Kwok-Fan Chow has broad research interests in global health and energy conversion and storage. He first became interested in chemistry when he was an undergraduate student in Prof. Enju Wang’s group at St. John’s University. Prof. Chow later received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin under the guidance of Prof. Richard M. Crooks. He then served as a post-doctoral fellow in Prof. Royce W. Murray’s group at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prof. Chow is currently an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. When he is not in the lab, he spends his free time pursuing his hobbies of tennis and boxing.
Ishara Abeywickrama earned her B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Currently, she is a doctoral student in the Chow group. Ishara is trained in designing, optimizing, and implementing analytical protocols, with a strong focus on environmental and electrochemistry-based research. Ishara is particularly skilled in electrochemical techniques and has extensive expertise in analytical instrumentation. Ishara has a passion for music and enjoys listening to various genres. She loves exploring different cultures and traveling, which enriches her understanding of the world and inspires her creativity. In her leisure time, Ishara likes to explore the diverse culinary traditions of Sri Lanka and experiment with fusion cooking, combining her experimental chemical knowledge with her passion for food.
Madison Bonvie is a senior undergraduate student studying to get her B.S. in chemistry. She is completing undergraduate research projects involving analytical chemistry. A recent project being analyzing the composition and fragmentation of PFAS using techniques like mass spectrometry. Outside of her academics, Madison likes to spend her free time running and hanging out with friends!
Christian Fisk is a senior undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Forensics concentration at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has been a part of the Chow group since Spring 2024 and is currently working on his senior thesis regarding aptamer-based electrochemical sensors. Christian is developing skills and knowledge in various electrochemical techniques, focusing on improving them through electrode surface modification. He intends to utilize the experience gained from his time in Dr. Chow’s lab to pursue doctoral programs in Analytical Chemistry starting Fall 2025. Outside of the lab, Christian enjoys engaging in outdoor activities such as golfing, skiing, and tennis. He also spends his time playing various strategic card games.
Kien Kuzlotsky received his BS degree in Chemistry with a concentration in forensic science from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2024. He is currently pursuing his MS in Chemistry at the same institution. His research interests include finding alternatives for PFAS in common household items and developing methods to degrade PFAS. Outside of science, he enjoys cooking, walking, and ice skating during the winter months.
Maduka Praveen earned his B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, followed by an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry from the same institution. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Under the supervision of Prof. Kwok-Fan Chow, he completed his doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry/Electrochemistry in 2024. He specializes in developing, validating, and maintaining analytical techniques, particularly environmental and electrochemistry-based research. His expertise lies in analytical instrumentation, electrochemical biosensors fabrication, and chemical and nuclear waste management. Outside of his scientific career, Maduka is passionate about music and performs as a vocalist in a Sri Lankan community band. He also enjoys playing badminton and cricket as recreational activities during his free time.