Dr. Ranil Gurusinghe

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Tennessee Tech (2022 – Present)

Randi K. Padikoralage

Chemistry Masters Student

(Fall 2023 – Present)

Randi Padikoralage is a second year Master’s student in Chemistry at Tennessee Tech University. She joined the GRU Lab in Fall 2023 and is currently involved in the development of a Fourier Transform Microwave (FTMW) spectrometer. Her research focuses on the rotational spectroscopy of molecules and the investigation of weakly bound van der Waals complexes, including guaiacol-water complexes. In addition, she is collaborating with DelMonaco Winery to develop a spectroscopic method for identifying chemical compounds in wine.

E-mail: rikalahepa42@tntech.edu

Thushitha Jayasekara

Chemistry Masters Student

(Fall 2023 – Present)

Thusitha S. Jayasekara is a Senior Master’s student in Chemistry. He joined the GRU Lab in Fall 2023 and is currently contributing to the development of Tennessee’s first Fourier Transform Microwave (FTMW) spectrometer. Research interests include exploring quantum tunneling and the intrinsic molecular properties of methyl-substituted styrene and quinoline derivatives.

E-mail: tsjayaseka42@tntech.edu

Cadence Miller

PhD Student in Environmental Science with a Concentration in Chemistry

Cadence received his bachelor’s in chemical engineering and chemistry in Spring 2024, and is now a first year Ph.D. student working in the Gru Lab. Their research primarily focuses on fundamental properties of molecules such as quantum tunneling in 3-methylstyrene using microwave spectroscopy. He is also interested in pursuing the identification of relevant molecules in the interstellar medium that can provide insight into the atmospheric chemistry on Earth.

(Fall 2024 – Present)

E-mail: cemiller43@tntech.edu

Mitchell Swann

Major: Chemistry, Custom Chemistry Concentration, ACS certification

Mitchell Swann is a chemistry major, and has been involved in research with the Gru Lab since Fall 2022. He’s worked on the rotational spectroscopy of methylstyrenes, and enjoys learning how to use the different scientific instruments in the lab. 

E-mail: mwswann42@tntech.edu

Madeline Kidder

Major: Chemical Engineering

Madeline Kidder is an undergraduate in her senior year in chemical engineering, and she has been working with the Gru lab for just under a year. She has mainly worked on the collection of a 4-methylstyrene microwave spectrum and the education of fellow undergraduate students on microwave spectroscopy. Her research interests include spectroscopy, kinetics, and ceramics.

E-mail: mrkidder42@tntech.edu

Vasilisa Khodyakova

Major: Chemistry

E-mail: vzhukova42@tntech.edu