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Department of Chemical Engineering College of Engineering

Current Group Members

photograph of the Orazem research group taken on February 10, 2025

Photo taken by Ada Lang on February 10, 2025 in front of the chemical engineering building.
Left to Right. Cynthia Eluagu (PhD), Conan Hooker Humphries (UG), Daniel Avalos (UG), Danielle Loftis (PhD), Mark Orazem (PI), Bernard Biney (PhD), Yunhan Chuai (PhD), Kelsey Sinclair (PhD), Brooke Erickson (UG)

Advisor

photograph of Prof. Mark E. Orazem and Alberta, the UF mascot.

Mark E. Orazem
Distinguished Professor
Associate Chair for Graduate Studies
William P. and Tracy Cirioli Professor of Chemical Engineering
morazem@che.ufl.edu
LinkedIn

BS 1976 Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University
MS 1978 Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, with Larry Erickson
PhD 1983 Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, with John Newman

Photo taken with Alberta Gator

Fun Fact: I love writing, especially books. I am attracted to Florida by its wildlife, including birds and even alligators.

Doctoral Students


photograph of Orazem doctoral graduate student Bernard Biney.

Bernard W. Biney
bernardbiney@ufl.edu
LinkedIn
Topic: Electrochemical Models for Deep-Brain Stimulation
Sponsor: NIH

MS 2022, Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, China
BSc 2018, Petrochemical Engineering, College of Engineering (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.
Work Experience
2018-2019: Société Générale – Global Transaction Banking Intern
2017: Tullow Oil Plc – Project Management and Engineering Intern

Fun fact: I enjoy playing tennis, watching thrillers, and cooking new recipes

photograph of Orazem doctoral graduate student BYunhan Chuai.

Yunhan Chuai
yunhanchuai@ufl.edu
LinkedIn
Topic: COMSOL finite-element model of copper corrosion in nuclear waste repositories.
Sponsor: NWMO, Canada

BS 2020 Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, China,
MS 2022 Chemical Engineering, University of Florida.

Fun fact: Love reading, music, playing table tennis, and keeping pets

photograph of Orazem doctoral graduate student Cynthia Eluagu.

Cynthia Eluagu (nee Ezeh)
cynthia.ezeh@ufl.edu
LinkedIn
Topic: Electrochemical Models for Deep-Brain Stimulation
Sponsor: NIH

B Eng. 2017, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering. Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Work experience
2019-2021: Feddo Group – Subsea and Pipeline Engineer and Technology Development Lead.

Fun Fact: I love touring and learning new things.

photograph of co-advised doctoral graduate student Danielle Loftis.

Danielle Loftis
dloftis@ufl.edu
LinkedIn
Topic: Dielectric Spectroscopy (co-advised with Prof. Joshua Moon)

BS 2023 Chemical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines

Fun fact: I like hiking/walking, puzzles, and reading books in my free time

Honorary Group Member

photograph of doctoral graduate student Kelsey Sinclair.

Kelsey Ariel Sinclair
kelseysinclair@ufl.edu
LinkedIn
Topic: Ultramicroelectrodes for neural stimulation, Advised by Prof. Joshua Wong, Department of Neurology.
Sponsor: NIH and GEM Fellowship.

BS 2020 Biology, Florida Gulf Coast University
MS 2023 Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida.

Fun fact: I discovered a planet and an eclipsing binary (twin star system).

Undergraduate Students

photograph of Orazem undergraduate student Daniel Avalos.

Daniel Avalos
davalosaday@ufl.edu
LinkedIn

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2027
Major: Chemical Engineering
Minor: Biomolecular Engineering

Fun Fact: I was born in Toronto, but I grew up in Miami

Recent Graduates

photograph of recent graduate Brooke Erickson

Brooke Erickson
brooke.erickson@ufl.edu
LinkedIn

Starlink Engineer

BS Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Chemical Engineering
Minor: Electrical Engineering

Fun Fact: I enjoy playing the violin in my free time.

photograph of recent graduate Conan Humphries

Conan H. Humphries
conan.hookerhump@ufl.edu
LinkedIn

Graduate Student, Penn State University

BS Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Chemical Engineering
Minor: Computer Science & Engineering

Fun Fact: I am passionate about traveling and have lived in or visited nearly 20 countries.