About the H. J. Jiang Group

We use chemistry and materials science to create innovative solutions for energy, sustainability, and climate-related challenges. We train the next generation of scientists and conduct cutting-edge research that solves world's pressing problems.

Our Culture

“When I draw a molecule in China or in Argentina, it is the same molecule.

People understand immediately without knowing Spanish or Chinese. That is beautiful.

Our common goal is not about power or borders of the country, it is about bringing forward human knowledge.”

– Ben Feringa (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 2016)

Our group supports diversity, promotes equality, and considers inclusion as a culture,

where every voice is welcome, heard, and respected.

The People

Our team members bring a diverse range of perspectives, skills and expertise to the lab.

We value creativity, simplicity and impact. We work together to solve interdisciplinary problems.

Haihui Joy Jiang, Ph.D.

Group Leader / Chief Investigator

Joy is a USyd alum, with B.Sci. Adv. (Honours I) and Ph.D. in Chemistry (Warr group). She then moved to the US and did postdoc research at Harvard, in the Whitesides group (Chemistry, Materials Science, and Engineering) and the Sasselov group (Astronomy). Joy returned to USyd as a continuing (tenured) faculty member and established this group in 2024. [Joy's CV]

William McLeod, Ph.D.

William is a postdoc scientist in the group. He completed PhD in Chemistry (J.G. Bell Lab) at Washington State University in the US. He is currently interested in how magnetic fields can affect electrochemical systems,

including electro-organic synthesis and high-voltage plasma driven redox reactions.

Dingqi Wang, Ph.D.

Dingqi is a postdoc researcher in the group. He completed his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Melbourne (Clean Energy / G.K. Li Lab). His current research interests include plasma-assisted direct air nitrogen fixation, direct air capture, and liquid metal catalysis.

Yifan Yuan

Yifan is doing his PhD in electrochemistry. He completed M.Sci in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (UK), with a background in process design, energy storage and modelling.

He wants to apply his skills to cutting-edge research, technology innovation and commercialisation.

Besides doing experimental research, Yifan loves cooking and enjoys city walks.

Mohit Jaiswal

Mohit is doing his PhD in electrocatalysis, developing materials that contribute to a sustainable energy future. He completed his Master’s thesis at the University of Basel (Switzerland) and his BS-MS dual degree at IISER Mohali (India). Outside the lab, he enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures, and learning about science beyond his immediate field.

Chenkai Jiang

Chenkai is a PhD candidate, exploring the use of plasma for making nanomaterials and environmental remediation processes. He completed his B.Sci. degree in Chemistry, with an exchange semester at U. Wollongong. He previously worked on water pollutant treatment using advanced redox processes.

Katja Nell

Katja is doing her PhD in plasma electrochemistry for origin of life research with an astrobiology focus. She completed her M.Sci. in Physics and B.Sc. Hons. in Biophysics at the University of British Columbia, Canada. In addition to her interest in interdisciplinary research, Katja enjoys spending her spare time listening to and writing music.

Priya Mehta

Priya is an Honours research student, currently working on how lightning contributed to the chemical origin of life. As a Dalyell scholar at USyd, Priya completed her B.Sci. Adv. degree with double majors in Chemistry and Physics. She plans to go into academia or R&D, and aspires to become an experimental researcher.

Owen Taylor

Owen is currently undertaking his Honours degree, and is hoping to pursue a PhD in the future. While he completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Maths, he also is interested in the humanities, having a love of ancient history and music. Owen aspires to become an educator in some form, either at a high school or at tertiary level.

Masa Lurie

Masa is a 3rd year student at USyd, pursuing B.Sci. Adv. with Chemistry and Data Science double majors. He joined the group with the Denison scholarship to work on zero-carbon polymers for environmental remediation. Masa is passionate about combining chemistry with big data analysis, to develop innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges.

Zachary Heydon_Sydney University_Chemistry

Zac Heydon

Zac is a 4th-year Dalyell student studying Biomed. Eng. and Med. Chemistry. He joined the group to research functional zero-carbon polymers and has a broader interest in the medical applications of materials. Zac is currently doing Honours in Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on tissue engineering.

Yuval Green

Yuval is a 3rd year student in Chemistry and Medical Sciences. He joined the group after taking interest in plasma electrochemistry and further building research experience. Yuval is passionate about teaching and applying chemical ideas to tackle contemporary issues in organic and inorganic chemistry.