James Lazar, a rising senior in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, is the first recipient of the Baten Family Summer Fellowship. This competitive fellowship, generously funded by Clay and Wanda Baten, sponsors 10 weeks of full-time summer research for a student in the departmental Honors Program.
James is using his fellowship to conduct research in the laboratory of Brian Baker, Coleman Professor of Life Sciences, where he is studying acute cellular rejection (ACR). ACR is a critically important medical condition, particularly for those undergoing organ transplantation, as it effects up to 60% of transplant patients. ACR occurs when the patient’s immune system treats the new organ as a threat, attacking it in ways that are often severe, irreversible, and can lead to organ rejection. Currently, the standard for ACR prevention is a lifetime of scans, biopsies, and/or therapeutic interventions. James’ research seeks to determine the underlying mechanisms of ACR to provide insight into how immune cells undertake this process on a molecular level. This knowledge can ultimately be used to develop new methods to monitor and mitigate ACR which are more directed and less invasive.
Receiving this fellowship has had a significant impact on James: “The Baten Fellowship has transformed my summer research experience. It has allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my research passion without the financial burden of funding my stay at Notre Dame. As a result, I’ve been able to continue work on this important project and make meaningful, potentially transformative discoveries that may improve transplant outcomes.”
After completing his degree in Biochemistry, James plans to build on the foundation he has created at Notre Dame, including his minors in Compassionate Care in Medicine and Theology, by attending medical school. “I am deeply passionate about improving patients’ lives through both clinical practice and research. Earning a medical degree will empower me to make a meaningful impact in my community and contribute to the health and well-being of all people.”
In addition to the Summer Fellowship, the Baten family has also established the Baten Family Summer Research Support Award, providing funds to supplement summer research for students’ honors theses. The 2025 recipients of the Research Support Award are Maddie Schearer, Charlie Desnoyers, and Matthew Politte. Other awards supported by the Baten family include the Baten Family Travel Award, which supports student travel to conferences, workshops, and other professional development activities, and the Baten Family Flex Award, which provides students with funds to supplement materials and resources needed for their research.