GROUP MEMBERS
Principal Investigator
Kurtis Carsch
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
he/him/his
he/him/his
Kurtis is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. His research explores synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry, with a focus on C–H functionalization catalysis, material processability, and chemical separations.
When not in the lab, you’ll find him hiking, attempting to play pickleball, seeking out the spiciest foods known to civilization, or exploring the Texas Hill Country.
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When not in the lab, you’ll find him hiking, attempting to play pickleball, seeking out the spiciest foods known to civilization, or exploring the Texas Hill Country.
Read more
CARSCH GROUP ALUMNI
Brett Ratajczak (January 2025 – August 2025)
Jonathan (Deyu) Li University of Texas at Austin, Undergraduate
(May 2025 – July 2025)
Dayon Kim Pohang Institute of Science and Technology, Visiting Undergraduate
(June 2025 – August 2025)
Jonathan (Deyu) Li University of Texas at Austin, Undergraduate
(May 2025 – July 2025)
Dayon Kim Pohang Institute of Science and Technology, Visiting Undergraduate
(June 2025 – August 2025)
Interested In Joining Our Program?
Graduate Students – We are actively recruiting motivated graduate students of all backgrounds, drawing upon core concepts in chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. All students will receive an expansive world-class training in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as training in a range of analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, sorption, microscopy, and diffraction. Our central focuses include (1) addressing the efficient design of complex molecules, (2) improving processability of functional materials, and (3) and the design of fundamentally new sorbents to address climate change and abate increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Prospective graduate students to the Department of Chemistry at UT Austin are strongly encouraged to reach out via email prior to submission of an application.
Postdoctoral Researchers – We are actively recruiting several postdoctoral fellows to join our growing research program. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Kurtis (kcarsch@utexas.edu) with a CV, a brief cover letter, a 1–2 page summary of prior research, and the names of two references who can provide letters of support upon request. Prospective applicants are welcome to reach out in advance to discuss current research directions and alignment with their career goals. We are seeking candidates across all areas relevant to our program, and a particular interest will be given to those with expertise and interests in molecular synthetic inorganic chemistry.
Undergraduate Students, High School Students, & Visiting Scholars – We are actively recruiting high school students, undergraduate students, and visiting scholars. Please reach out to Kurtis with a brief biosketch and/or CV, and please provide a few sentences on what interests you about scientific research.
Postdoctoral Researchers – We are actively recruiting several postdoctoral fellows to join our growing research program. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Kurtis (kcarsch@utexas.edu) with a CV, a brief cover letter, a 1–2 page summary of prior research, and the names of two references who can provide letters of support upon request. Prospective applicants are welcome to reach out in advance to discuss current research directions and alignment with their career goals. We are seeking candidates across all areas relevant to our program, and a particular interest will be given to those with expertise and interests in molecular synthetic inorganic chemistry.
Undergraduate Students, High School Students, & Visiting Scholars – We are actively recruiting high school students, undergraduate students, and visiting scholars. Please reach out to Kurtis with a brief biosketch and/or CV, and please provide a few sentences on what interests you about scientific research.
JOIN US
Interested In Joining Our Program?
Dr. An Ho
Postdoctoral Researcher
B.S. Nebraska Wesleyan University (2018)
Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin (2024)
An was born and raised in Binh Duong, Vietnam. In 2014, he moved to the U.S to attend college at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska where he got his B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Math. During his undergraduate study, he worked with Nathanael Fackler in multiple projects including template synthesis of macrocyclic imine and synthesis of verdazyl radical dye.
In 2018, An joined Dr. Kami Hull at the University of Texas at Austin where he worked on developing transition-metal-catalyzed amination of olefins and borylation of arenes. In 2024, An obtained his PhD and joined the Carsch group, where his research addresses C–H functionalization with metalloradical catalysis and small molecule functionalization with microporous liquids.
When he is not working on chemistry, An enjoys learning history, collecting interesting things, and playing Pokemon.
B.S. Nebraska Wesleyan University (2018)
Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin (2024)
An was born and raised in Binh Duong, Vietnam. In 2014, he moved to the U.S to attend college at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska where he got his B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Math. During his undergraduate study, he worked with Nathanael Fackler in multiple projects including template synthesis of macrocyclic imine and synthesis of verdazyl radical dye.
In 2018, An joined Dr. Kami Hull at the University of Texas at Austin where he worked on developing transition-metal-catalyzed amination of olefins and borylation of arenes. In 2024, An obtained his PhD and joined the Carsch group, where his research addresses C–H functionalization with metalloradical catalysis and small molecule functionalization with microporous liquids.
When he is not working on chemistry, An enjoys learning history, collecting interesting things, and playing Pokemon.
Ian Arny
Graduate Student
B.S. Miami University (2024)
Ian was born and raised in rural Ohio.
In 2021, Ian began his studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his undergraduate years, Ian worked in the research group of Dr. Dominik Konkolewicz, synthesizing dynamic polymers and exploring novel crosslinkers. This work fueled his passion for polymer chemistry and advanced materials.
In 2024, Ian graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in Chemistry, marking the beginning of his journey in scientific research and innovation on microporous metallopolymers at The University of Texas at Austin.
In his free time, Ian enjoys watching Formula 1 and playing video games.
B.S. Miami University (2024)
Ian was born and raised in rural Ohio.
In 2021, Ian began his studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his undergraduate years, Ian worked in the research group of Dr. Dominik Konkolewicz, synthesizing dynamic polymers and exploring novel crosslinkers. This work fueled his passion for polymer chemistry and advanced materials.
In 2024, Ian graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in Chemistry, marking the beginning of his journey in scientific research and innovation on microporous metallopolymers at The University of Texas at Austin.
In his free time, Ian enjoys watching Formula 1 and playing video games.
Brett Ratajczak
Graduate Student
B.S. McDaniel College ()
Brett Ratajczak was raised in Abingdon, Maryland.
In 2019, he attended McDaniel College where he got his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. During his undergraduate studies, he worked with Peter Craig on multiple projects regarding synthesis of cobalt/zinc coordination Schiff base complexes to test for inhibition properties against the Main Protease (Mpro) and Papain-Like Protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2.
In 2024, Brett joined The Carsch Group at The University of Texas at Austin where he will work on the and synthesis of low-coordinate metal complexes for group transfer catalysis.
Brett enjoys hanging out with friends and going to the gym when not in lab.
B.S. McDaniel College ()
Brett Ratajczak was raised in Abingdon, Maryland.
In 2019, he attended McDaniel College where he got his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. During his undergraduate studies, he worked with Peter Craig on multiple projects regarding synthesis of cobalt/zinc coordination Schiff base complexes to test for inhibition properties against the Main Protease (Mpro) and Papain-Like Protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2.
In 2024, Brett joined The Carsch Group at The University of Texas at Austin where he will work on the and synthesis of low-coordinate metal complexes for group transfer catalysis.
Brett enjoys hanging out with friends and going to the gym when not in lab.
Chengmin Xie
Graduate Student
B.S. Shanghai Jiao Tong (2023)
Chengmin Xie was born in Ningde, Fujian, China. He moved to Shanghai and lived there with his family since 2011.
In 2019, he begin to receive his undergraduate education in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. There he attended Prof. Yuanhai Su’s lab studying the development of microflow reactors. Then, he moved to Prof. Yongjian Zhang’s lab where he received training in organic chemistry and finished his graduation thesis on PHOX ligand synthesis.
After graduating in September 2023, he moved to Prof. Pengfei Zhang’s lab working on mechanochemistry, synthesizing porous metal oxide with catalyst activity. Now, his research focuses on microporous liquids for catalysis and microporous materials for chemical separation and storage.
Outside of science, he is also interested in learning languages.
B.S. Shanghai Jiao Tong (2023)
Chengmin Xie was born in Ningde, Fujian, China. He moved to Shanghai and lived there with his family since 2011.
In 2019, he begin to receive his undergraduate education in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. There he attended Prof. Yuanhai Su’s lab studying the development of microflow reactors. Then, he moved to Prof. Yongjian Zhang’s lab where he received training in organic chemistry and finished his graduation thesis on PHOX ligand synthesis.
After graduating in September 2023, he moved to Prof. Pengfei Zhang’s lab working on mechanochemistry, synthesizing porous metal oxide with catalyst activity. Now, his research focuses on microporous liquids for catalysis and microporous materials for chemical separation and storage.
Outside of science, he is also interested in learning languages.
Chungsoo Lee
Graduate Student
B.S. Inha University (2022)
M.S. Inha University (2024)
Chungsoo Lee was born in Chuncheon, South Korea.
He received a B.S. degree in 2022 and an M.S. degree in 2024, both in Chemical Engineering from Inha University. While at Inha, he worked with Dr. Sang Eun Shim on synthesizing and optimizing various types of block copolymer syntheses with a novel initiator. He completed his thesis on optimizing the synthesis of fluoro-block copolymer with promotors overcoming the traditional synthetic methods.
In 2024, he joined the Carsch group, resarching microporous metallopolymers for membrane-based gas separations. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at UT Austin in the Carsch Group and with joint affiliation with the Freeman Group in Chemical Engineering.
He enjoys working out in the gym and playing playstation in his free time.
B.S. Inha University (2022)
M.S. Inha University (2024)
Chungsoo Lee was born in Chuncheon, South Korea.
He received a B.S. degree in 2022 and an M.S. degree in 2024, both in Chemical Engineering from Inha University. While at Inha, he worked with Dr. Sang Eun Shim on synthesizing and optimizing various types of block copolymer syntheses with a novel initiator. He completed his thesis on optimizing the synthesis of fluoro-block copolymer with promotors overcoming the traditional synthetic methods.
In 2024, he joined the Carsch group, resarching microporous metallopolymers for membrane-based gas separations. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at UT Austin in the Carsch Group and with joint affiliation with the Freeman Group in Chemical Engineering.
He enjoys working out in the gym and playing playstation in his free time.
Hana Lee
Undergraduate Student.
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Hana is from Frisco, TX and is pursuing a B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, she works on synthesizing metal–organic frameworks with multiple binding sites in proximity to furnish new separation mechanisms, After graduating, she plans on pursuing a Ph.D in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry.
In her free time she enjoys cooking, video games and spending time with her 3 cats.
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Hana is from Frisco, TX and is pursuing a B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, she works on synthesizing metal–organic frameworks with multiple binding sites in proximity to furnish new separation mechanisms, After graduating, she plans on pursuing a Ph.D in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry.
In her free time she enjoys cooking, video games and spending time with her 3 cats.
Jonathan Li
Undergraduate Student
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Jonathan was born in Princeton, New Jersey and raised in College Station, Texas.
He is currently pursuing a B.S. in chemistry as a junior. His primary interests lies in materials chemistry, with a focus on inorganics. In 2025, Jonathan joined The Carsch Group, synthesizing catalytically interesting metal complexes and low-coordinate metal complexes.
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys listening to music, playing videogames, and hanging out wherever with his friends.
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Jonathan was born in Princeton, New Jersey and raised in College Station, Texas.
He is currently pursuing a B.S. in chemistry as a junior. His primary interests lies in materials chemistry, with a focus on inorganics. In 2025, Jonathan joined The Carsch Group, synthesizing catalytically interesting metal complexes and low-coordinate metal complexes.
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys listening to music, playing videogames, and hanging out wherever with his friends.
Jonathan Hu
Undergraduate Student
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Jonathan was born in Livingston, New Jersey. He is currently pursuing B.S. degrees in chemistry and mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, Jonathan works on synthesizing electron-rich metal complexes and metal–organic frameworks. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a PhD in chemistry.
Outside of lab, he enjoys listening to music and playing video games.
B.S degree in Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin (in progress)
Jonathan was born in Livingston, New Jersey. He is currently pursuing B.S. degrees in chemistry and mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin. In the Carsch group, Jonathan works on synthesizing electron-rich metal complexes and metal–organic frameworks. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a PhD in chemistry.
Outside of lab, he enjoys listening to music and playing video games.
Dayon Kim
Dayon Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea. In 2021, She began her studies at Pohang University of Science and Technology, majoring in chemistry. During her undergraduate years, Dayon worked with Dr. Sarah Sunah Park, synthesizing electrically conductive HHTP-based MOFs and with Dr. Woochul Song, synthesizing COFs for gas separation membranes.
In summer 2024, Dayon started an undergraduate internship at The Carsch group at The University of Texas at Austin, designing porphyrinic MOFs for nontraditional mechanisms of gas separation.
In her free time, Dayon enjoys reading classic books and listening to songs.
In summer 2024, Dayon started an undergraduate internship at The Carsch group at The University of Texas at Austin, designing porphyrinic MOFs for nontraditional mechanisms of gas separation.
In her free time, Dayon enjoys reading classic books and listening to songs.
© The Carsch Group 2024
