Current Grad Students in Chemistry
Current Students

Richard Davis
I am a third year graduate student in the chemistry department at Bryn Mawr College. I received my B.S. in chemistry in May 2020 from Delaware Valley University and my A.S. in chemistry from Bucks County Community College in 2018. I joined the Melvin lab during my first year and working on the organometallic project. I enjoy checking out different breweries/wineries, going to the shore, and watching sports.
Why Bryn Mawr?
I chose Bryn Mawr because it is a small college and a previous professor spoke highly of it.

Cassandra Gates
I am a sixth-year graduate student in the Chemistry Department at Bryn Mawr College. I received my B.S. in Chemistry with a Biochemistry focus from Waynesburg University in 2016 and I recieved my M.A. in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College in 2019. I am a part of the Burgmayer lab that focuses on bioinorganic synthetic chemistry, specifically on synthetic modeling of molybdenum cofactor.
Why Bryn Mawr?
Bryn Mawr’s graduate program is a unique gem amongst graduate programs which offers the intimacy and individualized attention of a small program while also having the quality education of a larger institution. My favorite thing about Bryn Mawr is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience teaching and mentoring in a lab setting, that is not always available in graduate programs.

Diana Rachii
I am a third year graduate student in the Chemistry Department at Bryn Mawr College. I received my B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Biology from Delaware Valley University in May 2019 and I received my M.A. in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College in 2021. I am interested in synthetic organic chemistry and I work in the Malachowski Lab. My research involves nickel-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of new phenanthridinone analogs with quaternary carbon stereocenters using the Birch-Heck reaction sequence. In my free time, I like running, cooking and traveling.
Why Bryn Mawr?
I chose Bryn Mawr because of its diverse, close-knit and welcoming community. Bryn Mawr has a unique graduate program that can offer a lot of teaching and research opportunities

Edwin Ragwan
M.A. Candidate
B.S. Eastern University
Why Bryn Mawr?
Several faculty members from my undergrad who I really admired and grew under did their Ph.D.s at Bryn Mawr. And my initial conversations with the faculty at BMC—many of whom taught my professors from undergrad—were warm and welcoming. I made the connection.
What Edwin loves to do besides chemistry?
Chatting with people from all around the world, cooking and trying new food with my wife, getting involved with my church, and looking around for old vinyls to add to my growing collection.

Mary Sexton
M.A. Chemistry, Bryn Mawr College
B.S. Chemistry, West Chester University
I am interested in organometallic chemistry, specifically focused on reactions utilizing palladium as the catalyst. Using nickel as a catalyst is also a topic that interests me. My current research is in using the Birch-Heck sequence to synthesize phenanthridinone derivatives. My past work includes the synthesis of vinyl sulfides and the synthesis of gamma-arylated coumarin derivatives. In my free time, I love to crochet, play video games, drink coffee, and play board games.
Why Bryn Mawr?
I initially chose Bryn Mawr because I really want to teach general chemistry at the collegiate level and the program here supports students with opportunities to teach. I also like how there is a community among all the graduate students from different departments.

James Vogel
I obtained a B.S degree in Chemistry at Delaware Valley University in May 2019 and my M.A. in Chemistry in Fall 2021. I am a fourth-year graduate student with an interest in organic chemistry. I joined the Melvin research lab in the spring of 2020 and am currently focused on SuFex chemistry and deoxyfluorination using a novel sulfur core containing reagent.
Why Bryn Mawr?
I chose Bryn Mawr because it is small and interactions with teachers and other students are of high quality.