PhD Student
Department of Chemistry
University of Rochester
Hutchinson Hall B28
120 Trustee Road
Rochester, New York 14627
Email: jhastin4@ur.rochester.edu
Education
B.S. Chemistry, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY, August 2025
B.A. English, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY, August 2025
Biography
During my undergrad at SUNY Geneseo, my studies focused in the quenching and synthesis of gold nanoparticles to be used in biosensors, under the guidance of Professor Jeff Peterson. After participating in a Research Experience for Undergrads program through the University of Rochester, I began my research with Professor Ruggiero, exploring solid-to-solid phase transitions. Utilizing variable-temperature terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and low-frequency Raman spectroscopy, we worked to understand how vibrational dynamics are related to bulk structural effects in molecular crystals. Beginning my PhD journey at University of Rochester, I am working to explore the vibrational modes that transform during topochemical reactions, as well as mechanochemical ones, to further investigate solid-state reactions using spectroscopy in the terahertz region.
During any free time I have, I prefer to hang out with my tuxedo cat, Charlie, and do crafts like embroidery, sewing, and painting. Although I am not Etsy-level at any of these, I find it very soothing and complimentary to my lab work.