Daniel Razgonyaev, an Honors College senior at Stony Brook University, has been named the URECA researcher of the month for April. He majors in chemical and molecular engineering and has been involved in substantial research since his sophomore year. Razgonyaev works alongside Professors Tad Koga and Maya Endoh in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering. Their research focuses on protein-polymer and bacteria-polymer interfaces.
In Summer 2023, Razgonyaev participated in the Explorations in STEM research program, which involved collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory to enhance his instrumentation skills in studying surface interactions. He showcased his findings at the Summer Symposium and has since been supported by URECA mini-grants to present at both the American Chemical Society and American Physical Society conferences.
Currently, Razgonyaev is engaged in a senior design project under Professor Devinder Mahajan, studying the chemical synthesis of the drug Jardiance. His upcoming presentations are scheduled for the University Honors Senior Symposium on April 29 and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Senior Design showcase on May 8.
Beyond his research work, Razgonyaev has taken on roles on campus such as a teaching assistant and co-developer of StudentsTeachOrgo, a YouTube channel for organic chemistry educational videos. He is also an Honors College Big Sibling, offering mentorship to first-year honors students.
In 2022, Razgonyaev co-founded the American Students for Health organization, aiming to deliver medical aid to children’s hospitals in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. His efforts from 2022 to 2024 led to campaigns that raised funds for essential medical equipment.
Razgonyaev is also gaining practical medical experience as a gastroenterological medical assistant at Brooklyn Gastroenterology and Endoscopy PLLC, a position he intends to maintain while applying to medical school.
Razgonyaev will be among fourteen students at Stony Brook University to receive the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence on April 29, an accolade recognizing students who achieve academic success while positively impacting their campus and communities.
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