About the Oh Lab

We are working to solve massive, global problems through science and engineering.

Our research targets the grand challenges of our time – how to provide clean water, how to recycle precious resources and elements for perfect recycling and circular economy, how to reduce CO2 emissions to reverse climate change, how to help people fight cancer and other diseases by capturing unwanted toxins in the blood.

Our vision is membrane science with real-world impact.

Meet the P.I.

Dr. Hee Jeung Oh

Hee Jeung Oh is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University.

Professor Oh’s research addresses pressing challenges in the Water-Energy Nexus and in health by designing innovative membranes for energy-efficient separations, energy storage, and biomedical devices. In particular, her group designs highly selective functional polymers, develops processing methods for new structures, and explores the effect of polymer’s chemical and physical structures on transport in polymers. These fundamental studies are critical for designing membranes for liquid, gas and vapor separations, resource recovery and recycling, chemical and biochemical manufacturing, environmental remediation, energy storage and health-related devices.

Prof. Oh is the elected co-chair of the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Membranes: Materials and Processes (2024 – 2026) and the GRC on Chemical Separations (2026 – 2028). She serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Membrane Society (NAMS) (2024 –) and is the co-editor of the ACS Macromolecules and Macro Letters’ Collection on “Polymer Physics of Separation Membranes.”

Meet the imagineers at the Oh Lab

  • Yongha Kim

    PhD Student

    I study polymer membranes with a focus on dissociation, ion and water transport, and dielectric properties, aiming to design sustainable materials for water treatment, energy storage, and health applications. My goal is to bridge fundamental polymer science with practical technologies that address global energy and environmental challenges. Outside of science, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing the piano, and taking walks outdoors.

    M.S., Chemical Engineering, Inha Univ., 2021

    B.S., Chemical Engineering, Inha Univ., 2019

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  • Luis Felipe Caspari Thiele

    PhD Student

    I study ion-selective separations of small ions. My aim is to advance the progress of sustainable separations through the use of ion-exchange membranes. Outside of lab, I like to read fantasy books and watch a lot of sports 

    B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Purdue University, 2023

    GREaT GradS Scholarship from Penn State MRSEC(2023)

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  • Andrius Fink

    MS Student

    I am a student in the Additive Manufacturing and Design program, and right now I am working on hydrogen fuel cells and clean energy technologies. I am excited about researching and reviewing new ways to make energy systems more efficient and sustainable. Outside of school, I like to mountain bike and spend time working on cars.

    B.S., Applied Engineering and Technology Management, Millersville Univ. of Penn., 2018

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  • Nikitha Kanumura

    Undergraduate Student

    I study charged polymer membranes for water filtration and other sustainable applications. My goal is to learn more about polymer science and advance sustainable solutions to energy problems. Outside of science, I like to read, draw, and perform Indian classical dance. 

    Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State

    Schreyer Honors College (2024-)

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  • Steven Marotta

    Undergraduate Student

    My research goal is to apply my organic synthesis background to solutions that better our world. Outside of science, I enjoy spending time at the beach with my family, going to PSU football games, and playing video games!

    Chemistry, Penn State

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  • Ania Chandra

    Undergraduate Student

    I study dissociation behavior in polymer membranes for sustainable technologies. Outside of my research, I like to read and cook.

    Chemical Engineering, Penn State

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  • Akshay Krishnan

    Undergraduate Student

    I study selective biosponge adsorbers designed to capture harmful toxins in the body. My goal is to advance research that improves human health and well-being. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing guitar, watching sports, and staying active.

    Chemical Engineering, Penn State

    NSF REU Biofellowship (2025)

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  • Zsofi Hajdu-Vincze

    Undergraduate Student

    I am a junior studying Chemical Engineering. I work alongside Yongha Kim on the Clean Water Project, where I assist in casting polymer hydro-films and performing titrations to study the impact of ion concentration on membrane potential. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, reading, and spending time outdoors!

    Chemical Engineering, Penn State

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Meet the Lab Alumni

Help us solve pressing challenges in health, energy, and the environment by designing innovative membranes!

Our approach spans chemical engineering, chemistry, and materials science and engineering.