medical science, particularly in the effective treatment of cancer.
Undergraduate Students
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Brenden Draney
Major: Chemical Engineering
Brenden Draney is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's of science in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry. Brenden's research in the Calvo Group focuses on synthesizing biodegradable wound matrixes. In his free time, he is a proud member of the K-State Marching Band mellophone section. He also enjoys watching Marvel movies and hanging out with his Acacia fraternity brothers. Brenden's research is supported by the Johnson Cancer Research Center and a KSU College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Scholarship.
Marie Kerschen
Major: Biochemistry
Marie Kerschen is a junior majoring in biochemistry and hopes to attend medical school after graduation to be a dermatologist. Her project in the Calvo Group focuses on synthesizing polymers with antibacterial properties. Marie loves going to the gym, walking, reading, playing Hay Day, and hanging out with her friends when she is not in the lab.
Jace Pickering
Major: Chemistry
Justin "Jace" Pickering is an undergraduate student majoring in chemistry, with a focus in premed and a dual minor in art and biology. His current research project with the Calvo Research Group focuses on synthesizing polymers for use in internal radiation therapy for cancer treatment. After graduation, Jace plans to go to medical school to become an oncologist. Outside of the lab, Jace enjoys going to the gym, taking his dog for walks at the park, and drawing.
Jesse Meyers
Major: Chemical Engineering
Jesse Meyers is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry and French. His current project is synthesizing polymers with metal chelating properties. These polymers are intended for use in water treatment. In his free time, Jesse enjoys hiking in the great outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and reading.
Destinee Shaffer
Major: Medical Biochemistry
Destinee is currently pursuing a B.S. in Medical Biochemistry with minors in Biology and Leadership Studies, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028. Following her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a PhD in Organic Chemistry. As a member of the Calvo Group, Destinee’s research focuses on the synthesis of metal-chelating polymers for applications in water purification. Outside the laboratory, she is actively involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon, where she serves as External Relations Director. She is also a participant in K-State Dance concerts. In her free time, Destinee enjoys going on runs, crafting, and exploring new places with friends.
Mena Jones
Major: Chemistry & Biology
Mena Jones is an undergraduate student from St. Louis, Missouri. She is pursuing a degree in chemical sciences and biology with an emphasis on health and human sciences. She hopes to attend medical school after her intended graduation in Spring 2028. Mena is also a part of the Alpha Chi Sigma chemistry fraternity along with being a Residential Learning Assistant for the Honors Community: Well-being in Practice. When she is not in the lab or studying, she likes to go to the gym, hangout with friends, and watch tv-shows.