Milena Jovanovic (she/her)

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Milena began her science education at the University of Belgrade, where she got a B.S. in chemistry. She continued her education at the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a Ph.D. in chemical physics. Before arriving at NC State, she conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton University. In addition to exploring chemical bonding, Milena enjoys reading, running, and aerial acrobatics.

e-mail: mjovano@ncsu.edu

 

Olajumoke Kalejaiye – Jummy (she/her)

Postdoctoral Researcher

I got my BSc in Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. I continued my education in Chemistry at the University of Reno, Nevada where I obtained my PhD. Worked as a postdoc for a year at Brigham Young University before joining the Jovanovic group at NC State in 2024. Binge-watching shows on Netflix is my favorite pastime.

e-mall: odkaleja@ncsu.edu

 

 

Rafia Mahmood (she/her)

Graduate Student

I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physical Chemistry from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan. Currently, I’m pursuing my PhD under supervision of Prof. Milena Jovanovic at North Carolina State University, where I balance my roles as a Research / Teaching Assistant. My research passion lies in exploring the interplay between molecules and their physical properties. Outside of academia, I enjoy nature walks and watching movies.

e-mall: rmahmood@ncsu.edu

 

 

Elizabeth Morningstar – Libby (she/her)

Graduate Student

I received my BA in Physics and Mathematics from Smith College, US. In my endeavors to earn a PhD, I joined the graduate cohort of North Carolina State University’s Department of Physics in fall 2023. Apart from using machine learning methods, I enjoy embroidery and writing.

e-mall: ehmornin@ncsu.edu

 

Helia Aghaee Rad (she/her)

Graduate Student

I got my B.S. in Applied Chemistry at the Sharif University Of Technology, Tehran, Iran. Currently, I’m pursuing my PhD under the supervision of Prof. Milena Jovanovic. My research passion lies in building mathematical models and running quantum chemical calculations by software to derive the structure-property of materials. In my free time, you’ll most likely find me at the gym! I also love watching movies, trying new coffees and ice cream, and hanging out with my friends.

e-mall: haghaee@ncsu.edu

 

 

Michael Reu Hu (he/him)

Undergraduate Student

Rei is currently an undergraduate Aerospace Engineering student but also has an interest in quantum chemistry and astronomy. His favorite topics include cosmology and higher-dimensional shapes. Aside from science, Rei enjoys listening to music, drawing, and spending time with his two cats– Binky and Honey.