Senior Leadership Committee
Eva Deegan
Environmental Sciences Chair
She/Her
Graduation Year: 2023
Hometown: Ceder Rapids, Iowa
Dorm: Lyons Hall
Email Address: edeegan2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s)/Track: Environmental Science major with a Data Science minor
Research: I work in the Jones lab with a project modeling lateral carbon transport and did my own independent research last summer involving plant water use efficiency.
Post-Graduate Plans: I'd love to go to graduate school and continue studying Environmental Science.
Favorite Biology/ES course: I loved Introduction to Biocomputing. It made me realize I really enjoy working with biological data!
Extracurriculars: I'm on the mock trial team.
Advice for Freshmen Environmental Majors: Focus on studying what you enjoy, and don't compare yourself to others in your classes. Also, be open to all opportunities! You never know where they may lead.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I speak Spanish and French!
Favorite part of Notre Dame/ South Bend: I love game day.
Jimmy Twist
Biological Sciences Chair
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Dorm: Alumni Hall
Email address: jtwist1@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with a History minor
Research: Dr. David Hyde's laboratory: Studying the role of the extracellular matrix during retinal regeneration in zebrafish. I’m working on my senior thesis for the biology honors program.
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics and Physiology
Extracurriculars: Besides SLC, I am a part of the Music is Medicine Club, which is a music outreach group that organizes student musicians to perform at nursing homes and local hospitals. I am also a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near Memorial Hospital.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Take advantage of how tight-knit our major is by making friends with other intended biology majors. Not only are they awesome people, but they may even become your lifelines.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: During high school I used to drive a Jeep XJ that couldn't go in reverse. It is still my favorite car to drive.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Holy Week, Midnight Drummers’ Circle, SDH, night games, my friends.
Christina An
Uplift
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Palos Verdes, California
Dorm: Off-Campus
Email address: han2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with an Education, Schooling, and Society Minor
Research: Lu Lab - studied prostate tumor microenvironment
Post-graduation plans: 2 gap years and then med school!
Favorite Biology/ES course: Physiology with Robichaud!
Extracurriculars: AMWA, Early Childhood Development Center, Shaw Center for Families and Children, AAA, IDEA Center
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Don’t be afraid to try new things and take the unconventional path!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I love watching indie films!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The people!
Noah Baca
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Longmont, Colorado
Dorm: Keough Hall
Email address: nbaca@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology Major with a Compassionate Care in Medicine minor
Research: Goodson Lab (Plus-end Tracking Proteins and MT Ends). I am also a member of the Biology Honors program.
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Biology II: Molecules to Ecosystems
Extracurriculars: ND Men's Rowing, Building Bridges Peer Mentor, GreeNDot Senior Fellow, ND Men's Lacrosse Club, ND Boxing (Bengal Bouts), COSMOS Board, Volunteer at St. Joseph Medical Center and Memorial Hospital, Intro Bio Lab TA, Latino Honors Society, CCIM Club, BeeND, Pre-Professional Society, RareND
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Make friends, study hard, go to office hours, and enjoy your time at Notre Dame! Take advantage of every opportunity that you can and have fun along the way!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I draw and paint.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The people (and the football games)!
Sophia Baker
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dorm: Farley Hall
Email address: sbaker9@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major with a Compassionate Care In Medicine minor.
Research: Wingert Lab, studying cannabinoid receptor pathways in renal cells and the development of multiciliated cells.
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Physiology
Extracurriculars: Farley Hall Council, Golf Club, Right to Life, Hospice Care Volunteer
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Make friends and get involved early! Your peers are your best resource, especially the ones a year older than you. They just went through what you're going through and always have the best advice. Also, professors are not as intimidating as you think. Go to office hours every week even if you don't think you have questions. It helps a ton!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I was a transfer student!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Gamedays!
Marliece Barrios
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
She/Her
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Glendora, California
Dorm: Walsh Hall
Email address: mbarrios@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences (track: Infectious Disease & Global Health) and Philosophy Double Major
Research: Rohr Lab at Notre Dame, Lancaster Lab at Mayo Clinic
Post-graduation plans: MD-PhD
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics with Dr. Hyde
Extracurriculars: Walsh Hall RA, Intern at Elkhart County's Center for Community Justice, UPLIFT Mentor, McNeill Fellow, Volunteer Lobbyist
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Don't be afraid to explore your interests and push back from the tiny boxes pre-professional students place themselves in. It's okay to take wacky classes and join wacky clubs; follow your interests over building your resume. Dedicate yourself, above all, to pursuing emotional fulfillment.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I almost drowned in St. Joes Lake :(
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Walsh Hall :)
Nate Cieplik
Skills Workshop Series
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Dorm: Knott Hall
Email address: Ncieplik@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology and Global affairs, IDS Concentration
Research: Kenneth Olson lab at IUSB
Post-graduation plans: I am planning to take a gap year then apply to medical school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics with Dr. Hyde
Extracurriculars: I am a dialogue leader for God and the Good Life and co-president of Global Medical Brigades. I enjoy playing basketball and tennis with friends!
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Definitely talk to your professors outside of class because they are all very interesting and may be able to support students with research opportunities or recommendation letters later on.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I once gave Emma Roberts a foul ball!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football!
Alexandra DeAngelis
Career & Outreach
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Whippany, New Jersey
Dorm: Lyons Hall (Off-Campus)
Email address: adeange2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences, Spanish, Glynn Family Honors Program
Research: Kellogg ISP research on a global health model called Project ECHO; researched non-structural dengue proteins as potential antiviral drug targets through NDI while in Puebla, Mexico
Post-graduation plans: Medical school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: Kellogg International Scholars Program, Uplift mentor, RCLC tutor, NDI’s vGPE Program and Puebla study abroad, Preprofessional Society, Broomball
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know the people in your classes! It’s great to form study groups and have people to reach out to if you have any questions about the material.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I speak Swedish.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football weekends! I missed them when I was abroad.
Alex Dittmar
Career & Outreach
He/Him/His
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Oglesby, Illinois
Dorm: Dunne Hall
Email address: adittmar@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology Major
Research: O'Tousa Lab: investigating phototransduction in mosquitoes.
Pinho Lab (University of Illinois at Chicago): investigating stem cells of murine bone marrow.
Post-graduation plans: PhD in Immunology
Favorite Biology/ES course: Molecular Cell Biology Research Lab with Dr. Whaley
Extracurriculars: Tutor at Robinson Center, Tutor for ASSA, South Bend Center for the Homeless, Scientia Biology Senior Editor, TA for Molecular Cell Biology Research, Resume Club, Pre-Grad Group
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Go to office hours. They are a great way to get your questions answered and to get to know your professors better. Most of the professors at ND are very kind and more than happy to help you out. Plus, building these relationships can be a big help when you need letters of recommendation down the road.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I enjoy playing poker and euchre.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Jordan 205
Jack Drey
Skills Workshop Series
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Clive, Iowa
Dorm: Dillon Hall
Email address: jdrey2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major with minors in International Development Studies and Classics
Research: Blagg Lab at Notre Dame, Giordani Lab at Dublin City University
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: Kellogg International Scholars Program, Partners in Health Engage, Uplift, Global Medical Brigades, Genetics Lab TA
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know your professors! A lot of them are super interesting, and they want to help you succeed. They can offer great advice, help with class material, and write recommendations if you need them.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: My brother and I play in a recreational tennis league in South Bend during the semester.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football weekends
Shannon Gibson
Skills Workshop Series
She/Her
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Poughkeepsie, New York
Dorm: Farley Hall
Email address: sgibson4@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major with a Science, Technology, and Values minor
Research: I currently work in the Wingert lab on campus studying kidney development. I previously worked at the Wadsworth center studying the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in M. abscessus.
Post-graduation plans: Graduate School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: Intro Bio lab TA, Hall Council, Special Olympics, Uplift Mentor, Interhall Sports
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Meet as many people as you can and become friends with other biology majors. Your classmates will be very helpful throughout your time at ND!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: Freshman year, my hall team won the flag football championship and got to play in the stadium.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football weekends!
James Gilman
Academic
He/Him
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Dorm: Stanford Hall
Email address: jgilman2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major with a minor in the Gallivan Program of Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy
Research: Rund Lab -- mosquito temporal biology
Post-graduation plans: Dental School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: Uplift, BeeND, Pre-Dental Society, Texas Club, Student-Athlete Tutoring, Genetics TA
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Make friends within your major! The inevitable struggles and triumphs are much more fun and memorable when shared with people who are enduring it too.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: My twin brother, Jonathan, is also on the SLC!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The path through the woods off St. Mary's Road, especially when all the trees are covered in snow.
Jonathan Gilman
Environmental Science
He/Him
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Dorm: Morrissey Manor
Email address: jgilman3@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science major with a Sustainability Minor
Research: Tank Lab
Post-graduation plans: Graduate School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Aquatic Insects
Extracurriculars: NDIAS Undergraduate Research Fellow, Texas Club, Bee Club
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Don't be discouraged if you are unsure of what lies after graduation! Figuring out what you don't want to do first is an easy way to develop your career path!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: My twin brother, James Gilman, is also on SLC!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The squirrels
Clayton Glasgow
Environmental Science
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Spring Lake, Michigan
Dorm: Fisher Hall
Email address: cglasgow@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science with minors in Sustainability and Latino Studies
Research: McLachlan Lab studying coastal salt marshes
Post-graduation plans: Pursue a graduate degree in ecology/conservation biology
Favorite Biology/ES course: Evolution with Dr. Hollocher
Extracurriculars: General Ecology Lab TA, Campus Ministry (Compass + Totus Tuus), Environmental Applications Club, Community Alliance to Support Hispanics
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Take electives early. This will expose you to different subfields within your major and help you better identify your specific interests.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I make ice cream.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Mass at the Basilica on Friday afternoon.
Noah Gonring
Environmental Science
He/Him/His
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Dorm: Keenan Hall
Email address: ngonring@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science with a minor in Theology
Research: 3 years in the Jones Lab
Post-graduation plans: I will likely continue working on farms in some form or another.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Environmental Chemistry
Extracurriculars: RA in Keenan Hall, Folk Choir, ND Swim Club, Interhall Sports, TAing at Good Shepherd Montessori School
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Your high school science classes gave you a great baseline for the science classes you will take at ND. That being said, stay attentive in those classes and make sure you know the material at the college level. Being an ES or Bio major does not guarantee success in your science classes.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I once spent an entire night in Jordan Hall of Science identifying insects for my Aquatic Insects class.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The energy on campus before and during football games.
Catherine Hammond
Uplift
She/Her
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Reno, Nevada
Dorm: Howard Hall
Email address: chammon2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with minors in Theology and Science, Technology, & Values
Research: Last year I was a part of the O’Tousa Cell Lab course researching the visual systems of mosquitoes. Over the summer I did work in the Weeraratna Lab at Hopkins researching melanoma metastasis. This year I joined the Stack Lab at the Harper Cancer Research Institute researching ovarian cancer metastasis.
Post-graduation plans: Graduate School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Bio 1 Big Questions: Dr. Champion’s CRISPR module
Extracurriculars: UPLIFT Coordinator, Cell Biology Lab TA, Next Step Learning Reading Tutor, Boys & Girls Club, HCRIS, Interhall Sports, Howard Hall Commissioner
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Dive in! Involve yourself within and outside of your major and get to know as many people and their different perspectives as possible!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I drove cross country twice this summer.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The Notre Dame community: all of the amazing and welcoming people who make Notre Dame home.
Sydney Harris
Environmental Science
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Menlo Park, California
Dorm: Lewis Hall
Email address: sharri22@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s)/Track: Environmental Science with a minor in Energy Studies
Research: I worked in the Rocha Lab for one year studying dendrochronology. We were analyzing the effects of climate change on tree growth and post-fire vegetation recovery in Alaska using tree rings comparisons.
Post-graduation plans: Spend a couple years doing field/seasonal work and possibly returning to graduate school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Environmental Chemistry or Planet Earth
Extracurriculars: Tour guide for ND Admissions, student-athlete tutor for general chemistry, General Ecology Lab undergraduate TA, and club swimming
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Get involved early in clubs that you like, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people with similar interests. Some of my best friends are other ES majors. Also, get to know your professors!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I work as a camp counselor during the summer teaching water skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: everyone is so passionate about what they love!
Meg Hilbert
Environmental Science
She/Her
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Dorm: McGlinn Hall (now off campus)
Email address: mhilbert@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science major with minors in Studio Art and Sustainability
Research: I work as an undergraduate assistant in Dr. Tank's Lab on campus, researching the impacts of agriculture on stream ecosystems. My senior thesis is on nitrification in streams with high ammonium and organic carbon inputs. Prior to Tank Lab, I worked for a semester as a research assistant in Dr. Belovsky's lab on campus, researching nitrogen cycling in Montana grasslands.
Post-graduation plans: I am hoping to work as a lab tech and travel a bit after graduating. Then I hope to go to grad school and study Marine Biology.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Aquatic Insects!!
Extracurriculars: Museum of Biodiversity, ND garden, Scientia
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Get to know your professors and other students in your classes (and go to office hours!) -- everyone says it, but it really is so helpful! I also recommend reaching out to faculty about lab work early on if you are interested in working in a research lab.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I coach synchronized swimming.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The community and beautiful campus!
Corbin Hite
Skills Workshop Series
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Tiffin, Ohio
Dorm: Keenan Hall
Email address: chite@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major with a minor in Sustainability
Research: Lamberti Lab - Effect of Invasive species in Alaskan Lakes
Post-graduation plans: Graduate School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Physiology
Extracurriculars: Marching and Concert Band, Uplift, Keenan Hall Environmental and Mental Health Commissioner
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Explore research topics you don't think you'd normally do! You might find something you actually really love!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I worked for the Forest Service in Alaska last summer.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Living among the great men of Keenan Hall.
Emily Hunt
Academic
She/Her
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Chicago (suburbs), Illinois
Dorm: Formerly Lewis (go chicks), Howard (go ducks) and off-campus
Email address: ehunt6@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Double Major in Biological Sciences and Film, Television, & Theater (with a concentration in Film)
Research: This summer - stem cell research at the Stanford University Cardiovascular Institute through their summer scholars program. My lab constructed 3D organoid models from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study cardio-oncology, vascular aging, and new surgical innovations. I am also currently working towards a publication in the Woo lab.
Currently - Wingert lab at Notre Dame. I study how transcription factors affect multiciliated cell development as well as hormone signaling in renal (kidney) development and regeneration.
Other previous projects of mine at Notre Dame include my research on cancer metastasis (and subsequently learning computational mapping with R) in the Zhang Lab at the Harper Cancer Research Institute and an independent cellular biology/vision research project utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 technology in conjunction with the O’Tousa Lab advised by Dr. Whaley, (in which my team and I received the Braco Award for Excellence in Cell Biology Research).
Post-graduation plans: Gap year then medical school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Physiology
Extracurriculars: Scientia Journal Editor-in-Chief, Stanford University ConnectEd mentorship program, Global Partners in Care Healthcare Documentary Production Lead, Uplift Biology Peer Mentor, Irish Fuel Sports Nutrition Team, Center for Social Concerns Seminar Leader, GreeNDot Senior Fellow, Spare Magazine Photography and Visual Productions Team, Film Society, former Harper Cancer Research Institute Society (HCRIS) President, and a few other things.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Enjoy your time here! Notre Dame is SUCH a special place, and it goes by really quick. The memories you make and the people you meet will truly stick with you. One bad day or test isn't going to make or break the rest of your life and career. Just keep trying your best and you'll be okay.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I'm in a short film in film festival this year (you should def go watch it).
Favorite part about Notre Dame: All of it — but definitely the people and community <3
Caroline Isemann
Outreach
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Long Valley, New Jersey
Dorm: Pasquerilla West Hall
Email address: cisemann@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major, Theology Supplemental major, Compassionate Care in Medicine minor
Research: During the summer of 2021 I volunteered in the Rohr Lab and spent time working on animal husbandry and helping PHD candidate Alexis Korotasz in her research on Bsal in aquatic / terrestrial environments.
Post-graduation plans: A 5th year of collegiate running and then medical school!
Favorite Biology/ES course: Cell Biology
Extracurriculars: I spend the majority of my free time running sprints & hurdles for ND's varsity track team. On Wednesdays, I am a teaching assistant for Dr.Veselik's cell biology lab, and in the past I was a TA for the big questions biology modules. At night, I work for the learning resource center as a biology and spanish tutor. Also, I am a member of the Pre-Professional society, Compassionate Care in Medicine club and New Jersey club.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: You have talent. You are capable. You belong. (I have had this written on a sticky note in my dorm room since the start of freshman year & it's a reminder we all need from time to time!)
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I work on a farm in the summers selling fruits & vegetables.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The traditions & the pride that each member of the ND community takes in them!
Janna Kotsen
Social
She/Her
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Dorm: Pasquerilla East Hall
Email Address: jkotsen@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences Major with a Minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine
Research: Prosperi Lab- Breast Cancer Research
Post-Graduation Plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ Environmental Science Course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: Club Operation Smile, Pasquerilla East Interhall Sports, Pasquerilla East Hall Commissioner, Uplift, Fighting Together, AFCI Club
Advice for Biology Freshmen: Try to build relationships with your professors! It may not be easy at first, but it can prove useful in the long-run.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I grew up on a vineyard in California.
Favorite part of Notre Dame: My favorite part about Notre Dame would have to be football season. The whole community comes together in such a fun and exciting way.
Becca Kubick
Skills Workshop Series
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Stow, Ohio
Dorm: Lewis Hall
Email address: rkubick@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): I'm majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in History and Science, Technology, & Values
Research: I've been working with the O'Tousa Lab since the beginning of my sophomore year. This past summer, I also had the opportunity to do research on metabolism in cystic fibrosis at Case Western Reserve University.
Post-graduation plans: I'll likely be pursuing either a PhD or MD/PhD program.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Molecular Cell Biology with Dr. Vaughan.
Extracurriculars: I'm a mentor with UPLIFT, president of the Spanish Club, a member of the Student Union Board, a volunteer with the Admissions Office's Text Center, and am on the leadership team for a new Pre-Grad/PhD student group on campus.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Network/establish connections with professors in the department--they really do want to help you succeed, but they can't do much if they don't know you!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I'm spending the fall of 2022 studying abroad in London!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Gameday weekends with great friends!
Julia Marine
Social
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Dorm: Welsh Family Hall
Email address: jmarine@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with an Art History minor
Research: I research in the Santiago-Tirado lab, which studies different facets of the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus. During my sophomore year I received lab technician experience and helped create human cytokine-expressing Cryptococcus neoformans strains that can be used in downstream experiments.
Post-graduation plans: Leaning towards medical school, but undecided
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics with Dr. Hyde!
Extracurriculars: Uplift Biology Mentor, Scientia faculty biography editor, organic chemistry tutor, singer and officer in the ND Chorale, cellist in the ND Symphony Orchestra, judge in the 2022 Indiana Regional Science Fair, contributor to The Juggler magazine
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Don't feel as though you only need to be involved in major specific clubs--pursuing your other interests through extracurricular activities is a great way to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: When I worked at an ice cream store in high school, Michael Phelps’ mom ordered a cherry snow cone from me!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Walks around the lakes, especially around sunset
Usaid Mazhar
Uplift
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Dorm: Stanford Hall
Email address: umazhar@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Major in Biology with a double minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine and Health, Humanities, and Sciences
Research: Dr. Xin Lu's Lab: Cancer Research; Dr. Rebecca Wingert's Lab: Nephrology Research
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics with Dr. Hyde (super challenging, but learned a ton!)
Extracurriculars: Uplift Coordinator, Pre-Professional Society, Compassionate Care in Medicine Club, Muslim Student's Association Board Member, Running Club, Inter-Hall Sports, Volunteer at Memorial Hospital, and Tutor at Robinson Community Learning Center.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know your fellow biology majors! I have met some of the best and most awesome people in major-specific classes including Genetics and Cell Biology. Not only are your fellow biology mates super kind, but super smart and helpful, and they will help you get through some of your most difficult times at ND!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I lived in Canada for 12 years!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The community, by far, is the best thing about Notre Dame. There is no other place where I have met so many kind and helpful people.
Kyle Mcavoy
Outreach
He/Him/His
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Dorm: Off Campus; Previously Keough Hall
Email address: kmcavoy2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major (Biomedical Sciences track) with a minor in Poverty Studies
Research: McLachlan Labs- PalEON Project; O'Tousa and Whaley- CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutagenesis of norpA in Aedes Aegypti and subsequent effects on Aaop1 localization; Indiana School of Dentistry- Analysis of biological and nonbiological samples for fluoride to support research on fluoride neurotoxicity
Post-graduation plans: Dental School
Favorite Biology/ES course: CRISPR Biology Module with Dr. Champion
Extracurriculars: Student Council; South Bend Center for the Homeless Volunteer; Intermural Lacrosse; Uplift
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Keep an open mindset with your coursework. I received one of my last ranked choices for my first semester bio module. It ended up being my favorite bio course I've taken and resulted in me studying CRISPR with Dr. Whaley.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I learned to become ambidextrous after breaking my left arm in 5th grade.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football weekends and tailgating with friends
Anna McDonald
ES
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dorm: Off Campus (formerly Howard Hall)
Email address: amcdon23@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science & Peace Studies majors with minor in Sustainability
Research: Swenson Lab (functional ecology & comparative biology of temperate trees)
Post-graduation plans: Graduate school after a year or two off to travel and work
Favorite Biology/ES course: General Ecology Lab
Extracurriculars: Interhall Sports, Sustainability Commissioner
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Don't be afraid to reach out to professors and other people in your major. Making those connections early will be super beneficial in terms of academics, but it will also just make your experience more fun!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I spent the summer teaching environmental science and sustainability in Ireland!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The gorgeous campus and gamedays!
Chris Mix
Career and Outreach
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Kettering, Ohio
Dorm: O'Neill Family Hall
Email address: cmix@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with a minor in Theology
Research: Rohr Lab- assisting on projects with schistosomiasis and snails and mosquitoes. Lee Lab- project team leader for experiments on antimicrobial peptides with bacterial colonies
Post-graduation plans: I wish to be involved in environmental research, infectious disease research, or some combination of both.
Favorite Biology/ES course: My favorite biology course was genetics.
Extracurriculars: I am involved in many hall teams such as baseball, basketball, and soccer. I am a member of the quiz bowl club and also a member of the fishing club.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Courses will be hard and a challenge, but it is important to persevere and work hard through these classes, as they will shape you into a better student!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I can juggle.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Dorm life and community
Maeve Murdock
Social
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Glencoe, Illinois
Dorm: Pasquerilla East Hall
Email address: mmurdoc4@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): I'm a Biological Sciences major with minors in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Science, Technology, & Values
Research: I'm in the Hyde Lab, where I study the genetic pathways in retinal regeneration following retinal trauma in zebrafish
Post-graduation plans: I plan to pursue a PhD in either biomedical engineering or molecular genetics.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: I volunteer with Matriculate, a national club that guides high-achieving, low-income high schoolers through the college process. I play club tennis and almost all interhall sports. I'm involved with Nucleate, a non-profit bringing together future biotech leaders.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Slow down, enjoy your time. Find ways to alleviate your stress. Make bio friends you can study with. Keep everything in perspective.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I have 4 sisters and was a gymnast my whole life.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The people! And gamedays.
Kayla Nguyen
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Dorm: Flaherty Hall
Email address: knguyen9@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major
Research: Flores-Mireles Lab studying key host and pathogen determinants for infection in the urinary tract
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Parasitology
Extracurriculars: GlobeMed, AMWA, Biology club, AAA
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Explore and take new, fun biology electives that you might not have ever planned to; ND offers a large variety, and they are all so interesting and unique. And do not be afraid to talk to upperclassmen- we are one big bio family!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I am a big foodie and always wanted to be a food connoisseur!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The community and dorm life!! I love my Flaherbears <3.
Mathilda Noone
Enviornmental Science
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Mercer Island, Washington
Dorm: Pasquerilla East Hall
Email address: mnoone2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science, Global Affairs, AL/SC Honors Research: Tank Lab studying stream ecosystems
Post-graduation plans: Energy and Sustainability Consulting
Favorite Biology/ES course: Plants, Society, and the Environment
Extracurriculars: Intern at ND Office of Sustainability, SIBC, tour guide
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Get to know your professors and fellow biology/ES majors, they can be great resources!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I did environmental research in the Arctic one summer.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: All of the amazing people that make the ND community so special.
Erin O’Callaghan
Skills Workshop Series
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Email address: eocallag@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine
Research: Cloonan Lab at Trinity College Dublin (while studying abroad), Family Studies Lab
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics with Dr. Hyde
Extracurriculars: Matriculate, God and the Good Life Dialogue Leader
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Introduce yourself to the people you sit by in class! It makes sitting by each other all semester less awkward and you can help one another out with homework and studying.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I hiked the tallest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil, while studying abroad in Dublin!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football seasons and meeting amazing friends!
Danny O’Shea
Academic
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Munster, Indiana
Dorm: Knott Hall
Email address: doshea@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences and Economics
Research: I worked in the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center at the University of Michigan this past summer. I worked on a pseudoviral neutralization assay of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 using sera collected from a cohort of patients at three separate time points starting in May 2020. Our paper will be submitted for publishing soon this fall on which I will be an author.
Post-graduation plans: I plan on attending medical school after graduation.
Favorite Biology/ES course: My favorite biology course is Genetics with Dr. Hyde. I love the math and the logic that is involved in a comprehensive understanding of genetics.
I am a member of the climbing club and investment club. I am a member of the board of Global Medical Brigades and will be co-leading our trip this upcoming spring. I am a teaching assistant for genetics this fall. I work as a part-time pharmacy technician. I am a mentor for the social commissioning of my hall this upcoming year. I am commissioner for the annual Bookstore Basketball tournament and enjoy playing pickup basketball in my free time.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Meet your fellow biology or ES majors early on. Get to know them as soon as you can and build those friendships and connections. They are people you will spend a lot of time with in classes and working on problem sets and projects. They will make your experience memorable and fulfilling. Get to know their stories.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I am the ninth of ten kids in my family. I love being a part of a big family.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The community. The people at Notre Dame make this place special. I always look forward to coming back to my second home.
Lilly Olsick
Social
She/Her
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Lemont, Illinois
Dorm: Flaherty Hall
Email address: lolsick@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine
Research: Dr. Dahl's lab at Harper Cancer Research Institute; we study the programming of small RNA molecules that induce blood development and immune responses during cancer and autoimmune disease Previously worked in Dr. Rohr's lab; we explored and tested vaccines to treat a fungus that causes disease in amphibians.
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Physiology with Dr. Wingert
Extracurriculars: Marching band, RA in Flaherty, President of the Herbivore Society, tutor for biology and biochemistry, biology UPLIFT mentor
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Don't compare yourself to others! You know what you are capable of so don't take on more than you can handle. Cherishing your time at ND is much more important than fixating on academics. And make sure to connect with your peers! (this is especially helpful when forming study groups...you get to enjoy the grind together <3)
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I spent the entire summer in Hawaii for an internship! Favorite part about Notre Dame: The grotto and walking around the lakes
Elizabeth Powers
Social
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Troy, Michigan
Dorm: Pasquerilla East Hall
Email address: epowers2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences
Research: Prosperi Lab - APC and chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer
Post-graduation plans: Medical school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Molecular Cell Biology
Extracurriculars: Jazz Band, Compassionate Care in Medicine Club, Pasquerilla East Hall Commissioner, Right to Life Club
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know the people near you in class. They can become your greatest assets and your best friends!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I once did chest compressions on a man who was in sudden cardiac arrest.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The wonderful People of Pasquerilla East Hall (go pyros!)
Ian Rentschler
Environmental Science
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Columbia City, IN
Dorm: Morrissey Manor
Email address: irentsch@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s)/Track: Environmental Science, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research: Tank Lab
Post-graduation plans: undecided
Favorite Biology/ES course: Planet Earth
Extracurriculars: GGL fellow, Tank Lab assistant
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Don’t compare yourself to your pre-professional peers.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I grew up on a farm and showed poultry and swine for 10 years.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: I love the work hard, play hard atmosphere.
Chris Rizkalli
Academic
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: San Francisco Bay Area, California
Dorm: Baumer Hall
Email address: crizkall@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major with minors in Science and Patient Advocacy and Compassionate Care in Medicine
Research: Camden Lab: Studying SERS substrates for generalized use in biologically compatible SERS enzyme assays
Post-graduation plans: MSTP Program
Favorite Biology/ES course: Dr. V's Cell Bio Lab!
Extracurriculars: Bio Lab TA, Writing Center Tutor, Fighting Irish Racing, MPhasis-ND
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Surround yourself with the resources you will need to succeed. Work together! Science is a team sport.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I'm 3-3 against Dr. V in Mario Kart
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The Bio Lounge
Andrés Rodríguez
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
He/Him/His
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Dorm: Dillon Hall
Email address: arodri35@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major (premed) with a minor in Compassionate Care in medicine
Research: Rohr lab researching schistosomiasis
Post-graduation plans: Medical school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Biology I modules
Extracurriculars: Martial arts, Knights of Columbus
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Find a good group of friends that you can study and have fun with.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I am from Colombia
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football (ND stadium - especially the 7th floor of Duncan)
Jack Sauter
Career and Outreach
He/Him
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama
Dorm: Morrissey Manor
Email address: jsauter2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s)/Track: Biology major (Biomedical Sciences Track) with Studio Art and Theology minors
Research: I work in the Hyde Lab where I study the genetic mechanisms behind regeneration following traumatic brain injury in zebrafish.
Post-graduation plans: Graduate School or an MD-PhD program
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: Uplift, Morrissey Wellness Commissioner, Genetics TA, interhall sports
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know your professors! Classes become a lot easier to engage in when you know the people behind your professors.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I've lived in 7 different states.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The community and the quarter dogs
Reed Stevens
Uplift
He/Him
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Grand Ledge, Michigan
Dorm: Formerly Fisher Hall, but now I live off campus.
Email address: rsteven8@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): I am a double major in Theology and Biology on a premedical track.
Research: I have worked in Dr. Lieberman’s lab performing community-based health literacy projects in addition to assisting with lead abatement measures. In addition, I am currently in the McLachlan lab where I assist with plant core processing and the PalEON survey project.
Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend medical school where I will pursue a specialty in pediatric psychiatry.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics Lab with Dr. Whaley was my favorite course by far.
Extracurriculars: I am the captain of the Irish Guard, Campus Dining Liaison, Bio Big Questions TA, and one of the lead commissioners for the annual Fisher Regatta.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: I would recommend that you don’t take college too seriously. What I mean by this is that you shouldn’t try to make yourself sound like a LinkedIn-actually involve yourself in activities that sound appealing to you-you have all your life to work.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I’ve backpacked almost every national park in the Midwest on my quest to complete all 63.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: My favorite thing about Notre Dame is the natural beauty on campus. There are always new spots to explore.
Jeremy Sutterer
Academic
He/Him
Graduation year: 2023
Hometown: Weldon Spring, Missouri
Dorm: O'Neill Hall
Email address: jsuttere@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine
Research: O'Tousa Lab
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Molecules to Ecosystems with Dr. Veselik
Extracurriculars: Resume Club
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Be yourself. Everything happens for a reason.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I have a dog.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Bio Lounge
Amanda Waelde
Uplift
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Dorm: Welsh Family Hall
Email address: awaelde@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences Major, Theology Minor, Bioengineering Minor
Research: I've been in the Matthew Champion lab for three semesters and am continuing my research this year. I work to optimize activity of the novel protease Tryp-N and to investigate several unique and useful properties it may have.
Post-graduation plans: I intend to pursue a PhD to become a medical researcher.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Dr. Hyde's Genetics with Dr. Whaley's Genetics Lab!
Extracurriculars: UPLIFT, SLC, Magnificat Choir
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Talk to people! Make friends! It can be intimidating at a new school, but you have so many opportunities here to make friends, and you'll learn so much from them. Plus you'll have people to study with!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I like knitting way too much and have a growing pile of knitted hats in my room.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Seeing the Basilica and the Dome reflected in the lakes, especially at sunset.
Ashley Zolfaghari
Career Outreach
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: San Diego, California
Dorm: Farley Hall
Email address: azolfagh@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with a Digital marketing minor
Research: I work in the Vaughan lab researching Niemann-Pick Type C Disease (a rare neurodegenerative disorder). In addition, I spent the past three years at the Andersen lab at the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego studying the Zika virus and SARS-Cov-2. I'm also a contributor to an article about my Zika research at the Andersen lab that's pending publication.
Post-graduation plans: I currently plan to obtain my PhD (Microbiology or Virology), then work for a biotechnology company.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Advanced cell biology lab with Dr. Whaley and Dr. Vaughan
Extracurriculars: Founder & president of Pre-Grad/PhD group, ND Tennis club, UPLIFT mentor, lron Sharpens Iron
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know the other students in your major because your classmates are one of the most powerful resources for academic help and support. Don't be afraid to ask them to study or work on assignments together - that's how I made some of my best friends!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I studied abroad in Milan this past summer
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football weekends and the amazing ND community!
Kevin Buck
Environmental Sciences
He/Him
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Rumson, New Jersey
Dorm: Dillon Hall
Email Address: kbuck2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s)/Track: Environmental Science / Glynn Family Honors Program
Research: I have an independent project advised by Dr David Medvigy investigating climatic trends on a high time resolution and how they might affect forest growth models and the viability of economically important crops in the continental United States.
Post-Graduate Plans: I plan to pursue a PhD in Ecology
Favorite Biology/ES course: Intro to Biocomputing / UNDERC Track 1
Extracurriculars: I'm very active in the Notre Dame Climbing Club and I serve as a sacristan and eucharistic minister at Dillon Hall’s Milkshake Mass.
Advice for Freshmen Environmental Majors: Our major allows you to take lots of kinds of classes covering topics from ecology and chemistry to mathematics and computing. Diversify your schedule, and you may find a new interest you never knew you had! Also, every ES major should spend a summer at UNDERC. It is the best part of the ES major!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I was a NJ State Park Ranger for two years.
Favorite part of Notre Dame/ South Bend: I love Notre Dame Football and living in a community of people who are friendly, genuine, and not afraid to be a bit nerdy!