The Team

Dr. Ben Elling

Ben grew up in Rochester, NY. He received his BA in chemistry from Cornell University, where he synthesized polymers for anion exchange membranes in the lab of Geoff Coates. After, he attended Stanford University, where he became the first PhD student of Yan Xia and developed methods for sequence-specific polymerization via the ring-opening metathesis of substituted cyclopropenes. Prior to his appointment at Wesleyan, Ben was a postdoctoral scholar in the lab of Professor Will Dichtel, where he designed new covalent adaptable networks and investigated strategies for mixed plastic compatibilization.

Students

Jessa Zovinka

PhD Student

Jessa grew up in Ebensburg, PA. They received their BA in chemistry from Mary Baldwin University, where they studied the degradation of Bisphenol-F under UV light in the lab of Peter Ruiz-Haas. When not in the lab, Jessa enjoys hiking, raising chickens, and playing roller derby with the Shoreline Roller Derby League. Here in the lab, their work focuses on synthesizing polymers that incorporate carbon dioxide as a comonomer.

Abdk Kim

PhD Student

Abdul was born and raised in Kaduna State, Nigeria, where he received his BSc degree in industrial chemistry from Kaduna State University and master’s from Federal University of Lafia. Prior to joining Wesleyan, he obtained a master’s at University of Manchester, where he worked on the polymerisation of terephthalic acid for chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate. Abdul is passionate about finding solutions to current environmental problems without compromising the future of the next generations. In his free time, Abdul likes to be around friends, connecting with family over calls and travelling. He joined the Elling Lab in summer of 2024, where he is currently working on project involving covalent adaptable networks.

Oliver Clarke

Undergraduate (‘25)

Ollie was born in Boston, Ma and grew up in Somerville, where he attended school before transferring to Milton Academy. At Wesleyan, Ollie is a Chemistry Major on the pre-med track. Outside of academics, Ollie plays on the boys varsity soccer team, volunteers on Long Lane Farm, and writes for Wesleyan Business Review. In the lab, he is investigating the polymerization of ROMP monomers with sulfur-containing functional groups.

Sophia Morgan

Undergraduate (‘25)

Kayla Alexander

Undergraduate (‘25)

Kayla was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where she graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School as a Chemical Engineering major. At Wesleyan, she is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in French Studies. On campus, she is co-director for the Fusion Dance Crew, a member of Ujamaa’s Creative Team, and a barista at Pi Café. In the lab, show’s working on a project involving carbon dioxide polymerization.

Sunjay Riener

Undergraduate (‘25)

Sunjay was born and raised in New York City before moving to New Jersey. He attended the Pingry school until transferring to the Lawrenceville school for high school. From taking various classes within the pre-med track, Sunjay has developed a passion for Neuroscience and Organic Chemistry. In his free time, Sunjay enjoys cooking, golfing, and skiing. He joined the Elling Lab in the Summer of 2023. In the lab he is currently testing the reversibility of [6+4] cycloadditions.

Charlie Silver

Undergraduate (‘25)

Claire Larson

Undergraduate (‘26)

Charlie Nielsen

Undergraduate (‘26)

Dale

Dog

Dale is a dog who was adopted in the winter of 2021 by Professor Elling. He love eating, sleeping, and otherwise being a menace.

Dexter Ixcoy Perez

Undergraduate (‘26)

Christie Kim

Undergraduate (‘27)

Christie grew up in Bergen County, NJ, where she graduated from Northern Valley Old Tappan. At Wesleyan, she is pursuing a Chemistry major. In her free time, Christie enjoys reading, trying out new recipes, and spending time with friends. She joined the Elling Lab in the fall of 2024, where she is working on new ROMP monomers.

Julian Frank

Undergraduate (‘27)

Julian was born in Boston, MA, and grew up in Arlington where he attended school. At Wesleyan, he is a chemistry major and is interested in pursuing a PhD and one day becoming a research professor. Outside of the lab, Julian loves to ski, sail, and play various instruments including the cello and banjo. He joined the Elling Lab in the fall of 2024 and is currently investigating the thermodynamics of ring-opening metathesis polymerization.

Former Members

Alex Stubin (BA ‘24)

Currently: Medical Assistant at Generation Next Fertility

Kyle Sylvester (MA ‘23, BA ‘22)

Currently: Co-recruiting coordinator and hitting coordinator at Eastern Connecticut State University

Angela Rojas Merchan (BA ‘24)

Currently: PhD student at Northeastern University

Graham Gilchrist (BA ‘23)

Currently: PhD student at University of Florida in Sumemrlin/Evans groups.

Jeremy Kim (MA ‘24, BA ‘23)

Currently: PhD student at UNC Chapel Hill

Sarah Timbie (BA ‘23)

Maya Milrod (BA ‘24)

Currently: PhD student at Northwestern University