Research Staff

Elena Subbotina, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate


- During my PhD studies at the department of organic chemistry at Stockholm University my work was focused on the production and transformation of organic compounds from lignin via catalytic approaches. After the graduation I joined the group of Prof. Lars Berglund at KTH, where I expanded my research interests to include nanocellulose based materials. Currently, as a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering at Yale, I am involved in a project where we aim to develop novel recyclable materials from bio-based building blocks.

- Outside of the lab, Elena enjoys making chemical reactions and publishing papers in Nature Chemistry for leisure.

Heather LeClerc's picture Heather LeClerc, PhD (she/hers)

Donnelley Post-Doctoral Fellow


- Heather received her PhD studying the molecular degradation (and repolymerization) pathways of waste to energy in hydrothermal systems. Her work at Yale will focus on transferring these skills towards understanding the complexities of lignin valorization in continuous flow systems. Her research interests span the realm of sustainable waste utilization and using analytical techniques as puzzle pieces to reveal chemical mechanisms.

- Outside of the lab, Heather loves to play with her dog Stanley and go on walks on the Farmington Canal train. She also loves traveling and has been to over 30 countries!

 

Ho Yin TSE's picture Ho Yin TSE, Ph.D. (He/His)

Postdoctoral Associate


 

-Leo’s research focuses primarily on the sustainable photonic functional materials development, with a particular emphasis on the fabrication of new lignin-based photo-responsive nanoparticles and their fundamental photo-physics studies. During his Ph.D. training, he also involved in a numerous of professional consultation projects, including biotechnology assisted food-waste upcycling, energy and elements recovery from wastewater treatment processes and urban biorefinery engineering, etc. Currently, he is further developing new bio-based photonic materials and carbon sequestration processes at the Center.

-Outside of the lab, Leo enjoys driving, watching movies and documentaries on science & philosophy discussion.

 

Hannah Feldman, (she/her)

Program Coordinator


- Hannah will provide administrative, clerical, and program support to the Center, specifically the Yale-UNIDO project (Global GreenChem Innovation and Network Programme). She has a background in environmental history, with a specific interest in energy and climate change. She wrote her Master's thesis on the 1970s energy crisis and the use of alternative energy sources. Previously, Hannah also worked at Rutgers University.

- Outside of work, Hannah loves reading books and listening to (and playing) music of all types. You can probably find her somewhere with headphones on.