As a 2025 Schmidt Science Fellow, Connor hopes to mitigate climate change and pollution by sustainably converting plastic waste into important industrial chemicals. Although plastic is considered non-biodegradable, a few examples of microbes that contain plastic-metabolizing enzymes have been found in nature. However, these enzymes have limitations that prevent their widespread industrial use. Connor’s research … Continued
During his PhD, Yanbo developed a novel method of DNA labeling, allowing for broader applicability of genome imaging and mutation detection. As a Schmidt Science Fellow, Yanbo has pivoted from Biophysics to Cancer Biology, aiming to understand the mechanism that extrachromosomal DNA helps cancer cells to develop chemotherapy resistance. Working with Dr. Mischel and Dr. … Continued
Kirsten is an astrophysicist interested in harnessing the power of earth observation satellites and data science to tackle climate change. Kirsten’s science originally focused on the evolution of galaxies over all of cosmic time. During her PhD, she combined state-of-the-art datasets with advanced theoretical modeling to uncover the relationship between star-forming galaxies and dark matter … Continued
Wes pursued both experimental and theoretical physics during his PhD at Johns Hopkins University, including investigating novel materials that demonstrate the ability to be both a conductor and an insulator. As a Schmidt Science Fellow, he expanded his work in quantum materials, moving to the lab of Johnpierre Paglione at UMD College Park. His PhD … Continued