Ph.D. Students
Zachary E. Brown, 6th Year Ph.D. Student
alma mater: B.S. CSU Channel Islands, 2017
Zach received his B.S. Chemistry at CSU Channel Islands, performing undergraduate research with Professor Philip Hampton. Zach is pursuing a Ph.D. through the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program. Zach’s research at SDSU is currently focused on Lewis base catalyzed sulfenylations and its applications towards peptide stapling. In his free time, he enjoys PC gaming and shaking his hips to “My Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira.
Mariami Basilaia, 4rd Year Ph.D. Student
alma mater: B.S. San Diego State-Georgia, 2019
Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Fellow Spring 2021
University Graduate Fellow 2022-2024
Mariami received her B.S. from San Diego State-Georgia with Sum Cum Laude. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at SDSU and UCSD. Her research interest primarily focuses on optimization of selective kinase inhibitors. Mariami loves animals and has a triplefur cat in Georgia. She loves hiking, traveling, trying new food and spending time with her friends.
Bahar S. Heydari, 4th Year Ph.D. Student
alma mater: B.S. University of Washington, 2019
Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Fellow Fall 2022
Bahar received her B.S in Biochemistry from the University of Washington with departmental honors. She is currently working on developing small molecule kinase inhibitors against proteins involved in cancer. In her free time she likes to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family. She is also a huge Lakers and Seahawks fan.
Beeta S. Heydari, 4th Year Ph.D. Student
alma mater: B.S. University of Washington, 2019
Rees-Stealy Research Foundation Fellow Fall 2021
Beeta received her B.S. from the University of Washington with departmental honors. Her research focus primarily centers around developing and evaluating selective kinase inhibitors. Beeta loves traveling, shopping, and spending time with friends. She is also a big fan of the Seattle Seahawks.
Jim Secka, 2nd Year Ph.D. Student
alma mater: B.S. University of Gambia, 2018
M.S University of Tulsa, 2021
Jim received his B.S in Chemistry from University of Gambia in 2018 and his M.S from University of Tulsa in 2021. At Tulsa, he performed graduate research with Dr. Syed Hussaini focusing on total synthesis. Jim`s research in the Gustafson lab is developing enantioselective methodologies towards the synthesis of kinase inhibitors. Outside of lab, Jim loves to workout while listening to Reggae.
Zhao Liu, 1st Year Ph.D. Student
alma mater: B.S. Texas A&M University, 2021
Zhao received his B.S. in Chemistry at Texas A&M University, performing undergraduate research with Dr. John Gladysz. He is currently pursuing the Joint Doctoral degree at SDSU-UCSD. Zhao’s research in the Gustafson lab is developing regioselective methodologies towards the functionalization of arene and heteroarene structures of FDA-approved drugs. Zhao loves hiking and watching soccer games in his free time. His favorite team is Manchester United.
Master's Students
Ryan J. Zanolini, joined 2020
alma mater: B.S. Humboldt State University, 2018
Master’s Research Scholarship 2021-2022
Ryan received his B.S. Biochemistry from Humboldt State University performing undergraduate research with Dr. Josh Smith. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at SDSU. Ryan is working on developing regioselective methodologies towards aromatic functionalization. He loves soccer,staying active, and his favorite sports team is the San Jose Sharks. 90’s R&B is his jam.
Ariel Pernela, joined 2023
alma mater: B.S. University of Washington, 2023
Ariel attained her B.S. in Chemistry with departmental honors from the University of Washington. Her research centers on optimizing selective kinase inhibitors. In her free time, she enjoys reading, visiting the beach, and listening to music. Her favorite singer is David Bowie.