Samuel joined the group as a Chemical Engineering Ph.D. student in 2024. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Petrochemical Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana.  Before starting his PhD, Samuel worked as a Process Engineer. He is interested in Machine Learning applications in chemical process design, and optimization. In the McDonald lab, he develops ML models to predict cocrystal formation, morphology, and stability, amongst other desirable properties. Outside research, he enjoys playing tennis, watching soccer, and playing video games.

Shima joined the group in 2024 as a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering. She earned her Master’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tehran. Her research focuses on developing innovative photochemically regenerable materials for critical materials recovery. Outside the lab, she enjoys hiking, exercising, traveling to new places, and spending time with friends and family.