College of Science Media Center  

LSU graduate student Juliana Damasceno has been named a National Geographic Explorer to investigate the ecological relationship between ant-following birds and army ants in the Amazon. Her research will explore how these birds use olfactory cues to track army ant colonies for food, providing new insights into the role of scent in avian foraging behavior.

Most of Louisiana’s doctors are LSU alumni, with many starting their journeys in the LSU College of Science and its Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Christine Lattin, a 2024 LSU Rainmaker and associate professor, exemplifies the transformative impact of LSU Science faculty in creating meaningful, hands-on experiences for students. Here, meet four LSU alumni who gained their first medical and research experiences in Dr. Lattin’s lab, where her mentorship and research opportunities helped them develop critical skills that propelled their careers in medicine and health sciences. Lattin's innovative work continues to advance both human and animal health while shaping the next generation of leaders in science and medicine.

The American Chemical Society, or ACS, one of the world's largest scientific societies with over 200,000 members globally, has named Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy, Associate Dean for Academic Innovation & Engagement for the College of Science and Ron and Dr. Mary Neal Distinguished Associate Professor of Chemistry Education, a 2024 ACS Fellow. The prestigious honor recognizes Wilson-Kennedy's outstanding achievements and contributions to science, the profession, and the community.

LSU researchers have discovered a way to trap electrons in graphene by introducing subtle disruptions, enabling greater control over quantum materials. Their findings, published in Physical Review B, show that carefully placed impurities create Bound States in the Continuum (BICs), challenging traditional symmetry-based methods. This breakthrough could advance quantum computing, superconductors, and topological materials.

LSU Assistant Professor Matthew Chambers has received a prestigious $875,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop energy-efficient chemical processes aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the petrochemical industry. His research focuses on using abundant metals, like cobalt, to produce vital chemicals under milder conditions, decreasing energy consumption. Chambers’ work on improving the hydroformylation process, which is key to manufacturing various consumer goods, could significantly cut the environmental impact of this major industrial reaction. He is one of only 91 early-career scientists nationwide to receive this funding.

LSU Assistant Professor Igor Schneider has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to investigate the genetic mechanisms behind limb regeneration, a trait present in some animals but lost in humans over evolution. Supported by the NSF EDGE program, this groundbreaking research aims to uncover the genetic toolkit for limb and fin regrowth. Collaborating with Harvard and UC Irvine, the team will identify key genes and regulatory elements to understand the loss of regenerative capacity in humans and explore new avenues for regenerative medicine.

For the Ventress family, LSU is more than just a university—it’s a legacy of learning, passion, and community. Mark Ventress, DDS, an LSU alumnus, has built a thriving career in dentistry. Today, his daughter, Ava Ventress, follows in his footsteps as a junior in the College of Science, majoring in Biological Sciences with aspirations of becoming a dentist herself. Their journey reflects not only a shared career path but also a deep connection to the LSU experience. As Ava continues her academic journey, she remains eager to explore the different specialties within dentistry. Inspired by her father’s dedication to patient care and community service, she hopes to not only build a successful career but also use her skills to make a positive impact—perhaps through mission work or by pioneering new advancements in dental health. "I want to help people in a meaningful way, just like my dad has," she says.

Logan Coe is a rising star in the world of pre-dental studies. Recently named the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Michael Krochak Pre-Dental Scholarship, Logan’s passion for dentistry stems from a unique blend of science and art. Raised by artist parents, he was naturally drawn to a field that merges creativity with precision. Logan impressed the scholarship committee with his creativity in his essay, where he wrote, "By combining empathy, a passion for challenges, a commitment to the balance of art and science, and a desire to build meaningful relationships with my patients, I aim to create a practice that surpasses both my own expectations and those of my community." His award-winning essay beautifully compared the different types of teeth and their functions to the many reasons he aspires to be a dentist—recognizing not only the role of oral health in overall well-being but also the power of a confident smile. At LSU, Logan excels as a student, but his impact extends through leadership, research, and community service. The LSU College of Science PreHealth Advising, Support, and Education (PHASE) program provides students, like Logan, with a strong academic foundation and the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

Ecosystems are intricate networks of interactions, with plants, animals, and environmental factors constantly shaping one another. Understanding these relationships is crucial for preserving biodiversity and mitigating human impact on the natural world. Dr. Sydney Moyo, an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at LSU, is at the forefront of this effort. As a community ecologist, his research focuses on food web dynamics, using innovative biochemical tools to study how species respond to environmental stressors and restoration efforts. By bridging multiple fields and mentoring future ecologists, Dr. Moyo continues to push the boundaries of ecological research, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to tackle the environmental challenges of the future. In this Q&A, Dr. Moyo shares his inspirations, research journey, and aspirations for the future.