Dr. Sathish Puppala (Postdoc)

Sathish completed M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from NIT Warangal (NITW), India (2013). He received his Ph.D. in chemistry from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India (2021) under the supervision of Dr. Ch. Raji Reddy and his PhD thesis is entitled, “Development of Transition Metal-Catalyzed Annulation Approaches towards the Synthesis of 3,4-Fused Indoles”. In 2021, Sathish moved to Japan to join Prof. Dr. Norio Shibata’s research group as a Postdoctoral researcher at Nagoya Institute of Technology. Currently (since 2023), Sathish working as a postdoctoral research associate in Dr. Kornienko’s research group at the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Texas State University. His research interests include development of novel synthetic methods for heterocyclic compounds and synthesis of with biologically important molecules.

Ryan Rutledge (PhD graduate student)

My name is Ryan and I am a PhD student in the IMBC program here at Texas State. My research interests primarily focus on drug discovery. I hope to incorporate biosynthetic discoveries with synthetic chemistry to unlock effective routes of producing new medicines. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, water sports, and video games.

Riaz Hossain (MSc graduate student)

My name is Riaz Hossain, and I am originally from Bangladesh. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Rajshahi, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the country. Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Science in Chemistry at Texas State University. I am working in Dr. Kornienko’s research group, where my research focuses on the synthesis of novel chemical analogs with potential activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). I am particularly interested in organic compounds with medicinal properties and their potential applications in drug development. In my free time, I enjoy sightseeing and spending quality time with my daughter.

Travis Anderson (MSc graduate student)

My name is Travis Anderson. I earned my biochemistry BS at TXST, and I have returned for my chemistry MS degree! At the Kornienko lab, I am working primarily on utilizing narciclasine I extract from daffodil bulbs to synthesize various analogues with potential anti-cancer properties. I’m particularly interested in chemical ecology and what can be made from compounds found in nature. Outside of the lab, I enjoy gardening, kayaking at Sewell Park, playing video games, and self-reflecting.

Kaylea Corcoran (MSc graduate student)

My name is Kaylea Corcoran and I graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S in Forensic and Investigative Sciences. Currently, I am an M.S Chemistry student here at Texas State University and joined the lab in the Fall of 2025. My interests are in toxicology and drug development. My hobbies include collecting antiques, reading, and playing video games with friends. Currently, working hard to get into a PhD program after a master’s.

Carson King (Undergraduate)

Carson is a Senior at Texas State University pursuing a degree in biochemistry. His work in the group consists of synthesizing small molecule antibiotics, natural product extraction and isolation, and the total synthesis of natural product analogs. Outside of the lab, Carson enjoys hiking, skateboarding, and rock climbing. He will begin pursuing a PhD in chemistry at Colorado State University in Fall 2025.

Lincoln Schuetz (Undergraduate)

My name is Lincoln Schuetz and I am a senior at Texas State University. I am majoring in biochemistry with a minor in pre-pharmacy and biology. In the lab I am conducting a structure-action report for a chemical which shows promise as an effective antibiotic against antibiotic resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii. After graduation I will be pursuing a PharmD and PhD in medicinal chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin.

Kamryn Hamilton (Undergraduate)

My name is Kamryn and I’m a freshman at Texas State University. I am majoring in Biochemistry and look forward to advancing my knowledge within chemistry! I am interested in learning medicinal chemistry and the synthesis of organic compounds. I have a goal of getting my PhD or going into medical school…or both!!.

Manish Pandey (Undergraduate)

My name is Manish Raj Pandey, and I am a sophomore at Texas State University. I am majoring in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. I like travelling, watching movies and reading books.

Otter Kokinda (Undergraduate)

Otter is a Junior at Texas State University and is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Exercise and Sports Science. His interests lie in medicinal chemistry and the synthesis of organic compounds. As he joined the Kornienko Group in Spring 2025, Otter has not yet had the chance to develop his skills fully in lab, but is excited to learn and master different techniques. Otter’s hobbies include biking, collecting fountain pens and mechanical pencils, and playing video games with friends. Currently, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry.

Sophia Longoria (Undergraduate)

I am a junior at Texas State University majoring in Chemistry with a minor in pre-pharmacy and journalism. I am particularly interested in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. After my bachelor’s degree, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry and eventually a PhD or pharmacy school… Maybe both! At school I enjoy teaching organic chemistry 1 lab and being a learning assistant for gen chem 1. Outside of school my hobbies include baking, reading, collecting stationery, and cross stitch!.

Robert Rubiano (Undergraduate)

Robert joined the Kornienko Research Group in Fall 2023 and is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry with minors in Biology and Plant & Soil Science. Before attending Texas State University, he served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer in the United States Army, where he gained first-hand experience in HAZMAT operations, toxic agent training, and crisis management. His academic interests include organic synthesis, drug discovery, and innovative cultivation techniques for medicinally significant plants. Following graduation, Robert hopes to pursue an interdisciplinary master’s or PhD program to further develop his research expertise.

Nicholas Askew (Undergraduate)

Bio – My name is Nicholas Askew, and I am a junior at Texas State who joined Dr. Kornienko’s lab in the summer of 2025. My academic interests revolve around organic chemistry, particularly in its use in developing novel antibiotics for the treatment of otherwise untreatable diseases. Outside of academia, I am either playing video games, creating 3D graphics, or spending time with my two cats and one dog.

Nikesh Mandal (Undergraduate)

Nikesh Mandal is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry at Texas State University. He is currently involved in research focusing on natural product extraction and isolation with applications in therapeutic drug discovery. His academic interests include biochemistry, evolutionary biology, and conservation genetics, and he hopes to pursue a career in drug discovery and pharmaceutical sciences.