I am a Biochemistry PhD student in the Jessica Brown laboratory where I study unique RNA structures, known as RNA triple helices, in order to develop optimized cancer therapeutics. I believe the best practice of laboratory safety involves a collaborative, supportive environment based on awareness, maintenance, and community. By serving as the Biochemistry Divisional LSO, I aim to act as a resource for biochemistry labs in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Notre Dame and also work with my fellow leadership LSOs and safety administration to promote and maintain a well-rounded safety culture!

I am a 5th year Ph.D. candidate in the Inorganic Chemistry Division. I study the effects of ionizing radiation on actinide materials in Dr. Peter Burns’ lab in collaboration with Dr. Jay LaVerne in the Radiation Lab. This will be my third year serving as the Inorganic Divisional LSO for the Department of Chemistry. My favorite PPE are my dosimeters, because I’m constantly around radioactive materials and radiation sources, I have to keep track!

I am a third year graduate student in the Kandel group, focusing on two dimensional molecular self assembly on surfaces.  I did my undergraduate in chemistry and physics at Tufts University, and was a representative of the Chemistry Graduate Student Organization here at Notre Dame as well.  I joined the LSO organization because I think that lab safety should be something everyone is passionate about.  It doesn’t just keep people safe in the lab, but also promotes more productive and precise work for everyone.  I am looking forward to promoting safety and safe practices here at Notre Dame!

I am a fifth year in the Bohn Research Group focusing on single-entity spectroelectrochemistry. Lasers are cool, but only when you wear good safety glasses. Even the stormtroopers on the death star had correct PPE when they blew up Alderaan.

Hi there! I am Karim, a third-year PhD student in the Ashfeld lab. My lab work mainly focuses on developing novel chemical reactions to enable unconventional C-C bond formation to construct the core moieties of biologically relevant natural products. As an Organic Chemistry Divisional LSO, I aim to ensure people have a safe research environment and compliance with institutional safety regulations, OSHA standards, and other relevant guidelines.

I am a third year Ph.D. Candidate in the Fu Research Group focusing on electrochemical biosensor development. I was the Analytical Divisional LSO for 1 year before becoming the head LSO and have been a part of the program since my first year at Notre Dame. I joined the LSO program as a way to help our young laboratory learn more about safety culture and proper procedure as we set up and began to do research. The program has been instrumental in helping me get on the right track in lab and now I look forward to helping others get set up as well!