The Current Leonard Lab

Group Photo after 2024 Fall IAB Meeting. Pictured: Abdullah Bahdad, Darik Rosser, Kevin Leonard, Brianna Farris, Shelby Atherton, Eli Walther, Josh Meckstroth, and Felix Sotvik.

Current Graduate Students and Postdocs

Brianna Farris

Originally from Lenexa, Kansas
BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Kansas, 2019
PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Kanas, 2025
Worked for a year in the pharmaceutical industry as a process engineer 2019-2020.

In her free time, Bri likes to take her dog on walks to the park and play fetch!

Research topic: NRT Internet of Catalysis program.

Brianna's LinkedIn Profile

Shelby Atherton

Originally from Columbia, Missouri
BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, 2023
BS in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Missouri, 2023

Pursuing PhD in Chemical Engineering.

In her free time, Shelby likes to read and go on runs.

Research topic: Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Shelby's LinkedIn Profile

Josh Meckstroth

Originally from Overland Park, Kansas
BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Kansas, 2024
Pursuing PhD in Chemical Engineering

For fun, Josh likes to play video games, cook, and go golfing.

Research topic: Applying machine learning to electrochemical data

Josena Frame

Originally from Kinsley, Kansas.
BS in Chemistry, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 2024.
Pursing MS in Chemical Engineering.
KU Women's Intramural Basketball Champion - Spring 2025

In my free time I enjoy playing basketball and pickleball. I also enjoy baking!

Eli Walther

Originally from Texas
BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Kansas, 2024
Pursuing PhD in Chemical Engineering

For fun, Eli likes to play video games.

Research topic: Applying machine learning to electrochemical data