Our Team

Tian (Autumn) Qiu, Ph.D.
(She/her)

Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry

Affiliation: MSU Center for PFAS Research
MSU Neuroscience Program

B.S. Peking University, 2012
M.Sc. University of Minnesota, 2014
Ph.D. University of Minnesota, 2018
Postdoc, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2018-2022

Dr. Tian (Autumn) Qiu completed her BS in Chemistry at Peking University and PhD in Chemistry at University of Minnesota. Her PhD work focused on understanding nanotoxicity mechanisms to environmental bacteria in the laboratory of Prof. Christy Haynes as part of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology. She was awarded in 2018 as a Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, working with Prof. Jonathan Sweedler and collaborators on exploring the roles of D-amino acids in the microbiome-gut-brain axis using animal and microbial models. She started as an assistant professor in Chemistry at Michigan State University in 2022. Outside work, Autumn enjoys music, escape rooms, and petting her cat.

Click for most updated CV (Nov 2025)

Ryutaro Einar Jacobson
(He/him)
Chemistry (’22)

B.S.E. Andrews University, 2021

Ryutaro Einar Jacobson joined the Analytical Chemistry program in Fall 2022. He received a BSE in Chemical Engineering from Andrews University in 2021 before spending a year in industry as a quality control specialist. He is currently working on development mass spectrometry methods to explore neurochemical production from gut microbiome. Outside of research and classes, he enjoys studying history, playing video games with friends, and visiting family in Japan.

Aidan Reynolds
(He/him)
Chemistry (’22)

B.S. Ferris State University, 2021

Aidan received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Ferris State University where he spent his time conducting research in organic synthesis and drug discovery in their College of Pharmacy. Shortly after graduation, he was hired into the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in the nutrition and toxicology department as a laboratory technologist. Aidan transitioned from his position at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to the MSU Chemistry PhD program after 15 months of employment in the hopes that he could further advance his education in analytical chemistry and toxicology. Aidan is currently working on developing mass spectrometry imaging methods for PFAS research. Aidan likes to spend his free time enjoying the company of his cats and wife, disc golfing, working out, and playing tabletop games.

Irfath Jasmin Reza
(She/her)
Chemistry (’22)

B.S. University of Dhaka, 2018
M.Sc. University of Dhaka, 2020

Jasmin is pursuing a doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry at Michigan State University, starting Fall of 2022. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Dhaka. She grew an interest in analytical chemistry, more specifically in mass spectrometry over time, and intends to pursue this interest during her graduate study at MSU. Jasmin is currently working on the topic of PFAS-microbe interactions. Outside of academics, she loves traveling, watching movies and series, and sports, specifically soccer and tennis. She loves nature and identifies herself as an animal lover. She has worked with the animal welfare club of her previous university to help stray animals during the covid crisis. She is also passionate about landscape photography.

Kira Baker
(She/her)
Chemistry (’23)

B.S. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021
M.S. Michigan State University, 2024

Kira received a dual degree in both Forensic Chemistry and Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University before coming to Michigan State University for graduate school. She first pursued a master’s in forensic science under Dr. Ruth Smith and later joined the analytical chemistry doctoral program in Fall 2023. Her research focuses on PFAS toxicology in the lungs and is currently working on mass spectrometry methods for PFAS. She is an avid animal and tea lover, and in her free time, Kira likes to explore local restaurants and shops with friends, play both board and video games, and find new additions for her plant collection.

Jacob Lee
(He/him)
Chemistry ‘24

B.S. Alma College, 2015

Upon completion of his BS at Alma College in 2015, Jake spent four years working as an Analyst at Merit Laboratories, followed by four years working in Nutrition/Toxicology at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, initially as a Preparatory Technician, and later as Laboratory Technologist. Jake’s time at the VDL introduced him to mass spectrometry and rejuvenated his love of learning and curiosity for scientific discovery, leading to his return to school after a gap of nearly nine years. Outside of career/academic pursuits, Jake is an avid semi-competitive runner who also loves camping, hiking, mountain climbing, live music, and sports.

Alexa Bajouwa
(She/her)
Chemistry ‘24

B.S. Oakland University, 2024

Alexa finished her B.S. in chemistry with a minor in biology at Oakland University in 2024, where she spent a few years researching green electrochemical sensors. Eager to continue research, she joined the Chemistry PhD program at Michigan State University with the goal to broaden and expand her understanding of analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. Outside of her work and studies, Alexa enjoys baking, reading, knitting, antiquing, and spending time with her cat and loved ones.

Nina Ratusznik

Chemistry ‘25

B.S. Loyola University New Orleans, 2025

Nina received her BS in chemistry and environmental Science from Loyola University New Orleans in 2025.  During her undergraduate career, she worked on various projects, ranging from local invertebrate biodiversity studies to the detection of pesticides via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.  Upon returning to her home state of Michigan and joining the chemistry graduate program at MSU, Nina is enthusiastic about deepening her knowledge of mass spectrometry in the context of current environmental issues.  Outside of the lab, Nina enjoys being asked “what is this bug?”, attempting to keep plants alive, crocheting, and solving all kinds of puzzles.

Rian Swank
Chemistry ‘25

B.S. University of Michigan-Flint, 2024

Rian finished their B.S. in biochemistry at the University of Michigan-Flint in 2024, where they spent a few years assisting in research and instrument maintenance for a host of projects under the guidance of Dr. Fhaner. They took a gap-year from 2024 to 2025, which was spent in the battery research and development lab at the General Motors Warren Technical Center as a part of their Chemical Systems Analysis team. Seeking more responsibility and the ability to direct their own research, Rian joined the Chemistry PhD program at Michigan State University to further their understanding of analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and general instrumentation. Outside of work, Rian enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and spending time with their family.  

Jacob J. Haffner, Ph.D.
(He/Him/His)

Currently working at MSU RTSF Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics Core

B.S. University of Arkansas, 2016
M.A. University of Oklahoma, 2019
Ph.D. University of Oklahoma, 2023
Postdoc, Michigan State University, 2023-2025

Dr. Jacob Haffner completed his B.S. in Anthropology at the University of Arkansas, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma. Working in the laboratories of Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall and Dr. Cecil Lewis, Jacob’s graduate research used mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and gut microbiome approaches together to explore interactions between human health, behavior, and biology in modern and archaeological contexts. After graduating, he started as a postdoc at Dr. Qiu’s lab in Fall 2023 to study spatial dimensions of metabolite-microbiome interactions. Beyond research, Jacob enjoys playing video and board games, watching tv shows/movies, hiking, and bouldering.

Yasuaki Saito, Ph.D.
(He/him)

Visiting Professor 2023-2025

B.S. Kitasato University, 2007
M.S. Kitasato University, 2009
Ph.D. Kitasato University, 2012
Assistant Professor, Kitasato University, 2012-Present

Dr. Yasuaki Saito completed his BS, MS, and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kitasato University in Japan. His PhD work focused on understanding physiological functions of D-amino acids using Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental model in the laboratory of Prof. Hiroshi Homma. He started working as an assistant professor in the same lab in 2012 and has been deepening this research topic with analytical chemistry and molecular biology. He has joined Dr. Qiu lab as a visiting scholar in April 2023 and is working on developing mass spectrometry methods for D-amino acids and exploring the roles of D-amino acids in the host-microbe interactions using C. elegans. Outside work, Yasuaki enjoys walking and driving around East Lansing with his family.

Chaplin

Master of the house, Chaplin has been with Autumn since 2014. He was adopted and named Chaplin because he’s funny and also black and white. Chaplin’s responsibilities include monitoring human activities from the top of the cat tree, performing pest control by chasing bugs, and ensuring that all his meals appear in his bowls on schedule. While not on duty, Chaplin enjoys kneading and sleeping on soft stuff, particularly human bellies.

SQUINKO (yes her name consists of all capital letters)

SQUINKO is the most recently adopted cat in Aidan’s family! She was found with injured paws in a golf course at the end of December of 2021 and rushed to an animal hospital for treatment. The attending vet technicians asked for a name and in a panic, she was named SQUINKO and the name just stuck. She is a 14-month-old American Shorthair and enjoys going for outdoor walks and playing with dice in the bathtub.

Rosalina

Rosalina was adopted during the pandemic and as a result has become a very clingy and needy kitty. She is a 2 year old Egyptian Mau and enjoys singing the songs of her people to Aidan and his wife at all times of the day. She is quite the conversationalist with something to always meow about, and she loves to cuddle up on the couch when they watch TV in the evening.

LUNA

Luna was rescued from a neglected home to Aidan’s and developed a “special” personality as a result. She is a 5 year old Tortoise Shell who spends the most time sleeping of all the cats in the house. When she isn’t sleeping, she likes to walk in front of you and trip you up in the hallways or carry her favorite toy mouse around the house meowing for playtime.

Jeni

This is Jeni, she was adopted in 2012 and has been the only four-legged animal in Jillian’s home. As a result, she is very spoiled. Her tail is bent at the end giving it a candy cane appearance. She enjoys being dressed up in goofy clothes, being brushed, and sunbathing whenever possible. 

Franklin

Being abandoned in the woods as a kitten is not an auspicious start to the life of a housecat, but Franklin didn’t let it bother him. Jake was extremely lucky to have this wonderful fellow become his first pet, and there have been no regrets since he joined the family in May 2021. Franklin is very skilled at birdwatching and “helping” to fold laundry. Some of his hobbies include observing and giving commentary while his humans cook, snugs on the couch, and watching the Detroit Lions with Jake.

Egg

Adopted in July 2022 to keep Franklin company, this wee chap was originally called August; however, upon getting to know him a bit better, we decided Egg was more fitting (his sweet little brain is just a tad scrambled). His favorite activities include playing with, cuddling with, and getting beat up by his brother, late-night sprinting and yowling, and not being perceived by anyone other than his immediate family.

Penelope

Penelope was adopted into Alexa’s family as a senior last April with many tummy issues, but she has since been nursed back to health with lots of love (and prescription food) and has a new spark for life! She enjoys the simple pleasures in life such as watching the birds outside, sunbathing, and laying in any lap she can find; however, there is nothing she loves more than drinking from the bathroom sink. She spends her days yearning for a cold, refreshing drink of bathroom sink water despite having her own drinking fountain. Although she’s a rather lazy old lady, she’s a fiend for her toy fishing rod and any piece of string she can get her paws on.