Group Members

Sergio Lovera graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry. During his time there he worked under Dr. James Rego in developing syntheses of organic molecules as Liquid Crystals. In the summer of 2017 he joined the research group of Dr. Vincent Lavallo at the University of California, Riverside, where he is currently working toward his Ph.D. in Chemistry. His projects involve the synthesesh of functionalized carborane anions and their applications as solid state electrolytes. Lastly, our homeboy needs a job, so please employ! 

Email: slove002@ucr.edu

Aaron Gregory grew up in Banning, California. He transferred from Mt. San Jacinto Community College in 2018 to UCR where he completed his B.S. in Chemistry. He is a Ph.D. candidate with an emphasis in synthetic inorganic chemistry while on "Team Carbene". In his free time, Aaron likes to play video games and bust out his Kobe moves on the court.

Email: agreg006@ucr.edu

Stephen Proctor obtained his B.S. in Chemistry at CSU, Chico in 2020 and is currently a Ph.D. candidate with a focus on electrolyte design utilizing carborane anions. In his free time, Stephen likes to shred the gnar, spend time with friends, and play piano and guitar.

Email: sproc007@ucr.edu

Luke Jackson obtained his B.S. in Chemistry at UC Merced in 2022 and is now working towards his Ph.D. on team carbene. His focus entails organometallic reactions for catalysis. In his free time, Luke likes to play video games and piano.

Email: ljack030@ucr.edu

Zack Hughes (left) is a 3rd year biochemistry major who enjoys tennis and rock climbing in his free time. 

Vishal Athota (right) is a 3rd year bioengineering major and is currently president of two UCR organizations: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Club, and Pokemon Club. While he is currently a bioengineering major, he plans to attend medical school after his bachelors.

Kathy Espinoza Morelos is a 2nd year chemical engineering major who enjoys gymming (max 420 on the squat rack), fostering cats, playing minecraft, and spending time with friends. After her undergrad years, she would like to go into research.

Nico Coronel is a 2nd year environmental science major who enjoys skating, working on cars, dirt biking, and visiting the snow.