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Fellowship Recipients

Carbon Fellows

Congratulations to the following students awarded the prestigious Michael and Dorothy Carbon Fellowship Program!

Carbon Fellow Recipients

Current Carbon FellowsTermMentorsProjects
Angela Andaleon 2017-2019 Dr. Mark Albert (Computer Science)
Dr. Heather Wheeler
(Biology)
Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Cholesterol Traits in Diverse Populations
Denis Cipurko 2017-2019 Dr. Daniel Becker
(Chemistry)
Dr. Dali Liu (Biochemistry)
The Use of Novel GABA Analogues for the Inhibition of GABAergic Enzyme, GabR, in Probiotic Bacteria
Jason Jackson 2017-2019 Dr. Howard Laten
(Biology)
Qunfeng Dong
(Public Health Services)
Investigating the Role of LTR Retrotransposon Insertions in the Domestication of Soybean
Nick Predey 2017-2019 Dr. Catherine Putonti (Biology)
Dr. Konstantin Laufer
(Computer Science)
Decoding the Genetic Diversity of Viruses through Gene Networks
Elana Baltrusaitis 2016-2018 Dr. Dali Liu (Biochemistry) Determining OTUD6B: A Novel Cancer Research Strategy
Andrea Garretto 2016-2018 Dr. Catherine Putonti (Biology) Phages of the Human Bladder
Paul Risteca 2016-2018 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Interactions between microplastic, persistent organic pollutants and microbes in rivers
Saad Kothawala 2016-2018 Dr. Ken Olsen (Chemistry) Structure-Function Relationship of Oncogenic G-Proteins
Previous Carbon FellowsTermMentorsProjects
Maxwell Moore 2015-2017 Dr. Daniel Becker (Chemistry)
Dr. Dali Liu (Chemistry
Targeting Vitamin B6 Biosynthesis Through PdxR: A Novel Antimicrobial Strategy
Leann Ngo 2015-2017 Dr. Brian Ohsowski
(Institute of Environmental Sustainability)
Invasive Plant Biomass: Phytoremediation of Contaminated Sediments in the Grand Calument River
Suraj Sheth 2015-2017 Dr. Bryan Pickett (Biology) Using Mutant Troponins to Study the Developmental, Functional, and Regenerative Aspects of Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Jorge Yanar 2015-2017 Dr. Robert Morrison (Psychology) Development of Neural Connectivity Toolbox for Human Scalp Electroencephalography Recordings and its Application to the Study of Cognitive Aging
Katherine Bruder 2014-2016 Catherine Putonti (Biology)
Susan Baker (Stritch)
Pushing Phages to the Genomic Limit
Kaitlyn Lovato 2014-2016 Daniel Becker (Chemistry)
Kenneth Olsen (Chemistry)
Creating the Next Antibiotic: Identifying and Synthesizing Inhibitors of DapE
Patrick Canniff 2014-2016 Tham Hoang
(Institute of Environmental Sustainability)
Timothy Hoellein (Biology)
Determining microplastics in the sediment of Lake Michigan and potential effects though the food chain
Volodymyr Didorchuk 2014-2016 Howard Laten (Biology)
Mark Albert (Computer Science)
Impact of retrotransposons on plant evolution
Jonathon Brenner 2013-2015 Catherine Putonti (Bioinformatics)
George Thiruvathukal (Computer Science)
Unearthing Genomic Fossils of Symbiotic Relationships
Emily Cybulla 2013-2015 Daniel Becker (Chemistry)
Dali Liu (Biochemistry)
Novel GabR Inhibitors as New Antibiotics for Cystic Fibrosis
Maxim Maron 2013-2015 Tham Hoang (Ecotoxicology)
Kim Williamson (Physiology/Immunology)
Domenic Castignetti (Microbial Physiology)
Screen of LOPAC using Flow Cytometric
Nicole Minalt 2013-2015 John Kelly (Microbial Ecology)
Aaron Packman (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University)
Characterizing the Ecology of Bacterial Biofilms within Municipal Drinking Water Distribution Systems
David Baltrusaitis 2012-2014 Catherine Putonti (Bioinformatics, Biology) John Kelly (Microbiology) CRISPs: A Hindrance to Viral Conquest
Mouneeb Choudry 2012-2014 Daniel Becker (Chemistry)
Richard Holz (Chemistry)
Synthesis of Potential Inhibitors of dapE Enzymes
Natasha Vyas 2012-2014 Rebecca Silton (Psychology)
Amy Heineke (School of Education)
Neural Correlates Associated with Executive Function Performance in Bilingual Individuals
Paul Wadsworth 2012-2014 Dali Liu (Biochemistry)
Ken Olsen (Chemistry)
Simulation Assisted Enzyme Engineering on N-Acyl Homoserine Lactonase, AiiA
Miguel Barajas 2011-2013 F. Bryan Pickett (Biology)
Catherine Putonti (Bioinformatics, Biology)
Understanding Embryo Patterning: Fetal Alcohol Effects and the Roles and Regulations of the Gene Raldh2
Sheena Hussain 2011-2013 Ken Olsen (Chemistry)
Karie Scrogin (Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine)
Development of Hemoglobin Nanoparticle as a Potential Blood Substitute
Krista Reiling 2011-2013 Catherine Putonti (Bioinformatics, Biology) Dali Liu (Biochemistry) Viral Evolution of Genomic Composition and Protein Structure 
Ashley Schon 2011-2013 Stefan Kanzok (Biology)
Catherine Putonti (Bioinformatics, Biology)
Stress Response as Survival Mechanism for the Human Malaria Parasite during Mosquito Transmission
Jennifer Gomez 2010-2012 Daniel Becker (Chemistry)
John Kelly (Biology)
Carbohydrate Microarray Synthesis for Pathogen Detection and Capture (Featured in the Endeavors, Loyola's research highlights distributed by Office of Research Services)
Srividya Prasad 2010-2012 Jacob Ciszek (Chemistry) 
Douglas Natelson (Physics and Astronomy, Rice University)
Functionalization of Rubrene Crystals via Vapor Phase Reaction
Bryan Quach 2010-2012 Catherine Putonti (Biology, Computer Science)
Stefan Kanzok (Biology)
Konstantin Laufer (Computer Science)
Computational and Experimental Analysis of the Malaria Parasite's Gene Expression
Brian M. Sweis 2010-2012 Louis R. Lucas (Biology)
Robert G. Morrison (Psychology)
The Behavioral and Neurochemical Analysis of the Effects of Chronic Stress on Mental Health
Krishna Bharani 2009-2011 Ken Olsen (Chemistry)
Miguel Ballicocra (Biochemistry)
Allosteric Mechanisms of Effector Binding on ADP-glucose Pyrophosphorylase
Lauren Mogil 2009-2011 Howard Laten (Biology
Catherine Putonti (Computer Science)
Experimental and Computational Analyses of Retrotransposon-associated Satellite DNAs in the Genomes of Complex Organisms
Emily Peterson 2009-2011 John Kelly (Microbiology)
Richard Holz (Chemistry)
Development of a Bacterial Community Microarray
Laurel Yohe 2009-2011 Louis Lucas (Biology)
Duke Han (Psychology)
The Behavioral and Neurochemical Analysis of the Effects of Stress on Aggressive Behavior
Donald Jonker 2008-2010 Howard Laten (Biology)
Tom Gallagher (Microbiology and Immunology)
Expression and Function of Genes from the Soybean Retroelement SIRE1
Gennadiy (Gene) Katsevman 2008-2010 M. William Rochlin (Biology)
Timothy O'Brien (Mathematics / Statistics)
Does Eph/Ephrin Signaling Contribute to the Divergence of Sensory Nerves During Embryonic Development?
Alyssa Kuschel 2008-2010 Ken Olsen (Chemistry)
John Olson (Biochemistry, Cell Biology) Rice University
The Effects of Mutations on Oxygen Binding to Myoglobin: Computational and Experimental Studies.
Michal Olszewski 2008-2010 Nancy Tuchman (Biology), Pamela Geddes (Biology), Shane Lishawa (Biology), Alanah Fitch (Chemistry), and Daniel Larkin (Chicago Botanic Garden) Effects of Invasive Plant Species on Wetland Denitrification and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
April Williams 2008-2010 Catherine Putonti
(Computer Science, Biology)
Kimberly Williamson (Biology)
Methods for Recognizing the Adaptation of Pathogens to Host.
Martin Bezener 2007-2009 Martina Schmeling (Chemistry)
Martin Buntinas (Mathematics)
David Treering (Geographic Information Systems)
Air Quality studies in Chicago
Christine Falaschetti 2007-2009 Ken Olsen (Chemistry, computational modeling)
Miguel Ballicora (Biochemistry)
Molecular Mechanisms for the Control of Starch Production in Plants
Frank Garcia 2007-2009 Ken Olsen (Chemistry)
Michael Mardent (Biology, INSERM, Paris, France)
Computational and Experimental Studies of Oxygen Binding to Neuroglobin
Tanya Grancharova 2007-2009 John Kelly (Microbiology), Pamela Geddes (Wetland Ecology), and Timothy O'Brien (Mathematics and Statistics) Impacts of an Invasive Plant Species on Nitrogen Cycling Bacterial Communities in Freshwater Wetland Sediments

 

Undergraduate Research Fellows

Congratulations to the following students awarded the Undergraduate Research Fellowship!

Undergraduate Research Fellow Recipients

FellowTermMentorProject
Melissa Achettu 2017-2018 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Quantification of microplastic ingestion by fish and its relationship to watershed land use
Paul Campion 2017-2018 Dr. Ping Jing
(Inst. of Environmental Sustainability)
Determining the relationship between air stagnation and precipitation in the Midwest amidst global climate change
Madison McMahon-Ward Summer 2017 Dr. Tania Schusler
(Inst. of Environmental Sustainability)
Documenting Participatory Planning in the Creation of La Villita Park in the Chicago Neighborhood of Little Village
Previous FellowsTermMentorProject
Victoria Calteaux Summer 2015 Dr. Chad Eichman (Chemistry and Biochemistry) Selective Transformation of Glycerol Waste into High Value Chemicals
Samantha Keyport Summer 2015 Brendan Carson (Institute of Environmental Sustainability) Impacts of Hybrid Cattail Invasion and Management on Methanogenic Microbial Communities in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands‌
Amber White 2014- 2015 Zach Waickman (IES Clean Energy Lab) Achieving Net Zero: Making Biodiesel Wash Water Environmentally Sustainable
Joshua Hittie Summer 2014 Dr. Timothy Hoellin (Biology) Anthropogenic litter and microplastic in urban streams: abundance, source, and microbial interactions
Nowruss Mohammed Summer 2014 Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) Air Pollution Studies in Chicago: Multivariate Statistical Analysis & Use of a Pollution Transport Model
Sarah Naiman Summer 2014 Dr. Tania Schusler (Institute of Environmental Sustainability) ¡Nos preocupamos por el medio ambiente también! (We care about the environment too!): an investigation of the environmental participation of Latinos in Chicago.
Michael Floyd 2013-2014 Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) Simulation Modeling of the Development of Pollutants in Chicago
Sean Kelly Summer 2013 Dr. V. Bala Chaudhary (Institute of Environmental Sustainability) Mycorrhizal Fungi in Green Roof Soils
Jennifer Kelso 2013-2014 Lain Vail (Institute of Environmental Sustainability) Using Halophyte Salicornia bigelovii to Purify Biodiesel Washwater
Tapas Patel 2013-2014 Shane Lishawa (Institute of Environmental Sustainability)
Dr. Nancy Tuchman (Institute of Environmental Sustainability)
Determining the sustainability of harvested invasive plant biomass for renewable energy production
Ricardo Magallon 2012-13 Dr. Timothy Hoellin (Biology) Abundance and Condition of Invasive Asian Clams (Corbicula Fluminae) in an Urban Watershed
Timothy Nickels 2012-13 Bree Sines (Biology) A Study of the Effectiveness of Container Gardening
Reena Shah 2012-13 Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) Analysis of Hexavalent Chromium in Serum and Lacrimal Fluid by Anion Chromatography
Ali Siddiqui 2012-13 Dr. Tham Hoang (Center for Urban Environmental Research & Policy) Selenium Uptake in Juvenile and Adult Florida Apple Snails (Pomacea Plaudosa): A Study of Contamination in the Everglades
Kesha Baxi 2011-12 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Impact of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Soil Nitrogen Cycling Microorganisms
Diana Deavila 2011-12 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Has Triclosan Pollution in Rivers in the Chicago Region Led to the Proliferation of Highly Resistant Bacteria?
Samantha Hertel 2011-12 Dr. Nancy Tuchman (Biology) Investigating the effects of the antibiotic azithromycin on stream bacteria and algae community composition
Adam Pink 2011-12 Dr. Timothy Hoellein (Biology) Freshwater Debris and Biofilms in Chicago-area streams
Erin Throop 2011-12 Dr. Nancy Tuchman (Biology) & Dr. Beth Lawrence (Biology) Characterizing the potential of Great Lakes wetland invaders to produce biogas
Anna Sjodin 2010-11 Dr. Nancy Tuchman (Biology) The Effects of Azithromycin on Stream Ecosystems
Ramunas Stanciauskas 2010-11 Dr. Catherine Putonti (Biology) Exploring the Influence of Viruses on Lake Michigan Bacterial Diversity
Tyler J. White 2010-11 Dr. Chris Peterson (Biology) and Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Effects of Microalgal Species Identity on the Taxonomic Structure of Denitrifying Bacteria
Emily Brand 2009-10 George Thiruvathukal (Computer Science) The Ecological Footprint Diary
Bradley Drury 2009-10 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) and Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall (Biology) Effects of Triclosan on Microbial Communities in Illinois Rivers and Streams
Vinicio Reynoso 2009-10 Dr. Catherine Putonti (Bioinformatics, Biology) Profiling Members of Microbial Communities Using New Computational Methods:  An Examination of Diversity Between Lake Michigan Beaches
Manpreet (Sonia) Singh 2009-10 Dr. Paul Chiarelli (Chemistry) Waste Water Analysis
Malachy Sullivan 2009-10 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Effects of Physical and Chemical Stream Characteristics on Periphytic Biofilm Composition and Function
David Miceli 2008-09 Dr. Nancy Tuchman (Biology) and David Treering (CUERP GIS Specialist) Mapping of Invasive Wetland Plants at Spring Bluff Nature Preserve
Julia Peters 2008-09 Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) and George Thiruvathukal (Computer Science) and Holly Kramer (Preventative Medicine) and Davide Shoham (Preventative Medicine) and David Treering (GIS Specialist) The Association between Pre-term Delivery and Air Pollution:  A Novel Approach
Katherine Policht 2008-09 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Impacts of Biosolids Additions on Nitrifying Bacteria in Agricultural Soils
John Samuel Saliba 2008-09 Dr. Christopher Peterson (Natural Science) Variation in Biomass Accrual and Establishment of Dentrification Activity in Stream Biofilms
Yousuf Sayeed 2008-09 Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall (Biology) The Effects of Antihistamine on Aquatic Gastropol Livelihood
Dovile Baniulyte 2007-08 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Assessment of Soil Microbial Communities in Surface Applied Illinois River Sediments
Martin Bezener 2007-08 Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) Air Quality Studies Using the Loyola University Chicago Air Station
Mariya Demidovich 2007-08 Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) Chemical Reactions Pathways of Air Pollutants in Chicago
Sikandar H. Khan 2007-08 Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall (Biology) Measuring the Ecological Effects of Triclosan on Microbial Communities in Aquatic Systems
Drew Lee 2007-08 Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall (Biology) The Effects of Antihistamine on Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Growth Rates
Denis Agniel 2006-07 Dr. Timothy O'Brien (Mathematics and Statistics) and Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) The Relationship Between Local Meteorology and Atmospheric Constituents
Amit Bansal 2006-07 Dr. John Kelly (Biology) Impacts of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Fungi Colonizing Leaf Detritus in a Temperate Woodland Stream
Lane Barham 2006-07 Dr. Nancy Tuchman (Biology) Does Invasive Typha x glauca Enhance Nitrogen Fixation Relative to Native Plant Communities?
Drew Lee 2006-07 Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall (Biology) The Ecological Impact of Urbanization on the Metropolitan Rivers of Chicago: The Proximal Effects of Wastewater Effluent on the Growth Rates of Gammarus fasciatus and Microbial Community Respiration
Kyle Scott 2006-07 Dr. Martina Schmeling (Chemistry) The Collection and Organization of Data Concerning the Loyola University Chicago Air Station

 

Alvin H. Baum Family Graduate Research Scholars

Congratulations to the 2021 Fellowship recipients!

Natalia Szklaruk - Thesis Advisor Reuben Keller

A few of my research interests include aquatic ecology, invasion ecology, and public health. I have a passion for understanding the relationship between human activities and biodiversity changes and hope to support ongoing discussions about this relationship. My thesis advisor, Dr. Reuben Keller, has contributed enormously to these discussions, specifically within invasion ecology. His research has produced important work, and I am honored to have him working with me as my mentor. Along with my advisor, SES has supported me throughout my undergraduate years with excellent courses, intriguing discussions with peers, and opportunities to challenge my thinking. The constant stream of support from SES attracted me to continue my education here at Loyola.

Dikshya Dahal - Thesis Advisor Tania Schusler

At SES, I am interested in understanding the role of marginalized communities in environmental management, and the impact of environmental degradation on women and children in both developing and developed countries.

Prior to joining SES, I worked in several community-based projects. I collaborated with childrens clubs, womens' groups, and stakeholders ranging from local representatives to higher-level governmental officials. This experience helped me understand the importance of the local community in solving environmental and social issues, which made me passionate to learn more about environmental management at the grassroot level. At SES, the research work of Professor Tania Schusler matches my interests and past experiences. Professor Schusler focuses on community education, participation, and stakeholder engagement in environmental management which helped me pair with her as my advisor.

A wide array of elective and core courses and generous financial aid attracted me to join SES. Additionally, the research conducted at SES will help me understand the scientific, social, political, and economic perspectives of the environment enabling me to meet my career goal of designing solutions to environmental problems through research and interventions at the grassroot level.

Sampson Hao - Thesis Advisor Gilbert Michaud

Thesis Advisor Gilbert Michaud

My research interest is the sustainable development of renewable energy in this country with a specialty in Utility-Scale Solar Energy. Currently, I am working on grant research from the US Department of Energy called “Mapping and Bridging Barriers in Knowledge Flows of How Solar Photovoltaics Affect Rural Community Economies.” I will be working on this research for the next two years and, right now, the first step is gathering the contact information of local officials, landowners, local media and interviewing them about their thoughts on solar farms in rural areas. Although I have not had a thesis topic yet, I do firmly believe that it will be in the field of sustainable development of solar farms in the Midwest.

My research advisor and I paired well because we have known each other for a long time. I met Dr. Michaud when I was still a senior in undergraduate school, and back then I have already had a strong interest in renewable energy development. In the past summer, I interned at Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council(SOPEC), which Dr. Michaud had worked with in the past. During my time with SOPEC, I gained knowledge about the energy aggregation program and community solar, and these are the necessary qualitative skills I will need for the grant research project.

What attracted me to the SES program is the utility-scale solar project, but I also hope to learn other skills during my two-year master's program. With a career goal of environmental consulting, I am currently taking courses to build my skills in sustainability assessment, GIS, and stakeholder mapping. SES program here not only allow me to do research on specific topics but also helped me become a well-rounded sustainability professional.

Carbon Fellows

Congratulations to the following students awarded the prestigious Michael and Dorothy Carbon Fellowship Program!

Undergraduate Research Fellows

Congratulations to the following students awarded the Undergraduate Research Fellowship!

Alvin H. Baum Family Graduate Research Scholars

Congratulations to the 2021 Fellowship recipients!