Graduate Student
Defended August 2026
 

Chae was born in Seoul, South Korea. She received her B.A. from Dongguk University in 2017 and her M.S. from POSTECH in Korea in 2019, where she studied stereoselective hydroalkoxylation and organic methodology development. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Léonard group at UC Santa Barbara, where her research uses electrochemical and spectroscopic methods to investigate the redox behavior and reactivity of transition-metal complexes, with an emphasis on metal–ligand effects and CO₂ activation. Outside the lab, Chae enjoys trying new hobbies, including tennis, poker, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and surfing.
 

c_kim@ucsb.edu

Undergraduate Student
Class of 2026
 

I'm a chemistry major and art minor from the Bay Area. I enjoy learning about the world through the lens of chemistry and getting the chance to make things in the lab. The summer after my 1st year, I conducted undergraduate research in the Fortier Lab at the University of Texas at El Paso which affirmed my interest in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Material science and chemistry with energy-related applications are also interesting to me. My hobbies include drawing, painting, photography, dance, cinematography, and video editing. Quite a few of my hobbies I pursue as a member of my dance team here at UCSB called SS805. I also enjoy listening to music, mostly K-pop, and watching anime.
 

yutaoalee@ucsb.edu

Postdoctoral Scholar
 

Sarah Costa grew up in Newark, NJ. She attended Drew University and completed her BA, where she began research in an inorganic lab. She then furthered her studies completing a doctorate in chemistry at the University of California Davis. Currently, Sarah is employed at the Léonard group as a postdoctoral scholar. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her dog and traveling.
 

scosta@ucsb.edu

Undergraduate Student

Class of 2025
 

Esther was born in Berkeley, California and now lives in Sacramento with her family. Growing up she always found all of her science classes interesting but was always fascinated and curious when it came to chemistry experiments. This fascination along with having a lot of freetime during the pandemic helped her with making the decision to major in chemistry. Out of the lab she enjoys beach walks, going to concerts, finding new music, trying new dishes, and judging ice cream spots with her friends!
 

estherabass@ucsb.edu

Undergraduate Student

Class of 2025
 

Biochemistry and molecular biology student at UCSB. Making the most of my time here in Isla Vista. I enjoy challenges and am always working to better myself to the best of my abilities. I enjoy working in teams and contributing to scientific discovery.
 

larsbaschy@ucsb.edu

Undergraduate Student

Class of 2025
 

I took my first chemistry class during my sophomore year of high school. I didn’t touch chemistry again until my freshman year of college during COVID-19. I decided to switch my major to chemistry after taking the first general chemistry course at UCSB, and realized it was the only course that made me happy while reading the textbook. I want to thank every chemistry instructor I’ve had the privilege to learn from: Mrs. Berger, Dr. Joseph, Dr. Van Koppen, Dr. Sylvester, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Anyika, Dr. Gainer, Dr. Read de Alaniz, Dr. Huber, Dr. Little, Dr. Carlini, and Dr. Léonard. There is always more to learn and appreciate.
 

jackgarner@ucsb.edu

Undergraduate Student

Class of 2025
 

I am a Biochemistry major from Newport Beach, California. I am a chemist because I am fascinated by both the mechanics and aesthetics of the natural world, and I want to know its mysteries. My free time is spent in nature, watching Scorsese movies, reading novels, or playing metal guitar.
 

Current position: Chou Lab at Stanford University
 

aidankalinowski@ucsb.edu

Undergraduate Student
Class of 2024
 

I'm a chemical engineering major graduating in June. I'm from the San Fernando Valley in LA. I got into chemistry after my teacher in middle school let me light a whoosh bottle in class. Outside of lab, I love hitting the gym and cooking up tasty dishes.
 

Current position: Cognizant Life Sciences
 

rafael_diaz@ucsb.edu

Undergraduate Student
Class of 2024
 

I’m a Biochemistry major from San Gabriel, California. Although I started out as a biology major, I was pulled deeper into the field of chemistry after taking a year of organic chemistry and somehow enjoying it, and am now doing my best to explore this new interest. Outside of the lab, I love visiting cafes with friends, climbing, and playing guitar.
 

evaughn@ucsb.edu