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 third-year grad student in the S. Brown lab where we study the reactivity of redox-active ligands with middle d-block metals that achieve electron covalency with the energy match between the metal’s d-orbitals and the ligand’s redox-active orbitals. I believe it is essential to promote a safe lab culture not only for the individual labs but as a collective across the department. As the inorganic divisional LSO, I aim to foster this culture through collaboration with the other divisional LSOs, as well as with fellow graduate students across the department, as we strive to conduct research in a safe and welcoming environment

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 second-year Ph.D. candidate in the Champion Lab focusing on the use of capillary electrophoresis for organismal separations. This is my first year as the Analytical Divisional LSO. I’m excited to help others maintain a safe research environment and to keep promoting a culture of safety in the department!

I am a third year in Dr. Juan Del Valle’s Lab researching therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases by mimicking portions of the Tau protein to serve as inhibitors of aggregation. Before graduate school, I got my B.S. in Chemistry from Christopher Newport University as well as a minor in Spanish. Becoming an LSO is a great way to encourage safe laboratory practices while fostering an environment of collaboration and development. 

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!