Yizhou Xie, Ph.D.
Lecturer

Yizhou Xie, Ph.D., is the newest Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University Indianapolis. Yizhou earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Shandong University, China. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, where he conducted research on energy level dynamics using laser spectroscopy at the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research. Drawing from his international academic background and industry experience, Yizhou integrates real-world applications into his teaching while fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment that encourages students to engage with complex scientific challenges.

Prior to joining IU Indianapolis, Yizhou had five years of teaching experience at Murray State University and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where he taught a wide range of chemistry courses, from introductory to advanced levels, from physical chemistry to environmental chemistry. His teaching is further enriched by his industry experience at Eurofins and Samtec, where he worked in nucleotide synthesis and electroplating analysis. This combination of academic and industry expertise allows him to integrate practical applications and real-world examples into his lectures, helping students improve their analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Yizhou is committed to creating an inclusive classroom that promotes critical thinking and diversity of thought. He is passionate about teaching chemistry using student-centered learning strategies, particularly the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) instructional method. He also has experience supporting undergraduate research in water quality assessment and laser spectroscopy. Yizhou is dedicated to student success and achieving departmental learning outcomes. He is also eager to contribute to the university’s mission of promoting equity, diversity, and culturally relevant practices in the teaching and learning of students at IU Indianapolis.

Roshan Lamichhane, Ph.D.
Lecturer

Roshan Lamichhane, Ph.D., was hired as a Lecturer at IU Indianapolis in August 2024. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Evansville, IN. As an undergraduate student, he was involved in research with Dr. Ray Lutgring, focusing on the solid-phase synthesis of proteins.

After graduation, Roshan took a year off to spend time with his daughter and family. He later pursued his Master’s degree in Chemistry at Indiana University, Bloomington, where his research focused on the synthesis of graphene-like molecules and amphiphilic dye organic compounds in materials and organic chemistry. After completing his Master’s degree, Roshan obtained his Doctorate in Science Education, where his dissertation explored ways to enhance students’ learning of chemistry in an undergraduate organic chemistry lab.

Subsequently, Roshan pursued a postdoctoral position at West Virginia University, Morgantown, where he developed case studies and undergraduate labs for general chemistry. After a one-year postdoctoral position, he accepted a job as an Assistant Professor at West Virginia University-Keyser. During his four years at Keyser, he taught general and organic chemistry lectures and labs.

Currently, Roshan teaches an elementary chemistry lecture, the Cornerstone in Chemistry course, and serves as the instructor of record for the General Chemistry I lab at IU Indianapolis. He plans to collaborate with TAs and other faculty members to develop green labs for the General Chemistry I curriculum.

Hannah Kraus
Graduate Program Coordinator

Hannah Kraus is the new Graduate Program Coordinator for the departments of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and Forensic & Investigative Sciences at Indiana University Indianapolis. Hannah was born and raised in Noblesville, IN. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at Indiana University East, where she majored in English with a concentration in Technical & Professional Writing. She completed her Master of Arts in English at IU Indianapolis, where she also studied English pedagogy and earned graduate certificates in Teaching Writing and Teaching Literature. She has a special interest in studying and writing both children’s and young adult literature, as well as interests in women’s fiction and German mythology, fairytales, and folklore. During graduate school, she also worked as a Research Assistant for the Santayana Edition at IU Indianapolis. She completed both her degrees with a 4.0 GPA.

After graduation, Hannah worked as an adjunct English professor at Marian University, teaching freshman composition classes and tutoring in the Writing Center. She would continue her journey in education after this, accepting a position as a Life Coach at The Excel Center on the southside of Indianapolis. She was promoted shortly after to a teaching position, teaching 9th and 10th grade English to a large population of English language learners. Her teaching philosophy has always emphasized equity and empathy, and she aimed to modify her lessons to “meet students where they are.” She taught English grammar, creative writing, academic writing, and literary analysis in a wide variety of genres, often using stories and folklore from the cultures of her students to make them feel represented in the classroom.

After The Excel Center, Hannah became a Student Success Coach for The University of Maryland Global Campus, where she worked with a population of primarily active duty military personnel. Her day-to-day responsibilities included scheduling classes, connecting students to University resources, coordinating military benefits, and helping students from all over the world in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs complete their degrees.

Today, Hannah is excited to return to IU Indianapolis and work with the Chemistry and Forensic graduate students. In her spare time, Hannah can be found reading and writing fiction, taking ballet class, volunteering with animals, baking, trying new arts and crafts, or exploring new places around the city. She is currently earning a graduate certificate in Biology (just for fun!) and hopes to eventually earn a terminal degree in fiction writing or literature.

This Latin saying means a healthy mind in a healthy body; mind and body are connected. One supports the other. Several of our faculty have an exercise regimen and David Malik suggested this article – thanks David.

Our chair, Partha Basu exercises five times per week.

David Malik, retired, used to swim routinely, but today runs the 5K, 5 to 7 times per week, and on days he does not run, he does cardio and resistance exercise. He also used to run the Mini.

Lyniesha Ward is physically very active. She participated in the IU Indianapolis Jaguar 5K and came in second in the female division.

Our first year PhD student, Logan Clark, came in 1st place overall.

Hongqiu Zhao serves as a volunteer soccer coach at Carmel FC. He also plays at Off the Wall (indoor soccer league for over 30 years of age) with two different teams. He says, ‘we typically play once a week, one team mainly on Tuesday and the other on Thursday.’

Nick Manicke plays pickleball every Thursday evening, sometimes until 1 am. It’s not great for Friday productivity, but it’s good for mental health. He also exercises pretty frequently, but rarely 5 days a week. He has a standing desk and tries to avoid sitting for long stretches.

Rob Minto gets outdoors to run or cycle for at least 300 hours each year, using it as preparation for local, national, and international forest navigational races.

Brenda Blacklock enjoys the same activity with Rob.

Jingzhi Pu enjoys playing recreational soccer with friends on the weekends, just for fun.

Frederique Deiss has a routine of strength training (resistance training/weightlifting) using her home gym, and from January to May she has her ‘high running season’. She does the Mini every year, plus 3 to 5 other races. In addition, she swims, hikes, cycles, does 5Ks and mountain biking.

Years ago, your editor’s doctor said exercising 1, 2, or 3 times per week is nice, but not enough. He said the big pay-off comes when one exercises at least 30-40 minutes, five time per week. So, that is what I do. In my younger days I also ran the Mini (13.1 miles).

Likely there are others.

Mens sana in corpore sano!

Dr. Frank J. Welcher Lectureship
“Basic Chemistry and One Interface with Medicine, Pharma and Biotech”

The Welcher Lectureship was established in Dr. Welcher’s honor to celebrate his legacy and commitment to the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology.

Thursday, November 21
3:15 p.m.
Informatics and Communications Technology Complex (ICTC)
Room 152 (IT 152)

More information

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