Nicholas Orchanian

Nick grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, before moving to Los Angeles in 2011 to attend the University of Southern California. During his B.Sc. studies at USC, Nick explored molecular spectroscopy to probe fundamental processes in photosynthesis under the mentorship of Prof. Jahan M. Dawlaty. In 2015, Nick joined the group of Prof. Smaranda C. Marinescu at USC to pursue his doctoral studies. His thesis work focused on the development of electrocatalytic molecules and materials for solar energy conversion and artificial photosynthesis, and he received his Ph.D. in chemistry in 2020. Outside the lab, Nick is passionate about science outreach, expanding literacy and diversifying academia.