{"id":19,"date":"2026-10-01T22:49:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T02:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/therahmanlab\/?page_id=19"},"modified":"2026-10-04T21:51:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T01:51:50","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/therahmanlab\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n

THE RAHMAN LAB \/ ABOUT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

They call me “Z.”<\/h2>\n\n

My name is Zeshawn Rahman. I am an organic chemist, researcher, and chemistry teacher based in Philadelphia. The Rahman Lab, also known as The KZ Lab, brings together my interests in chemistry, teaching, and classic Kawasaki motorcycles.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

A foundation in chemistry<\/h2>\n\n

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences with a chemistry concentration at Temple University in December 2024, graduating with Distinction in Major.<\/p>\n\n

My research experience includes independent organic synthesis research under Dr. Steve Fleming and developing layered double hydroxide electrocatalysts in Dr. Michael Zdilla\u2019s laboratory. These experiences strengthened my interest in how chemical structure influences chemical behavior.<\/p>\n\n

\n\"Zeshawn\n
Presenting research on drying-dependent catalytic performance of CuCoFe layered double hydroxides for electrochemical water splitting, 2025.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Explore my research \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

From the bench to the classroom<\/h2>\n\n

At Temple, I served as adjunct faculty in general and organic chemistry (endeared \u201cProf. Z\u201d by my students) and as an Educational Support Specialist, helping graduate students use laboratory instruments and develop their research skills.<\/p>\n\n

I currently teach chemistry to high school students in Philadelphia. My teaching draws on forensic science and human anatomy and physiology; connecting chemistry with questions across the sciences.<\/p>\n\n

I want each of my students to see themselves as someone capable of understanding the \u201cwhy\u201d behind scientific questions through multiple lenses.<\/p>\n\n

Explore my teaching \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

Curiosity beyond the laboratory<\/h2>\n\n

In the workshop, I enjoy repairing classic Kawasaki “KZ” motorcycles as a hobby. These restorations bring together problem-solving, patience, and the satisfaction of understanding how these old machines work, one stuck screw at a time. See what I’m working on below:<\/p>\n\n

Visit The KZ Garage \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

EDUCATION \u00b7 EXPERIENCE \u00b7 RESEARCH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Curriculum Vitae<\/h2>\n\n

Zeshawn Rahman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

Education<\/h2>\n\n

Temple University<\/h3>\n\n

Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences<\/strong>
Chemistry Concentration \u00b7 December 2024<\/p>\n\n

College of Science and Technology
Distinction in Major \u00b7 Peer Leader<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

Teaching & Academic Experience<\/h2>\n\n

High School Chemistry Teacher<\/h3>\n

Philadelphia, PA \u00b7 2026\u2013Present<\/strong><\/p>\n

Teach chemistry through hands-on investigations, molecular models, scientific reasoning, and connections to everyday life. Support students in interpreting evidence and developing clear explanations.<\/p>\n\n

Adjunct Faculty \u2014 Chemistry<\/h3>\n

Temple University \u00b7 January\u2013December 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taught general and organic chemistry laboratories. Guided students in laboratory safety, experimental techniques, and scientific writing; assessed laboratory reports, experiments, quizzes, and examinations. Used digital media to support student engagement.<\/p>\n\n

Educational Support Specialist<\/h3>\n

Temple University, Department of Chemistry \u00b7 January\u2013November 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trained graduate students in the safe use of specialized laboratory equipment. Troubleshot and repaired instruments and supported organic and inorganic synthesis, catalyst development, and air-free techniques.<\/p>\n\n

LVSS Daytime Faculty<\/h3>\n

The Lawrenceville School \u00b7 July 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Developed and taught forensic science and anatomy and physiology courses for rising sixth- through ninth-grade students in a three-week summer program. Connected forensic techniques with chemistry and guided student projects on human body systems.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

Research Experience<\/h2>\n\n

Independent Organic Synthesis<\/h3>\n

Temple University \u00b7 Dr. Steve Fleming<\/strong>
January 2022\u2013November 2025<\/p>\n

Investigated organophosphorus reagents for amination, including the Azido-Wittig reagent concept. Conducted synthesis involving medicinal natural products with benzochromene and indole motifs.<\/p>\n\n

Layered Double Hydroxide Electrocatalysts<\/h3>\n

Temple University \u00b7 Dr. Michael J. Zdilla<\/strong>
May 2024\u2013November 2025<\/p>\n

Synthesized and characterized CuCoFe and CoFeCr layered double hydroxides for electrochemical water splitting. Evaluated the effects of synthesis method, heat treatment, anion exchange, drying time, and exfoliation on catalytic performance.<\/p>\n\n

\n\"Zeshawn\n
Presenting \u201cA Convenient Synthesis of High Performance LDHs for Electrochemical Water Splitting\u201d at Temple University\u2019s Undergraduate Research Symposium, 2024.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Technical Skills<\/h2>\n\n

Synthesis & Characterization<\/h3>\n

Organic and inorganic synthesis; air-free techniques; gravity and flash chromatography; TLC; 1D and 2D NMR, including \u00b9H, \u00b9\u00b3C, \u00b3\u00b9P, and \u00b9\u2079F; FTIR; powder X-ray diffraction; diffuse-reflectance UV\u2013Vis; GC\u2013MS; SEM\/EDX; and electrochemical analysis.<\/p>\n\n

Scientific Communication & Digital Media<\/h3>\n

ChemDraw, Microsoft Office, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Audition. Educational media production incorporating photography, video, sound, lighting, and graphic design.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

Leadership, Mentorship & Service<\/h2>\n\n

Peer Leader & STEM Leadership Fellow<\/h3>\n

Temple University \u00b7 July 2023\u2013December 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taught first-year seminar courses for biology, chemistry, and biochemistry students. Developed the Temple Chemistry Demonstrated website and YouTube channel for educational chemistry content.<\/p>\n\n

Chemistry Student Advisor and Advocate & Peer Advisor<\/h3>\n

Temple University \u00b7 April 2021\u2013August 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

Helped students navigate academic resources, research opportunities, and career interests. Supported student advocacy and led first-year orientations for the College of Science and Technology.<\/p>\n\n

Professional Development Chair<\/h3>\n

Temple University Chemical Society \u00b7 April 2022\u2013December 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

Organized student-faculty events connecting the Chemistry Department with local industry, universities, and community organizations. Assisted with the George Washington Carver Science Fair.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

Honors & Awards<\/h2>\n\n

Research Scholars Program Funding<\/strong>
Temple University \u00b7 Spring 2024 ($500), Summer 2024 ($4,000), Fall 2024 ($500), Spring 2025 ($2000).<\/p>\n\n

Albert B. Brown Chemistry Scholarship<\/strong>
Fall 2024<\/p>\n\n

Jules J. Sheldon, D.D.S. Endowed Scholarship<\/strong>
August 2023\u2013May 2024<\/p>\n\n

Certifications & Affiliations<\/h2>\n\n

American Chemical Society member
NOCTI Certified in Television Production
Adobe Certified Associate \u2014 Adobe Premiere Creative Cloud<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

\n\n

Let\u2019s connect.<\/h2>\n\n

Send an email \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Connect on LinkedIn \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\u2190 Back to Home<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

THE RAHMAN LAB \/ ABOUT They call me “Z.” My name is Zeshawn Rahman. I am an organic chemist, researcher, and chemistry teacher based in…<\/p>\n

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