Meet Our Students
Jake Marek (2025)
Majoring in Chemistry/Computing with a Minor in Bioengineering
I received permission from my high school chemistry teacher to use our chemistry lab after school for recreational projects. I re-created a lot of interesting experiments I found on YouTube, and I did a lot of things that I was definitely not qualified to do. I logged all my background research and experiment descriptions in a personal lab notebook. I very much enjoyed these recreational chemistry projects, and this is why I decided to pursue a chemistry major. My goal was to do chemical research at Notre Dame. However, I did not know what type of research I wanted to specialize in.
First, I tried computational chemistry because of my interest in computer science. I participated in a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Clemson University. I was a part of a computational chemistry lab studying the dynamics of polymers. Next, I worked in an inorganic chemistry lab at the University of Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany. This opportunity was through a Notre Dame Biochemistry/Chemistry specific program called International Research Experiences for Students (IRES), also funded by the NSF. Finally, I was a member of Dr. Brandon Ashfeld’s organic chemistry lab right here at Notre Dame. I assisted a graduate student in the synthesis of ionic liquids. After this wide array of hands-on research experiences, I realized that I no longer wanted to become a scientific researcher. Instead, I found a passion for learning and presenting scientific research. Diving into a topic, wrapping my head around it, and then coming up with simple and engaging ways of presenting it to a mass audience. Currently, I am looking at careers in chemical forensics, the pharmaceutical industry, and consulting. My future is very much up in the air!
Hockey is a big part of my life. I play men’s club ice hockey and work at Compton Family Ice Arena at Notre Dame. In addition, I also enjoy volunteering once a week at a local South Bend service site through a Campus Ministry program called Mercy Works.
Ethan Dimaano (2026)
Majoring in Biochemistry with a Minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine
I originally entered Notre Dame intending to major in biological sciences on a pre-medicine track. However, as I was taking my first few chemistry classes at Notre Dame, I realized that I wanted to dive deeper into chemistry while keeping up my coursework in biological sciences. When I was reading through the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry website, I saw that biochemistry was the perfect fit for me because of the academic rigor that it offered for chemistry and biology. So, I switched during the spring semester of freshman year, and I have been very satisfied with the material I have been studying since. Now, I get the opportunity to work with a community that has a similar passion and love for biology and chemistry!
After graduation, I plan on taking on a gap year before applying to medical schools. I am interested in either doing something clinical or applying to be a Teaching Fellow with the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) to obtain a Masters in Education. While none of these plans are set in stone, I believe that my education and experience as a biochemistry major will prepare me well for the path I will pursue.
At Notre Dame, I have the privilege of being a member of the Notre Dame Glee Club, an all-male chorus here on campus. Being a part of the Glee Club has given me so many opportunities to connect with people around the world through our tours, participate in amazing traditions, and be a part of a brotherhood that provides support and balance to my lifestyle here at Notre Dame. Also, during the Summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to be a Rising Teacher with the Alliance for Catholic Education in Tucson, Arizona. I really enjoyed sharing my passion for science and connecting with a community that I will never forget. Some of my other activities include the Filipino American Student Organization (FASO), working with the Gender Relations Center (GRC), and volunteering with Campus Ministry through Mercy Works to provide service for the South Bend Community.
Lauren Farrell (2026)
Majoring in Chemistry and Environmental Science with a Minor in French and Francophone Studies
I chose to major in chemistry because I took an AP Chemistry course during my senior year of high school, and I loved it. I loved not only using mathematics, but going far beyond that in order to understand how our world works. I thought the class was very challenging but very interesting, and I felt like it was something I could do well. Then, during my freshman year, I took Introduction to Chemical Principles with Dr. Seth Brown, and it confirmed my major choice. Although the class was extremely rigorous, it was very engaging, and no feeling was better than finally understanding a hard problem.
After graduation, I hope to go to grad school to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. For my future career, I want to explore the combination of chemistry and sustainability. This interest is what prompted me to add the environmental sciences supplementary major during my sophomore year. I want to join the Peace Corps for a while in order to help develop more sustainable options for people in need. Overall, I want to work to develop the ways in which we are currently combating climate change and reduce the ways in which we still contribute to it today.
I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a lot of fun activities while at Notre Dame. Since my freshman year, I have been part of TroopND, a small jazz and hip hop dance group. I’ve also had the opportunity to do research in Dr. Brown’s inorganic chemistry lab, which works to address the problem of conversions between electrical and chemical products in a more environmentally friendly manner. I volunteer at Robinson Community Learning Center helping grade school students do their homework. I also am a part of Diversity Council, where we seek to promote diversity and inclusion on our campus. Overall, I’m very grateful for all the people I’ve met and activities I’ve had the opportunity to participate in at Notre Dame!
Zachary Koh (2026)
Majoring in Chemistry (concentration in Neuroscience) with a Minor in Bioengineering
All throughout high school, I loved chemistry, but I wasn't terribly good at it. In fact, during sophomore year I first failed an exam - in chemistry. Now looking back, I must have given my parents a heart attack when I said I wanted to major in it in college. There was just something about chemistry; I found it so fascinating that I could connect everything that was happening around me to what I had learned in class - chemistry was all around us. Thankfully, something clicked in college, and I've done much better here than in high school. I entered Notre Dame as a chemistry major and have since decided to pursue a concentration in neuroscience and a minor in bioengineering.
I was drawn to the field of prosthetics and how artificial limbs can improve lives. This interest probably originated from the many hours of playing ‘Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare’ when I was 13 years old. In the game, the protagonist lost his arm in an accident and was discharged from the military but was given a second chance with a high-tech prosthetic arm, which did everything his normal arm could do, only better. I observed the gap between technology we have today and what can possibly be - an exact replacement, or even upgrade, of appendages - if only there was a way to integrate the human nervous system and machinery seamlessly. A course titled Physics of the Brain intrigued me, and it has been my favorite thus far at Notre Dame. The course integrated the biology of neuroscience, physics for circuit modeling, chemistry when looking at electrochemical signals, and computer science for coding out artificial intelligence neural network models. Dr. Vural even threw in philosophy to make us think of why things are the way they are. After that class, my teammate and I continued working with Dr. Vural to turn our term project into a paper. We are currently training an AI model to mimic the symptoms of mental disorders such as schizophrenia and to be able to diagnose them.
I am also part of The Smith Lab on several research projects. As a coder, I supported a computational biology project to map out how sensory axons connect with spinal circuits in zebrafish, and that initiative has since branched out to a different opportunity in a collaborative project to understand how the nervous system is organized. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to embark on a developmental neurobiology study to understand how sensory neurons become organized during nervous system construction. It is exciting that I get to utilize new technologies such as serial electron microscopy and CRISPR. The mentoring from my professors and learning from research opportunities have been invaluable. These experiences continue to strengthen my conviction of pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience after college.
When I’m not in the lab, you can catch me throwing a disc on the quad with my friends. I’m on the Ultimate Frisbee Men’s A Team, also known as Papal Rage. This club has been like family since day 1, and for me, provided the sense of community that everyone here at Notre Dame can relate to.
Livi Edwards (2026)
Majoring in Biochemistry and Spanish
I chose to become a biochemistry major to satisfy my life-long goal of one day becoming a physician. In the fall of my first year, I took my first college chemistry class with Professor Brown, and it became apparent to me very quickly that this was the right major for me. The chemistry classes I've taken thus far engage students in ways that not only teach them the subject matter, but also teach the necessary skills to become an independent scientist. The professors in the department have invested their time and energy into supporting me in not only the classroom, but also in the scope of my career development.
After graduating from Notre Dame, I plan to go to medical school and become a physician, more specifically a neurosurgeon or cardiothoracic surgeon. Majoring in biochemistry will certainly prepare me for the challenges that come with a career in medicine.
Aside from my studies, I am currently the Secretary and Treasurer of the Notre Dame Chemistry and Biochemistry Club where I manage finances for events and fundraisers. Also, I am a Lab Teaching Assistant for Organic I and II for majors. This fall, I will be working with Professor Horgen in the Organic II Lab. I conducted research as well with Professor Brian Baker which focused on biochemistry from an immunological perspective. Outside of the sciences, I am a member of the Conduct Case Review Board for the Office of Community Standards where I hear case appeals for conduct violations. In addition, I am the Vice-President of my residence hall, Cavanaugh Hall, where I help plan events and fundraisers, and lead weekly hall councils. Although biochemistry is my main interest, I value being a part of various activities and organizations on campus to diversify my experiences and interests.
Ian Talty (2027)
Double Majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics with a Minor in History
I decided to study chemistry because of my high school chemistry teacher. I loved chemistry and always felt challenged and excited by the things that I learned in class. However, I was not fully decided on chemistry as a major when I started at Notre Dame. What sealed the deal for me was my first semester general chemistry course with Professor Brown. His class was the hardest and best that I had ever taken, and it challenged and engaged me more than I had ever been before. About two weeks into my first semester, I knew that I wanted to stick with chemistry.
Part of the reason why I enjoy studying chemistry is that it keeps a lot of options open for my professional life after college. Though unsure of what exactly I want to do after graduation, my plan right now is to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry.
Here at Notre Dame, I'm a member of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, I play music for the WVFI student radio, and I participate in intramural sports like basketball and baseball. I do regular service at community organizations in South Bend. I work as a Supervisor in our RecSports Program (helping to supervise and manage intramural and club sports), I am a tour guide for the admissions office, and I serve as a grader for an introductory math reasoning class. I also conduct undergraduate research in the Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory.
Katherine Sopko (2027)
Majoring in Biochemistry with Minors in Italian and Foundations of Business
Since I was little, science classes were my favorite, but I didn't really know why. However, as I've gotten into my coursework at Notre Dame, I've realized it's because they let me explore my curiosity about the natural world around me through all these little details that unlock the mysteries of life. That's what's guided me to my place as a biochemistry major, since you get both the vast broadness of biology and its systems but also the intricate chemistry that underlies it. Each helps you understand the other, and looking at them together lets you see all these different topics in biology and chemistry in a different light. I also think biochemistry has huge implications in so many fields like genetic disease treatment, food science, organ transplantation technology, and so much more, and this interdisciplinary major prepares you for a lot of different career options. Especially in a relatively newer field that is constantly being changed with new discoveries, the possibilities of what you can learn and do are really exciting and feel endless.
I'm somewhat undecided about my future career path, but I think I want to go into research, drug development, and/or biotechnology. Right now I'm planning on pursuing further education right after graduation, likely a Ph.D. in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a related field. After that, it's a little more up in the air, but I've been looking more into industry research positions in pharmaceutical companies, scientist jobs in clinical trials, and other specialized roles like medical science liaison. I know I love my classes now, and I'm hoping that as I continue through my education at Notre Dame and beyond, they'll help me better discern my career path. I really enjoy science and biochemistry, and I want to be able to use my interest and knowledge to do work that'll improve the quality of life of people who are struggling with disease and other medical issues.
Academically, I've joined the Biochemistry and Biotechnology clubs, both of which have provided some really interesting experiences and opportunities to hear more about different jobs and routes you can take in science beyond academia and healthcare. I've especially found the Biotechnology club to be really helpful in hearing about all kinds of jobs that I hadn't previously known existed. Another good experience was the Association for Women In Science (AWIS)'s Student Mentorship program. It matches you with an older student or professional who has similar interests and goals to share advice and other information. I've also really enjoyed being a part of the Special Olympics of Notre Dame (SOND). I was able to volunteer coach for a Special Olympics basketball team back at home, so I was really happy to continue working with all kinds of athletes here at school. My dorm, Farley Hall, has also been one of my favorite parts of Notre Dame! It's an amazing group of girls living there, and I've really been able to form a second family with them all. I've become involved as a junior dorm commissioner focusing on Farley's signature events, and it's been incredible to work with the rest of the community to put together some really fun and meaningful events. More informally, I've loved going to all the sporting events at Notre Dame! I've always loved athletics, so cheering on football, basketball, and all the other teams has been a big highlight. Some of my best memories have been doing touchdown pushups with my friends and the rest of the Notre Dame student section at big games.
James Sutterlin (2027)
Double Majoring in Chemistry and Philosophy with a Concentration in Philosophy, Science, and Math
There are many reasons I wanted to study chemistry, but a big one is its relevance in so many different fields of science. From fundamental applications in physics and technology to the life-changing development of new and effective medicines, chemistry covers so many things I am interested in. I also love working at the bench to actually do experiments in the lab. Studying chemistry at Notre Dame is great because of the very student-oriented professors who have lots of research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. I am very lucky to be able to do research at the highly regarded Notre Dame radiation laboratory, made possible by Notre Dame’s support for undergraduates. I have also loved the chemistry classes here so far, largely because of the care the professors have for students. Notre Dame does an amazing job encouraging you to explore different areas, which is something I am taking advantage of as I explore the philosophical questions and implications which accompany modern science and math.
I plan to continue studying chemistry after graduation, probably on a Ph.D. track, and am broadly interested in physical chemistry, with a special curiosity in nuclear and radiation chemistry. I currently plan on working in either government or industry. As a central science, however, chemistry leaves lots of options open!
I have loved my experiences at Notre Dame so far. Football games are a highlight, as is dorm life, where I am actively involved as a member of my dorm government. I am also in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club as well as the French Club.
Recent Graduates
Michael Oblich (2024)
Major in Biochemistry (neuroscience concentration) with a Minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine
Next Step: M.D. program at Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine
Audrey Miles (2023)
Double Major in Chemistry with Computing and Theology
Next Step: Pursuing M.S. in nuclear energy at the University of Cambridge as a Churchill Scholar ('23-'24); then Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of California Irvine as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow
Theresa Heidenreich (2023)
Major in Biochemistry with a Minor in Anthropology
Next Step: Pursuing Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of Pittsburg
Jenna Kautzky (2023)
Major in Chemistry
Next Step: Gap year working as a medical scribe; then M.D. program at University of Minnesoate Medical School - Twin Cities
David Haungs (2023)
Double Major in Chemistry and Political Science
Next Step: Pursuing J.D. at Yale Law School
