Born in Huntington, West Virginia, Yianni attended Marshall University where he obtained his B.S. in chemistry. While at Marshall he worked under Dr. John Markiewicz in the field of organic electronics. Working together they developed a clickable quinoxaline pH sensor, and also explored the optical and electronic properties of 2,7-napthyridine derivatives. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and anime, listening to music, cooking, and he used to have a garden.