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 (2027 – 2029). She serves on the Board of Directors for the North American Membrane Society (NAMS) (2024 –) and the Editorial Advisory Board for the ACS Macromolecules (2025 -). She is also the co-editor of the ACS Macromolecules and ACS Macro Letters’ Collection on “Polymer Physics of Separation Membranes.”
Meet the imagineers at the Oh Lab
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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
NAMS Graduate Fellowship (2026)
NAMS Founders Travel Award (2025)
Find me on LinkedInI Google Scholar
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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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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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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)
AIChE Fall Meeting Poster Presentation (2025)
AIChE Regional Meeting Poster Presentation (2026)
Vice President, AIChE Penn State Student Chapter (2026-)
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John Duku
Undergraduate Student
I am a Chemical Engineering student who focuses on collecting data used for the development of biosponge absorbers used to capture excess drug in the body. Outside of the lab I enjoy going to the gym, playing sports, and being with my friends.
Chemical Engineering, Penn State
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Lexi Paris
Undergraduate Student
I study the use of polymer membranes for small ion separations. My goal is to contribute to developing more sustainable and effective technologies for real world applications. Outside of science, I enjoy reading, knitting, crocheting, and listening to music on vinyl!
Materials Science & Engineering, Penn State
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Zacharia Sheeran
Undergraduate Student
I am studying how biosponge polymers capture toxic drugs in the body. My goal is to apply my research knowledge into the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Outside of lab, I enjoy playing and watching sports.
President, AIChE Penn State Student Chapter (2026-)
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Lucas Mitrosky
Undergraduate Student
I study how polymer membrane properties influence pharmaceutical adsorption, with the goal of contributing to improved biomaterials and therapeutic technologies. I am especially interested in polymer science and its applications in medicine. Outside of the lab I enjoy being outdoors, staying active, and playing the guitar.
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Yousef Ayaad
Undergraduate Student
I study the absorption and desorption kinetics of polymers to develop a medical 'bio-sponge' capable of capturing toxins from the body. My goal is to use chemical engineering principles to create and innovate to directly improve the quality of life for struggling patients. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing soccer, weightlifting, and listening to music.
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Jennifer Breiner
Undergraduate Student
My research goal is to advance sustainable technologies that better our world. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
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Stephen Pool
Undergraduate Student
I study selective ion exchange membranes, and I want to advance research to make the world a more sustainable place. Outside of science, I enjoy watching PSU sports and surfing.
Chemical Engineering, Penn State
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Ayush Pradhan
Undergraduate Student
I study the Ion and water transport in PAA system through direct permeation. My goal is to apply my knowledge in food science to create healthier and efficient ways to consume products. Outside of science, I love playing tennis, playing video games, and watching anime.
Chemical Engineering, Penn State
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.