{"id":62,"date":"2026-01-09T13:38:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T13:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/?page_id=62"},"modified":"2026-02-23T18:22:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T18:22:19","slug":"lab-group","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/lab-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Lab Group"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The McDonough Lab<\/h1>
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Lab Group<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Environmental Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Biology\u00a0<\/em> at Carnegie Mellon University<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Core<\/span><\/div>\n\n
This poster came from Sammy Kata\u2019s website. <\/em> Visit<\/a> to make your own!<\/em><\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Join us<\/h2>

<\/a>If you're interested in graduate research opportunities in my group at CMU, please email your CV by clicking the button below.<\/p>\n

I also encourage motivated undergraduate students to explore research projects with us. Prior experience in analytical chemistry isn't required, just curiosity and a willingness to learn! Contact me for more details.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Contact<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Ph.D. Students<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Elizabeth Smith<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am a first year Ph.D student at Carnegie Mellon University in the Department of Chemistry as well as a Carnegie Mellon Rales Fellow. As an undergraduate at Allegheny College, I majored in chemistry and minored in studio art. I am interested in the transformations and exposure pathways of organic contaminants and per\/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS\u2019s) in the environment \u2014 particularly in water systems. Outside of the lab I enjoy being on my paddleboard, reading, or babbling about art.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Elizabeth<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Ciara<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Ciara O\u2019Connor<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am currently a second year PhD student in the Chemistry Department at Carnegie Mellon University. In my undergraduate research, I focused on establishing a method to determine the pKa of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which began my interest in these contaminants. My current research involves measuring neutral volatile PFAS in personal care products and understanding the dermal exposure in people. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, trying new restaurants, reading, golfing, and volleyball!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Hanna Wiandt<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am a new Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. As an undergraduate, I studied both chemistry and chemical biology, and my research focused on the effects of the environment on archaeological samples. I\u2019m looking forward to transferring those lab skills to studying the effects of per\/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the environment and biological systems. When I\u2019m not in the lab, I enjoy horseback riding, reading, and hiking!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Hanna<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Natalie<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Natalie Colaizzo<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am currently a first year Ph.D. student in the Chemistry Department at Carnegie Mellon University. I have a background in Environmental Science (Siena College, B.S.) and am interested in the fate of organic contaminants in the environment. I am particularly interested in the bioaccumulation of per\/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) throughout aquatic food webs and aquatic ecosystems. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, embroidery and spending time outside!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Kiran Ali<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I\u2019m a third-year PhD student in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in Environmental Analytical Chemistry. My current research focuses on developing LC-HRMS methods to analyze PFAS in human urine samples, and I am particularly interested in learning more about how these compounds move through the human body.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m originally from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, a mountainous region in the Karakoram known for its breathtaking landscapes and some of the world\u2019s highest peaks. I\u2019m passionate about exploring new places and learning about different cultures. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, photography, and sketching. When indoors, you\u2019ll often find me watching my favorite Studio Ghibli movies, playing Age of Empires on my laptop, and trying out different makeup looks for fun.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Kiran<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Leenia<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Leenia Mukhopadhyay<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am an environmental analytical chemist from India and currently a fourth-year Ph.D. student. My research focuses on understanding the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environments. To gain a comprehensive understanding of PFAS behavior, I employ a two-pronged approach: (1) analyzing fish bioarchives from the Hudson River to investigate temporal trends in PFAS contamination, and (2) applying ex-situ passive sampling techniques to directly measure the chemical activities of sediment-associated PFASs. I am interested in pursuing a career in environmental risk assessment and policy decisions, and hope to contribute to future efforts through my research. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing badminton and volleyball, reading, hiking, and spending time with my dog, Rocket!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Undergraduate Researchers<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Robert Pures<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am a senior undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry with a Biological Track. I previously collaborated with Dr. Raj Mukhopadhyay to develop novel bio-adsorbents for the remediation of PFAS in plant and soil. The largest project involved growing and maintaining over 30 lettuce samples grown in PFAS-spiked soil to assess the performance of engineered clay adsorbents. I am currently working towards an honors thesis focusing on developing plant proxies to assess PFAS exposure. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing lacrosse and am the president of the Carnegie Mellon Men\u2019s Lacrosse club.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Robert<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Samhita<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Samhita Gudapati<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am a third-year undergraduate double-majoring in Environmental Engineering and Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. I am currently studying bio uptake of PFAS and working with Leenia and Natalie on the SERDP project in the lab. I am interested in how exposure to environmental contaminants such as PFAS affects environmental and public health. Outside of the lab, I love to bake, resin cast, canoe, and run!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Ever Lengyel Karlson<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am currently a sophomore chemistry major working under Yanan in the lab, focusing on the bioaccumulation of PFAS in the tissues of marine organisms. Outside of academics, I enjoy crocheting, singing, drawing, and going down Wikipedia rabbit holes about frogs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Ever<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Katie<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Katie Hon<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am a senior undergraduate pursuing a B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. I have been working with Dilani throughout my college career to develop methods utilizing high-resolution mass spectrometry to quantify PFAS in biological matrices. I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms behind PFAS bioaccumulation in human blood, and how this may affect human health. Some of my other hobbies include cooking, swimming, and taking many photos of my cat!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Visiting Scholars<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Ingvild Nygard <\/h4>\n

Fulbright Scholar (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am a visiting researcher from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, supported by a Fulbright scholarship. My PhD focuses on the treatment of water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with particular emphasis on ultrashort- and short\u2011chain compounds. For my master\u2019s thesis in 2017, I studied the behavior of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in the groundwater fluctuation zone. Before returning to academia, I worked for several years as a hydrogeologist and environmental consultant. Through my research, I aim to advance understanding of PFAS management and help build a safer and cleaner environment.<\/p>\n

Outside the lab, I enjoy time with my toddler Olav, as well as good food, beach volleyball, and swing dancing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Ingvild<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Postdoctoral Scientists<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Dr.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Dr. Yanan Chen<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Yanan received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Fudan University, China. She also completed an 18-month joint-Ph.D. training program at Aalborg University, Denmark. Her research focuses on the environmental fate, risks, and degradation mechanisms of emerging environmental micropollutants, including DBPs, PPCPs, and microplastics.<\/p>\n

Yanan is skilled in analyzing trace organic residues in environmental matrices, with particular expertise in identifying and quantifying microplastics in various environmental samples such as water, wastewater, soil, and sediments. Currently, her postdoctoral research focuses on the exposure routes, bioaccumulation and toxicity of PFAS in marine organisms. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling and reading.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Dr. Dilani Perera<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Dilani received her B.S. degree (with honors) in Chemistry from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry from the Florida International University. She joined the McDonough lab in 2023 as a postdoctoral scientist. Dilani\u2019s previous work focused on developing a novel method to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in biological systems. Her current work at the McDonough lab focuses on developing high-resolution mass spectrometry method for targeted and non-targeted screening of PFASs in biological matrices including. Outside the lab, Dilani spends time with her two kids Sahansa and Vidvaan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Dr.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Group Lead<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Dr.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Dr. Carrie McDonough<\/h4>\n

she\/they<\/em>
Associate Professor of Chemistry<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

I am a chemical oceanographer and analytical chemist working at the intersection of environmental analytical chemistry, environmental health engineering, and toxicology. I received my B.Sc. in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2008, and my Ph.D. in Chemical Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography (URI GSO) in 2017. I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Colorado School of Mines developing methods for nontarget analysis of per\/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in biological samples. I use cutting-edge environmental monitoring and analytical chemistry techniques to study the fate, transport, and biological effects of anthropogenic organic contaminants in aquatic environments. Broadly, I am interested in how the molecular structure and chemical properties of pollutants influence their fate in the environment, as well as their biological effects in aquatic organisms and humans. My overarching objective is to understand human and ecosystem health risk associated with organic contaminants in water and to identify particular compounds of concern that should be prioritized for remediation and toxicological investigation. When I\u2019m not working, I am usually brewing beer and hanging out with my dogs, Millie (pictured here) and Pickles.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Alumni<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Raj Mukhopadhyay, Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellow 2023-2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

David A. Dukes, Ph.D. 2024<\/strong> (Current Position: Postdoctoral research fellow, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA): Exploring the toxicokinetics of perfluoroalkyl acids and their precursors from an electrochemically fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam<\/em><\/p>\n

Rachel Smolinski, Ph.D. 2024<\/strong> (Current Position: Managing Technical Consultant & Scientist, ERM): Trace organic contaminants in residential watewater and their fate in onsite wastewater treatment systems: A nontarget analysis approach to micropollutant identification<\/em><\/p>\n

Jennifer Marciano, Thesis Master\u2019s 2023<\/strong> (Current Position: Chemist, Suffolk County Department of Health Services): Per\/polyfluoroalkyl substances in northern Atlantic white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) plasma and muscle<\/em><\/p>\n

Noor Hamdan, Project Master\u2019s 2022 <\/strong>(Current Position: Ph.D. Student, Johns Hopkins University): Bioaccumulation of sediment-associated per\/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine polychaetes<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Undergraduate Researcher Alumni<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Morgan Van Der Linde,<\/strong> B.S. Chemistry, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alexis Zhao<\/strong>, Middlebury College (REU Summer 2024)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Natalie Colaizzo<\/strong>, B.S. Env. Sci., Siena College, Minor, Chemistry, (REU Summer 2023)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fangyi Li, <\/strong>B.S. Chemical Engineering, Minor, Biological Sciences, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Carrie A. McDonough<\/h3>\n

Associate Professor of Chemistry<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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cmcdonou@andrew.cmu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Department of Chemistry<\/a>
Carnegie Mellon University<\/a>
Pittsburgh, PA 15213<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-62","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":299,"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62\/revisions\/299"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/groups.chem.cmu.edu\/mcdonough\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}