Illya is a third-year Ph.D. student in CBE. He grew up in the Twin Cities and received his Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. His undergraduate research in Dr. Christopher Ellison's research group focused on improving the mechanical properties of poly(lactide) through the incorporation of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(butylene oxide) diblock copolymers. In the Lusardi lab, he is working on designing molecular sieves for direct air capture of CO₂. In his free time, Illya enjoys playing tennis and chess, learning Jiu Jitsu, and practicing guitar.