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.
Joel Nowitzke
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: nowitzk2@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4028
Joined: 2017
I joined the physics department as a graduate student in 2014 after receiving my BS in Physics from St. Cloud State University in 2013. I am currently working on single molecule magnetic tweezer experiments along with assisting Luai with protein hydrogels. I have many interests in physics ranging from astronomy/gravitational waves down to single molecule mechanical systems. I am an avid bowler and have been bowling most of my life with a high game of 299. I enjoy movies, reading, and bonfires even if it is a sub-zero night during the Minnesota winter.
Sabita Sharma
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: sabita@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4020
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 recently joined Popa Lab, and I am working on BSA hydrogels. In my free time, I like to take a walk, watch movies or read novels.
Bình Phan
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: binhphan@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2020
Binh Phan graduated from the Illinois Wesleyan University in 2019, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Physics and a minor in Philosophy. His B.S. thesis was on terahertz absorption spectra of silicate cosmic analog dusts. He joined UWM in Fall 2019 as a graduate student and is currently assisting Popa lab in research while finishing up his coursework. In his free time, Bình enjoys practicing calligraphy (Eastern and Western), reading books (his favorite genres are historical fiction and nonfiction, fantasy, and anything written by Kurt Vonnegut), and cooking. If you ask Bình to describe himself in a few words, his response would be “I like being confused.”
Sanam Bista
Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Email: bista@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4020
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 4020
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.
Jylian Jackson
Undergraduate Student (Biomedical Engineering)
Email: jylian@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2023
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Engineering, also completing pre-med courses. I am working under a graduate student in the Popa Lab, and aspiring to work on a project of my own in the future. Participating in research is an exciting step towards my goal of conducting research as part of my career. Aside from being a dedicated student, I also enjoy making art, going to concerts and festivals, and cooking for others.
Elisabeth Jean Olges
Undergraduate Student (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Email: ejolges@uwm.edu
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2023
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry, and I am currently working with Sadia Raman, a graduate student in Popa Lab, on single molecule experiments. I hope to continue learning new things and I believe this experience will help me find my place in the world of research. Other than being a student, I also enjoy reading, drawing, and of all things fashion.
Aman Popli
Undergraduate Student (Cell and Molecular Biology)
Email: apopli@uwm.edu
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2023
I joined the Popa lab as an undergraduate student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and Pre-Med. I was introduced to the lab from participating in the UR@UWM program. I am currently working under Binh Phan with molecule graphics. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano and bass and watching TV show and movies.
Se Jin Lee
Undergraduate Student (Biomedical Engineering)
Email: ejinlee@uwm.edu
Phone: 414-229-2296
Room: KEN 4020
Joined: 2023
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Engineering, also currently working on protein-based hydrogels in the Popa Lab under Sanam Bista. My focus is on applying academic knowledge to hands-on practical experience, which I deeply value. Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing piano and badminton.
ALUMNI
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