Our team

Dr. Magda H. Barecka, Principal Investigator

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Dr. Magda H. Barecka is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, jointly appointed at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Chemical Biology. She is interested in accelerating the adoption of CO₂ conversion, powered by renewable energy, and the development of economically viable and scalable carbon neutral production methods. She works in the intersection of CO₂ electrolysis process design, reaction optimization, integration with renewable energy sources and techno-economic analysis for CO₂-based manufacturing methods that can disrupt the carbon cycle.

Dr. Barecka is a chemical engineer by background, with expertise in CO₂ electrochemistry, process intensification, retrofitting and design developed in academia and private sector. She completed postdoctoral training at the University of Cambridge, Research Centre for Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), where she developed a new approach for CO₂ utilization (Carbon Capture On-Site Recycling), as well as co-authored three patents. She holds a PhD degree from TU Dortmund (Germany) and, as a part of her PhD thesis, developed a methodology supporting implementation of intensified technologies in chemical manufacturing. She transferred the results of her thesis to the industry.

Daniel Sekyere, PhD student

I’m Daniel and I am passionate about finding efficient and sustainable ways to produce energy and chemicals. Isotope labeling has paved the way for the understanding of metabolic pathways, drug discovery and elucidating chemical transformations. However, the current process for producing these isotopes is complex, takes a long time and the products are expensive. Therefore, I seek to understand the mechanisms for electrochemical separation of isotopes to enable the commercialization of this process to provide a simple and cheap route to produce isotopes. Outside the lab, I like to work out, play either soccer or ping pong or tennis.

Emilly Dorneles, PhD student

Hi! I am Emilly I got my B.Ed. in Chemistry in my home country Brazil, and now I am a first-year Ph.D. student at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University. At Barecka’s lab, I focus my research on anode synthesis and electroplating. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, traveling, and cooking.

Erin Heeschen, PhD student

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Hello!  My name is Erin Heeschen and I’m from the little haunted town of Gettysburg, PA.  While my undergraduate research specializes in quantum dots, I decided to try something new in graduate school and entered the field of electrochemistry with a focus on CO₂ electrolysis.  For my thesis, I aim to increase the lifespan of gas diffusion layers and help bridge the gap between benchtop and industrial-scale CO₂ capture/conversion.  When I’m not furrowing my brow in the lab, you can find me exploring the city, trying out a new board game at local cafes, or testing how well my chemistry skills transfer to the culinary arts.

Max Moran, PhD student

My name is Max Moran and I joined the lab in 2024. I worked on biomass-related sustainability research in my undergraduate and after working for a couple of years decided to come back and continue research in clean energy areas. My current research in the lab is focused on electrochemical isotope separation and developing flow reactor systems. Outside the lab I enjoy going to trivia nights, watching sports, and trying to brew/bake.

Nich Nearyrat Phalkun, PhD student

I am from Cambodia, and I am currently a chemistry PhD student here at Northeastern. I got my bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College in chemistry and math. My previous research experience was in inorganic chemistry and I now, have joined the Barecka lab studying the isotopic effect in electrochemical CO₂ reduction. Outside of lab, I like to cook, to eat and to explore the area around me!

William Cannon, PhD student

Hey! My name is Will Cannon, and I come from the small town of Stowe, Vermont. I am a first year graduate student in the chemistry PhD program. My research focuses on the development of catalyst materials for the capture and utilization of carbon dioxide. Outside of the lab, you can find me biking, rollerblading, or playing board games.

Ayush Nath, MSc student

Daisy Roberts

My name is Daisy Roberts, and I am a third-year Chemical Engineering student at Northeastern University, with minors in Sustainable Energy Systems and Music. I have been assisting in research on carbon dioxide electrolysis, specifically studying different cathode materials in an electrochemical cell that maximize the production of ethylene. Outside the lab, I do sports broadcasting on live radio for Northeastern’s varsity athletic teams, and I also love to ski and sail.

Kevin Travieso

I’m a rising third year studying biochemistry on the pre-med track. I’m currently assisting in researching the barriers that currently hinder the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide and how the cathode and catholyte interact. Outside the lab, I love to play volleyball, film buff, and I’m currently working as a ER tech at BWH hospital.

Tanishka Kucheria

I am Tanishka Kucheria, a rising fourth-year Chemical Engineering student, I am driven by the desire to enhance carbon dioxide capture methods and explore their applications in electrochemistry. My research projects revolve around electrochemical capture of CO₂ through using direct air capture system, and the goal is to improve the mass transfer in the system. Additionally, I am a passionate car enthusiast and devoted comic book collector. 

Sarah Farrell

Hi! I am Sarah Farrell, a candidate for B.S. in Bioengineering & Biochemistry and now I am a 2nd year. I am currently doing my first co-op at Barecka lab, exploring different variables to optimize copper electroplating for Catalytic Electroreduction of CO2. Outside of the lab, I like to have fun with friends, read, and enjoy various physical activities.

Julia Sobel

Hi, my name is Julia! I am a junior in high school and I am looking to pursue a career related to carbon neutrality and reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. I have always had a strong interest in climate change and ways to address this issue. I am currently in a Science Research program at my high school in which I am working on a study related to the formation of formic acid from the electroreduction of CO₂  with Professor Barecka as my mentor.

Elena DeLucia, BSc student

My name is Elena DeLucia and I’m a third year Mechanical Engineering and Design student. I’ve been designing cathode and anode flow fields which optimize carbon dioxide electrolysis. The components I created are all 3D printable, which will allow this technology to be available to a wider range of people at a lower cost. In my free time, I like to sew, read, and ski. 

Trevor Wozny, BSc student

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I am a chemical engineering and physics major with a business administration minor. I am currently assisting in research that involves electrochemical carbon dioxide capture. In my free time, I love watching and playing sports, while also going to the gym whenever I get the chance.