Ionel Popa 1pCV
Principal Investigator
Email: popa@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-5086
Room: KEN 3180
Established: 2015
Ionel Popa received his B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from Gh. Asachi Technical University in 2005 and his Ph.D. in Physical and Analytical Chemistry from University of Geneva in 2010, under the direction of Prof. Michal Borkovec. He then joined the group of Julio M. Fernandez at Columbia University to study protein biophysics, where he held the positions of Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate Research Scientist. Since fall 2015, he joined the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he currently holds the rank of Associate Professor.
Christine Wiley
Lab Manager / Tech
Email: wileyc@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2023
I joined the UW-Milwaukee Physics department in Winter 2020, as Laboratory Manager of the teaching labs. With prior lab work experience in chemistry, biology, and anatomy and physiology, I additionally joined the Popa Lab in Winter 2023, as Laboratory Technician. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from UWM, in Allied Health. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and shopping.
Sabita Sharma
Postdoctoral Scientist (Ph.D.)
Email: sabita@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4039
Joined: 2018
I joined the graduate program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Fall 2017 after I got my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree in Physics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. I earned my Ph.D. in 2024 and I am currently a postdoc in Popa Lab, working on single molecule magnetic tweezers and fluorescence micro-spectroscopy. In my free time, I like to take a walk, watch movies or read novels.
Sanam Bista
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: bista@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4028
Joined: 2021
I joined the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Physics Department as a graduate student in 2021, Spring. I received my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree in Physics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. I am currently working on protein-based Hydrogels in the Popa lab. I like to explore the laws of Physics applied to Biomolecules. I enjoy playing sports, reading books, watching movies, and love being around people and nature in my free time.
Sadia Rahman
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: sadia@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4028
Joined: 2023
I started my graduate program at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in the fall of 2019. I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh. Currently, I am working on single molecule of protein with magnetic tweezers. Apart from my studies, I enjoy watching movies, discovering new places and spending time with family and friends.
Mohaiminul Islam
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: islam39@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2024
I joined UWM in Fall 2022 as a graduate student. I completed my B.S. and M.S. in Physics at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. My research interests include protein unfolding dynamics and protein hydrogels. Outside of academics, I enjoy literature, movies, and outdoor activities..
Rekshika Fernando Sarukkalige
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: hewawas2@uwm.edu
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2024
I joined the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Physics Department as a graduate student in Fall 2024 after receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2022. I am currently working with the Popa lab on research while completing my coursework. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and reading books, as they help me relax and discover new ideas. I also love traveling, as it allows me to explore new places and experience different cultures.
Julian Bennett Whelan
Undergraduate Student (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Email: jbwhelan@uwm.edu
Room: KEN 4028
Joined: 2023
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Music. I was connected with the Popa Lab through the UR@UWM project in the summer of 2024, and am continuing my involvement with the lab under Sanam Bista. In my free time I enjoy a range of activities including studying piano, running, and spending time with friends and family.
ALUMNI
Se Jin Lee – was undergraduate student
Bình Phan – was graduate student, defended with M.S. in 2024
Joel Nowitzke – was graduate student, defended with Ph.D. in 2024
Naomi Raicu – was undergraduate student, left as graduate student at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Department of Physics
Annie Eis – was a research specialist / lab manager in our lab
Erick Sanchez – was undergraduate student, left as design engineer at Harley-Davidson
Narayan Dahal – was graduate student, left as postdoctoral scientist at Duke University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Luai Khoury – was postdoctoral scientist, left as assistant professor at Technion University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Khoua Thao – was undergraduate student, left as graduate student (MD) at Medical College of Wisconsin, Medical School
Olivia Gloria – was undergraduate student, left as graduate student (MD) at Marquette University, School of Dentistry
Gevork Seifert – was undergraduate student, left as graduate student (MD) at American University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine
Kirill Shmilovich – was undergraduate student, left as graduate student (PhD) at University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering