We are an undergraduate research lab. 

Focused on developing scientists and solving environmental problems by applying knowledge of organic chemistry and microbial metabolism.

Erica Schultz, PhD

Dr. Schultz is an associate professor of chemistry at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL. Before joining the faculty at Lake Forest, she was a post-doctoral researcher at Harvard University studying enzymatic mechanisms, biosynthesis, biocatalysis and biocompatible chemistry. Dr. Schultz received her doctorate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied total synthesis and method devolopment, focusing on nitrogen containing heterocyclic. She started her chemistry career at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN working on total synthesis and method development.

Gwendolyn Jones, Class of 2026

Gwendolyn is a Chemistry Major from Illinois. She is a part of Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society and a private tutor for Chemistry. While at LFC she has been a TA for Chemistry and has been on the dean’s list since freshman year. In the future, she hopes to be a forensic chemist. Her favorite thing about Chemistry is when it feels like solving puzzles: labeling unknowns, preforming syntheses to achieve desired products, troubleshooting experiments, etc. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her cats and dogs. 

Jayla Freeman, Class of 2028

Jayla is a chemistry major and environmental studies minor from St. Louis, Missouri. On campus, she is a tutor for chemistry and biology, lab TA, member of SAACS, and DJ for the college radio station. In her free time, Jayla enjoys hiking and watching movies.  In the future, she hopes to go to graduate school and pursue a career in chemistry.

Unicorn, Lab Manager

Serious scientist.

Mariam Beshara, Class of 2026

Mariam is originally from Cairo, Egypt and is majoring in BMB and Economics at Lake Forest College. She developed a great interest in organic chemistry throughout this academic year, and excited to be doing research and learning more about how organic chemistry is used in the real world and more about the numerous techniques used in lab for analyzing products. She grateful to be a part of a research dedicated to saving our planet.

Haylee Christopher, Class of 2027

Haylee is chemistry major from oklahoma. She plans to attend WashU in pursuit of a masters in chemical engineering. She has worked as a lab TA for general chemistry and is excited to grow her knowledge in organic chemistry and the various laboratory techniques necessary to be a successful chemist.

Rachel Weiser, Class of 2028

Rachel is a chemistry major from the Chicago suburbs. She is a member of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society as well as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. At Lake Forest college she works as a chemistry lab assistant for general chemistry. After her undergrad she plans to attend graduate school and ultimately become a chemistry professor.