Senior Leadership Committee
Ian Rentschler
Environmental Sciences Chair
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Columbia City, IN
Dorm: Off Campus
Email address: irentsch@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science, Sustainability, Innovation and
Entrepreneurship, Environmental Earth Sciences
Research: Tank Lab
Post-graduation plans: Undecided
Favorite Biology/ES course: Planet Earth
Extracurriculars: God and the Good Life Fellow,
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Come to SLC events and meet other ES students
you can study with and continue to build community with throughout your four years at
ND and beyond.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I was raised on a small poultry farm in Indiana.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Work hard, play hard culture
Chris Rizkalli
Biological Sciences Chair
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Danville, CA
Dorm: Baumer Hall
Email address: crizkall@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences, Chemistry Minor, Compassionate Care in
Medicine Minor
Research: I work in the Camden Lab on carbenes and their multiplexing applications
Post-graduation plans: Medical Research
Favorite Biology/ES course: Hyde’s Genetics
Extracurriculars: Writing Center Tutor, Cell Bio Lab TA, MPhasis
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Never hesitate to reach out for help. ND Bio is
home to a tight knit community, one that I’m lucky to be a part of. Surround yourself with
the resources you will need to succeed, and don’t be afraid to work together! Science is
a team sport!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: My favorite sport is soccer
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The friends I’ve made along the way
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,
Pregnancy Crisis Volunteer, Transfer Student mentor
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 love almost every type of workout and
exercising!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: 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.
Brian Joseph
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Tamuning, Guam
Dorm: Dunne Hall
Email address: bjoseph2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Bio Major, Philo Minor, Theo Minor
Research: Nada Lab
Post-graduation plans: Medical school?
Favorite Biology/ES course: Cell Biology with D’Souza Schorey
Extracurriculars: GGL Dialogue Leader, Theology Mentor, Red Cross
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Follow your gut
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I’ve solved a rubix cube in 9 seconds once
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Late night shenanigans in the dorm
Margaret Buck
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Dorm: Lyons
Email address: mbuck3@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology with a minor in Compassionate Care In Medicine
Concentration: Biomedical Sciences
Research: Wingert Lab
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Parasitology with Professor Robichaud
Extracurriculars: AMWA, Class Council, ALF
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Anki is so much better than the Quizlet. It
allows you to set a normal, daily schedule to study without ads.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: When I was younger I was in a youth circus
where I did contortion and stilts.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Dorm life! I love how Notre Dame gives us this
opportunity to be in a non-academic, just for fun community of different types of people.
Danny O’Shea
Academic and Research Lead
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Munster, Indiana
Dorm: Knott Hall
Email address: doshea@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences and Economics/Glynn
Concentration: Maybe Biomedical Sciences
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.
Extracurriculars: 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 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.
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.
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!
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
Katherine Gilboy
Academic and Research
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Dorm: Farley
Email address: kgilboy@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major with a minor in poverty studies
Research: I worked in the Ferdig lab for the past year, but have changed to the Pfrender lab! I am currently working on evolutionary ecological genomic by using CRISPR to knockout genes and map them to a model species genome. Post-graduation plans: Either MD or MD/PHD program
Favorite Biology/ES course: Medical Microbiology
Extracurriculars: TA with Dr. Whaley, Baraka Bouts, volunteering at memorial, department of sustainability, managing Cafe far far, JCC
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know other biology majors and study with them! You can learn so much by studying with your classmates and it is more enjoyable
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I’m left handed
Favorite part about Notre Dame: I love the dorm communities and ND football
Samantha Meyo
Academic
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Lancaster, NY
Dorm: Farley Hall
Email address: smeyo@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences, Glynn Honors Program
Research: I am a member of the Agrelius Lab working with Daphnia (water fleas). Post-graduation plans: I currently plan to attend medical school. As of right now, I aim to become an oncologist, although I expect this to change once I am exposed to the vast options for careers in the medical field.
Favorite Biology/ES course: My favorite major requirement is Organic Chemistry. I found this course challenging at first, however, at some point the material just clicked for me and everything made sense. Possibly the most rewarding feeling after a good month of struggling. My favorite elective is Cancer Immunotherapy with Dr. Lu. Learning about what has to go perfectly wrong for cancer to form made me appreciate the human body and its defense systems.
Extracurriculars: Biology Club, Aging With Grace, North Dining Hall student manager, and Interhall Sand Volleyball. My favorite activity I participate in is Aging With Grace. We travel to nursing homes and assisted living facilities to present information to the residents that they will actually find interesting and helpful to make their remaining years more enjoyable.
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Prior to coming to Notre Dame, I was insistent I focus only on my studies during my first year. No clubs, no sports, nothing! I was so certain that I would not have the time. Well let me tell you, you will have the time, no matter how daunting the list of courses you need to take seems. I highly suggest you join at least one club your first year, especially one that you will genuinely enjoy and that is not just something to put on your resume.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I have US and Canadian citizenship and have lived in both countries.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The network of alumni willing to help Notre Dame students. If you need any career-related help, all you need to do is get in touch with your local chapter of ND alumni. They will be more than willing to help.
Erik Curtis
Academic and Research
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: St. John, Indiana
Dorm: Formerly Dillon Hall
Email address: ecurtis@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology & Math
Concentration: Computational Bio
Research: Fate and transport of environmental eDNA in the Tank Lab Post-graduation plans: Grad School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Stream Ecology
Extracurriculars: Climbing Club VP, RecSports Staff, Volleyball
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get outside whenever you can, even if it's just to study outside.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I have been performing ecology research on campus for the past 3 consecutive summers.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The wonderful campus and great football weekends.
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.
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!
Quinnlan Murray
Environmental Science
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dorm: Johnson Family Hall
Email address: qmurray@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science with minors in Peace Studies and the Hesburgh Program in Public Service
Research: I previously worked for the Belovsky Lab investigating grassland nutrient cycles.
Post-graduation plans: After taking a gap year, I plan on attending law school Favorite Biology/ES course: Rowboating on the lakes in Aquatic Ecology! Extracurriculars: RA in Johnson Family, undergraduate admissions tour guide, florist at Irish Gardens, and the Student Policy Network
Advice for freshmen ES majors: Study what interests you, even if it’s different from what everyone else is doing!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: While studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, I visited “The Lighthouse at the End of the World” in Tierra del Fuego!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Game days & lovely Valks of JFam
Gilberto Cerda III
Environmental Science
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Edinburg, TX
Dorm: O’Neill Family Hall
Email address: gcerda@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Sciences
Research: Jones Lab freshwater fisheries
Post-graduation plans: Medical school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Medical and Veterinary Parasitology Extracurriculars: ND Rugby, South Bend Little League Baseball coach, ND RecSports employee
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Take advantage of the fall and spring break field trip classes. You get to explore some cool places around the world. Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I love yoga and can do the split Favorite part about Notre Dame: O’Neill 3B
Kevin Buck
Environmental Science
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Rumson, NJ
Dorm: Dillon Hall
Email address: kbuck2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science with a minor in Data Science Research: I have a project in the Medvigy lab modeling tree growth and forest community composition change in response to changes in climate metrics. Post-graduation plans: I plan to pursue a graduate degree in ecology or wildlife biology and then work for a land management agency.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Planet Earth and Biocomputing!
Extracurriculars: Gear Czar for the Notre Dame Rock Climbing Club, member of Campus Recreation Advisory Board, sacristan and minister at Dillon Hall Milkshake Mass
Advice for freshmen Biology 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 can grill a pretty legendary rack of ribs
Favorite part about Notre Dame: I love Notre Dame Football and living in a community of people who are friendly, genuine, and not afraid to be a bit nerdy!
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.
Monica Nokes
Environmental Science
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Jeffersonville, IN
Dorm: Ryan Hall
Email address: mnokes2@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science with a minor in Earth Sciences Research: Simonetti Lab studying atmospheric pollution through precipitation Post-graduation plans: I hope to pursue something with cave studies: possibly a graduate degree. I love the intersections of geology and ecology and hope to focus on conservation/restoration.
Favorite Biology/ES course: Local Flora!
Extracurriculars: Co-Commissioner for Raclin Murphy Museum of Art Student Programming Committee, GreeND, SolidarityND
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Hang in there through the tough requirements– it gets better when you start to take classes about things you care about. Also, rely on your support system and get to know your fellow Bio/ES majors. They make the tough classes more fun!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I play the jaw harp (a very cool instrument)
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The campus is so pretty and there are lots of cool rocks, plants, and animals if you just look around!
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!
Therese Reisch
Environmental Science
She/Her
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Claremont, CA
Dorm: Welsh Family Hall
Email address: treisch@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Sciences with concentration in Earth Sciences and minor in History
Research: Lamberti Lab studying the ecotoxicity of PFAS
Post-graduation plans: Take a gap year to do some conservation work, then pursue a graduate degree in geology/ecology!
Favorite Biology/ES course: Planet Earth
Extracurriculars: Climbing Club, StuGov’s Department of Sustainability, Unity Gardens Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Show up to the ES events to meet people in the major; it can be difficult to find each other in the huge required lectures when you’re just starting out.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I’ve been to the lowest and highest elevations in the contiguous United States: Badwater Basin and Mount Whitney!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Exploring the South Bend area and trying new food places!
Hayley Brownd
Career & Outreach
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Crown Point, IN
Dorm: Pasquerilla East
Email address: hbrownd@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine
Research: I work with Dr. Gursky in assisting the Datta lab in the Engineering department. We are focusing on treatment resistance in glioblastoma cells. Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics with Dr. Hyde
Extracurriculars: TA with Dr. Hyde and Professor West, dancer with Notre Dame Ceili Band, Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, and PE Academic Commissioner Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Get to know the people you sit by in your classes and form study groups! Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your professors, especially the Biology professors. :)
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I went to Ireland with the Notre Dame Ceili Band this summer.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: My favorite parts are the community, Notre Dame football and hockey, and Notre Dame Ceili Band!
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.
Annie Behm
Career & Outreach
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Dorm: Pasquerilla West
Email address: abehm@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): I am a Biological Sciences major with a minor in Civil and Human Rights
Concentration: Infectious Disease and Global Health
Research: I’ve been working on public health projects in the Rohr lab since the fall of my sophomore year, including work on tracking the relationship between vector-borne diseases and the changing climate.
Post-graduation plans: Graduate school for a masters in Public Health or Epidemiology
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics
Extracurriculars: I am a member of the varsity swim team, a member of the student leadership team for the Klau Institute for Civil and Human rights, and a writer for Scientia
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Talk to the people next you! I’ve met some of my best friends in my biology classes, and they have been instrumental to my success. Having friends you can study with and laugh with is super important, and everyone in the biology classes are very welcoming.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I used to do national level choir when I was younger
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The people! There are many schools with academic and athletic prestige, but the community within Notre Dame is simply unmatched.
Grace Galfano
Social
Graduation year: 2024
Hometown: Lockport, IL
Dorm: Lewis
Email address: ggalfano@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology Major + Irish Studies Minor
Concentration: Biomedical
Research: Dr. Patricia Champion’s Lab (Tuberculosis Research)
Post-graduation plans: Gap year and then applying to medical school Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics with Dr. Hyde
Extracurriculars: GlobeMed@ND, Partners in Health, Irish Club, Tutor at Robinson Community Learning Center, RA in Lewis Hall, Genetics TA
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Be kind to yourself. You deserve to be here, and you are capable of more than you think!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: Last summer, I spent three weeks in Donegal, Ireland, studying the Irish language. Bhí sé go hiontach!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The Notre Dame community!
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.
Arwen Oliva
Social
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Dorm: Pasquerilla West
Email address: aoliva3@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences major, Accountancy minor, Science and Patient Advocacy minor
Research: Involved in Dr. Agrelius’s lab which focuses on observing the phenotypic and genotypic effects of altering various neurotransmitters in Daphnia pulex and Daphnia magna.
Post-graduation plans: Plan on attending medical school
Favorite Biology/ES course: Genetics lab with Professor Whaley Extracurriculars: Co-president of Global Medical Brigades, Pasquerilla West SUB representative, Pasquerilla West athletics commissioner, American Medical Women’s Association, American College of Cardiology research fellow, Climbing wall attendant for RecSports
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: I think asking for advice from upperclassmen has been a HUGE help here at Notre Dame! Also don't be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of office hours. There is always room to be the best possible version of yourself.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I have a black belt in taekwondo ;) Favorite part about Notre Dame: Football season and tailgates!
Carmelina Komyatte
Social
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Highland, Indiana
Dorm: Walsh Hall
Email address: ckomyatt@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology major (concentration: Cell and Developmental Biology), Gender Studies minor
Research: Dr. Patricia Champion’s lab studying mycobacterial pathogenesis Post-graduation plans: PhD in biology
Favorite Biology/ES course: Molecular Cell Biology with Dr. Vaughn Extracurriculars: Walsh Hall council, TA for intro bio lab, LRC organic chemistry tutor, literacy tutor at the NDCCI, Walsh hall clerk, and GRC ambassador Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Just take things one step at a time and lean on each other and the upperclassmen. Take this time to really figure out what you really want to do and how to make it happen.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: My favorite place in the world is Midway Airport in Chicago
Favorite part about Notre Dame: Walsh Hall! (the best dorm on campus)
Peter Lukish
Uplift
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Dorm: Sorin College
Email address: plukish@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences Major
Research: Dr. Boone’s Lab (Cancer Research), 2023 USUHS Department of Surgery (Data Analysis Research)
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Dr. Hyde’s Genetics… very hard exams and early mornings but very rewarding and Dr. Hyde is one of ND’s best professors Extracurriculars: NDFD EMT, RCLC, Healthwin Volunteer, Cell Biology Laboratory TA for Dr. Veselik,
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Do not be afraid to take it slow with extracurriculars (maybe start some service) for the first semester to focus on coursework and meeting friends!
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I love night runs around campus.
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The School spirit is awesome.
Anthony Travlos
Uplift
Graduation year: 2025
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
Dorm: Knott Hall
Email address: atravlos@nd.edu
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences Major, Theology Minor, Data Science Minor Research: Dr. Kenneth Olson’s Lab: The role of sulfur in cell signaling; Dr. Xin Lu’s lab: Immunotherapies against prostate cancer
Post-graduation plans: Medical School
Favorite Biology/ES course: Cell Biology with Dr. Vaughan
Extracurriculars: Co-coordinator of UPLIFT, Co-president of Knott Hall, Vice President of Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Volunteer at Center for Hospice Care
Advice for freshmen Biology majors: Take care of yourself! Make sure to make time for your own personal interests as well as your academic interests.
Fun/interesting fact about yourself: I have an extra bone in my heel!
Favorite part about Notre Dame: The community and love for the university that cannot be imitated anywhere else.
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!