Ramsey joined the Bender group in the Fall of 2021 after completing his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at Old Dominion University, where he served as the Community Outreach Officer of the Student Veteran Association. Prior to his undergraduate studies, Ramsey served in the United States Army as a Healthcare Specialist from 2012-2016. His hobbies include: painting, playing bass guitar, and brewing beer.
Joe is a former chemist who brought his lab experience with him when he started graduate school. Outside of academics, he likes spending time at the lake in Georgia, where he can unplug and recharge. When he’s not studying or by the water, he’s usually hanging out with his cat.
Grant joined the bender group in the Fall of 2023 after completing his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Dakota Wesleyan University, where he played five years of college soccer. In the summer, he spent his time assisting in research at the University of South Dakota to synthesize ruthenium-based dye sensitized solar cells for water splitting. His hobbies include: soccer, powerlifting, eating, and playing video games.
Kyle joined the Bender research group during the fall semester of 2025 after completing his undergraduate studies by receiving a B.S. in Chemistry from William & Mary right up the road in Williamsburg. Before coming to Old Dominion University for his Ph.D. studies, Kyle worked closely with his department’s chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), and tutored students in introductory chemistry courses. He worked to facilitate outreach events for local K-12 students and students both inside and outside of the sciences of all backgrounds. He enjoys reading literature of all kinds, listening to music, staying active around the department, and learning about what chemistry excites other graduate students and professors. Fun facts include that he is a fraternal twin (he’s younger), he has two slightly different eye colors, and he has never been outside of the country