Current Group Members

Postdoctoral Researchers

Graduate Students

Katelynn (Katie) Farmer (G3)

Hi, I’m Katie. I completed my B.S. in Chemistry at Harding University in 2018, and I received my M.S. in Chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University in 2022. I’m currently involved in starting and expanding the Cueny Group’s Transmetalation Project. My chemical interests focus on pushing the boundaries of green energy and green chemistry for a cleaner future. In my free time, I love attending live theatre performances, hiking, and trying out new recipes.

Kristina Gusty (G3)

Hey there! My name’s Kristina Gusty and I am one of the three amazing graduate students starting the Cueny group. I am a first-generation college student and Czech American, so I was born in Chicago, IL, but my family immigrated to the US from the Czech Republic. I lived in Czechia throughout elementary school, after which we moved back to America. I completed my B.S. in Chemistry at Florida Gulf Coast University, where I was a research student in an inorganic lab focusing on building Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). I’m always looking to do something outside of the box, so I’m excited to see where this PhD takes me! As much as I love being in the lab, I also love my free time when I get to swim, ice skate with friends, watch some hockey, read, and go thrift shopping. I’m also always down to explore a new bakery and eat something scrumptious. When I have more time on my hands, I love learning new languages! So far, I’ve studied Russian and would say I’m at a solid intermediate proficiency, but plan to continue with it and add a couple more languages in the mix :)

Rana Marghalani (G3)

My name is Rana Marghalani. I’m from Saudi Arabia. I got my degree in chemistry with a minor in astronomy from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2021. I did my undergrad research in the Wang Organic and Biochemistry group 2019-2021, I worked on the asymmetric methods of synthesizing of chiral piperidines. I am interested in using transmetalation chemistry to synthesize carboxylic acids from carbon dioxide. I like to spend my free time painting, sketching, randomly googling things I dont understand, and exploring the city. If you love dogs I happen to have a tri-colored corgi named Archer, who’s has a degree in chaos with a minor in destroying his toys 5 mins after I buy them for him.

Emma Salati (G2)

Hi, I’m Emma! I was born and raised in Modena, Italy, but spent the second half of my childhood in Florida. I graduated in May 2023 from the University of Florida with a triple major in Chemistry, Spanish, and Italian. I am interested in organometallic catalysts and polymers, but with a broader emphasis on sustainable chemistry. In my free time, I love to read, craft, and cook/bake.