Taylor Opolka – Biochemistry Divisional LSO

I am a Biochemistry PhD candidate in the DasGupta laboratory. My research investigates the key role RNA of in the origin of life on Earth. As the first member of a new lab, I joined the LSO program to ensure the development of an effective safety program from the ground up. I am excited to take on the role of Biochemistry Divisional LSO to serve as a resource for other biochemists and aid in upholding a research culture based on safe practice!
Keegan Kalisek – Inorganic Divisional LSO

Hi, I’m Keegan! I am the Inorganic Divisional LSO! I am a 3rd year in Vlad Iluc’s lab studying how to utilize nickel carbenes to perform olefin metathesis. I became an LSO so I can better contribute to the health and safety of my peers. I hope my time within the program will allow me to take the safe standards and practices I’ve learned and apply them to my career in industry.
Walker Stradley – Physical Divisional LSO

I am a third year graduate student in the Kuno Lab, where I work on Infrared Photothermal Microscopy and Perovskite chemistry. I believe that lab safety is an important part of maintaining a health and functional lab environment. I hope to use my time as the Physical Division LSO to continue promoting safety within the department.
Elizabeth Chang – Head LSO

I am a third-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!
Nicholas Grande – Organic Divisional LSO

I am a second year in Dr. Juan Del Valle’s Lab researching synthetic methods of enforcing secondary structure in peptidomimetics applied to PPI model systems. Before graduate school, I got my B.S. in Chemistry from Iowa State University as well as a minor in Philosophy. Becoming an LSO is a great way to encourage safe laboratory practices while fostering an environment of collaboration and development.
Mitch McGowan – Analytical Divisional LSO

I am a fifth 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!