Meet the Team!
Principal Investigator
Nadia Léonard
CHEM 3223
Graduate Students
3rd Year Graduate Student
Chae Yeong Kim
Chae was born in Seoul, South Korea, and got her BA at Dongguk University(DGU) in 2017. She managed to get out of POSTECH and earn an MS in 2019. She now is pursuing her Ph.D. in Léonard’s group at UCSB. Outside of the lab, she likes to explore many hobbies. So far she has explored her interest in playing tennis, poker, and learning bjj, surfing and still exploring more.
Undergraduate Students
3rd Year Undergraduate Student
Aidan Kalinowski
I am a third year 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.
4th Year Undergraduate Student
Rafael Diaz
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.
3rd Year Undergraduate Student
Esther Abass
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!
4th Year Undergraduate Student
Jack Garner
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.
3rd Year Undergraduate Student
Lars Baschy
Third year 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.