Noh Research Lab

Dr. Sukanya Krishnan
Postdoctoral Researcher, Sep 2025 - Present

[BIO] I am a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Yoorae Noh’s research group at Michigan State University. Before joining MSU, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Fraunhofer USA Inc., Michigan (Sep 2024-Aug 2025), leading a project on the development of analytical tool for rapid quantification of PFAS in water. I hold a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (2018–2023); Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Environmental Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Surat, India (2015-2017); and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Civil Engineering from M.A. College of Engineering, Kerala, India (2010-2014). In my free time, I enjoy cooking and exploring new places.

[REASEARCH AREA] At MSU, my research focuses on the quantitative and qualitative characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics in the Grand River, one of the sources of Lake Michigan. By combining the properties of each polymer with microbial diversity, our studies aim to develop strategies to estimate aquatic toxicity derived from microplastics. Ultimately, I strive to develop advanced treatment technologies for the degradation of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and plastic additives in water. Follow my research on Google Scholar, LinkedIn.

Mahshid Eghbali
Doctoral Student, Jan 2026 - Present

[BIO] My name is Mahshid Eghbali, and I joined Dr. Yoorae Noh’s research group in the Packaging program at Michigan State University in January 2026 to pursue my PhD. Prior to that I received my master’s degree in food and Nutritional Sciences from North Carolina A&T State University. (Jan 2024 to Dec 2025), and my bachelor’s from Tehran Medical Sciences University in major of Food Industry Sciences and Engineering. (Dec 2018 to Dec 2022). As a personal hobby, I could say I enjoy painting, mountain climbing to experience scenic landscapes, and go running whenever possible.

[REASEARCH AREA] My academic interests focus on environmental sustainability, polymer analysis, and advancing scientific approaches to better understand and address microplastic contamination in water systems. I am particularly interested in developing analytical and material-based strategies that help reduce human exposure to microplastics while promoting more sustainable material lifecycles. My research has just started and right now we are focusing on detecting microplastics in water sources and developing faster, more efficient analytical approaches for their identification, reduction, and potential recycling. By applying advanced polymer characterization techniques such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), I aim to improve the speed of microplastic detection. The goal of this research is to contribute to environmental sustainability by enhancing our ability to monitor microplastic contamination and support the development of improved recycling and mitigation strategies.

Dionne Mitchell
Master student, 2023 - 2026
co-advised with Dr. Rafael Auras at MSU SoP

[BIO] My name is Dionne Mitchell and I am currently pursuing a Master's in Packaging at Michigan State University through the 3+2 Master's program. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from North Carolina Central University. My interests include advancements in sustainable packaging materials, with a particular interest in natural products for food and medical packaging. In my free time, I enjoy crafting and playing with my dog.

[RESEARCH AREA] My research focuses on the integration of high concentrations of beeswax into Polylactic acid to create biopolymer films for food packaging. Using twin-screw extrusion, cast extrusion, reactive mixing, heated press, etc., I aim to optimize the processing of these composite films to enhance the barrier and mechanical properties of polylactic acid. The goal is to produce an effective bioplastic packaging film that contributes to sustainable packaging solutions. 

Maede (Venus) Dashtpeima
Master student, 2024 - Present

[BIO] Maede (Venus) Dashtpeima is a master's student in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. She is originally from Iran and has studied Applied Chemistry at Arak University from 2019 to 2023. 

[RESEARCH AREA] Driven by her passion for the natural world and the impact of industry on it, she works on characterization of the composition and behavior of Packaging-derived Microplastics and Nanoplastics in various environments and analysis of their effects on the natural world and living organisms.

Anil Patel
Master student, 2024 - Present

[BIO] My name is Anil Patel, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Packaging Science at Michigan State University, USA. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, India, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Packaging Technology from the Indian Institute of Packaging. With 2.5 years of experience as a Packaging Design Engineer at Procter & Gamble in India, I am passionate about developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Outside of my academic and professional work, I enjoy playing football in my free time.

[RESEARCH AREA] My current research is focused on evaluating the integrity and quality of recyclable retort pouches compared to traditional non-recyclable alternatives. This study aims to identify how sustainable materials can match or surpass the performance of existing non-recyclable pouches, while maintaining product protection and quality. By exploring advances in recyclable materials, my work seeks to contribute to reducing environmental waste and fostering a circular economy in packaging.

Denis Sibrian Gonzalez
Master Student, Jan 2026 - Present

[BIO] 

[REASEARCH AREA] 

Ellie Sibula
Technical Assistant at MSU Water Alliance

[RESEARCH AREA] Examination of the abundance of micro and nanoplastics in Michigan’s waterways

Brooklynn Cooper
Undergraduate Student, Jan 2026 - Present

[BIO] 

[REASEARCH AREA] 

Rinrada Watchara
Volunteer Researcher, Jan 2026 - Present

[BIO] 

[REASEARCH AREA]