The Long Research Group
Macromolecular Chemistry and Catalyst Design
LONG GROUP MEMBERS
Postdoctoral Researchers
Hieu Nguyen
Postdoctoral Researcher
B.Eng. Ton Duc Thang University (2018)
Ph.D. University of Houston (2024)
Postdoc University of Houston (2025-2026)
Joined Group: Spring 2026
T: 865-974-3301
Research Area:
Functional Polyolefins
Bio:
Hieu is from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and earned his B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Ton Duc Thang University in 2018. Following his undergraduate studies, he conducted postbaccalaureate research under Profs. Nam Phan and Thanh Truong at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, where he synthesized and characterized MOF catalysts for organic transformations and dye degradation. In 2019, he moved to the US to pursue graduate studies at the University of Houston under the supervision of Prof. Loi Do. His research focused on developing intracellular catalysts for reactive aldehyde species remediation and cation-tunable catalysts for olefin oligo/polymerization. Tired of H-town’s scorching summer and crazy traffic, Hieu moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2026 and joined the team at UTK. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking, cooking with friends, and binge-watching K-dramas.
Graduate Students
Godwin Ochola
Graduate Student
B.S. Univ. of Agriculture Makurdi (2017)
Joined Group: Fall 2022
T: 865-974-3379
Research Area:
Advanced Biomaterials
Bio:
Godwin is from Nigeria, Benue State. In 2017, he received a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM) in Benue State where he carried out research in the lab of Prof. Habibat F. Chahul. Godwin moved to the U.S. in 2022 and enjoys walking tours, reading, watching comedies, and spending time with family and friends.
Mason Jones
Graduate Student
B.S. University of North Georgia (2022)
Joined Group: Fall 2023
T: 865-974-3301
Research Area:
Polyolefin Catalysis
Bio:
Mason is from Lagrange, Georgia, and graduated from the University of North Georgia (UNG), Dahlonega, in the fall of 2022 with a B.S. in chemistry. During his time at UNG, He conducted undergraduate organic research under the direction of Dr. Rahul Shahni. After graduating, he interned with The Lab Depot (TLD), reviewing resources on their website. He enjoys spending time with family and friends in his free time, astrophotography, and video games.
Nathan Kunzler
Graduate Student
B.S. Heidelberg University (2023)
Joined Group: Fall 2023
T: 865-974-3379
Research Area:
Advanced Biomaterials
Bio:
Nathan is from Lancaster, Ohio, and graduated from Heidelberg University, located in Tiffin, Ohio, with a B.S. in biochemistry and biology. While at Heidelberg, he played collegiate soccer and was an SI for Intro to Chemistry. During the summer of 2022, he interned for Dr. Elda Hegmann at Kent State University, studying elastomer synthesis to design microneedles for drug injections. Nathan enjoys playing/watching soccer, being with friends, and playing video games when he has free time.
Taylor Marcum
Graduate Student
B.S. University of Alabama (2024)
Joined Group: Fall 2024
T: 865-974-3379
Research Area:
Advanced Materials/Membranes
Bio:
Coming Soon
Alex Christensen
Graduate Student
B.S. University of North Georgia (2025)
Joined Group: Fall 2025
T: 865-974-3301
Research Area:
Functional Polyolefins
Bio:
Coming soon.
Undergraduate Students
Rachel Abrams
Undergraduate Researcher
University of Tennessee
Joined Group: Fall 2026
T: 865-974-3301
Research Area:
Membrane Active Polymers