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Principal Investigator: Professor André K Isaacs

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​A native of Jamaica, André moved to the US to attend the College of the Holy Cross where he received his B.A. in Chemistry in 2005. As an undergraduate, he conducted research in the labs of Kevin J. Quinn focusing on the total synthesis of annonaceous acetogenins Muricatacin and Rollicosin. He received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011 (under the guidance of Professor Jeffery D. Winkler), where he focused on the design and synthesis of novel steroid-derived inhibitors of Hedgehog-signaling, based on the alkaloid cyclopamine. He worked as a post-doctoral researcher with Professor Richmond Sarpong at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on the synthesis of diterpenoids and the radiolabeled insecticide chlorantraniliprole. In 2012, Andre accepted a tenure-track position at the College of the Holy Cross. In 2018, Andre was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. In addition to teaching courses in Organic Chemistry, Andre conducts research utilizing copper-mediated organic transformations. He is one of the co-founding members of Outfront - the college's LGBTQ faculty and staff alliance and serves as faculty advisor to a number of student groups including the Caribbean African Students' Assemblage, acapella group Fools on the Hill and Club Tennis.  Andre is keen on broadening participation in STEM. He uses his social media platform to challenge and dismantle the normative culture in STEM and to increase visibility of queer and BIPOC folks.

Current Group Members

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   Claire Thibodeau '26
    Junior Chemistry Major
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  •     Claire enjoys hiking in the White Mountains, reading, listening to 80s music, and cheering on the Kansas City         
  •     Chiefs. ​She is the junior co-chair of X-Chrom, our women in stem group on campus, and is an active member of     
  •     the outdoors club. She has a passion for organic chemistry and loves being a TA in the chemistry department.
  •     After ​graduation she hopes to pursue a PhD in organic chemistry.
    

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    Kevin Guden '26
     Junior Chemistry Major
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     Junior Chemistry major, I enjoy listening to music, watching a variety of movies, and spending time with friends
     and family. I am a huge supporter of New England Sports teams including the Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox and
​     Celtics. After graduating I aspire to pursue a PhD in organic chemistry. 
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  Ella Fletcher'27
  Junior Chemistry major and Digital Media Studies minor

  Ella enjoys dance, arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family. She also works for the Office of                Academic Services and Learning Resources as well as the college’s social media team. After graduation, Ella hopes
  to pursue a PhD in organic chemistry. 




 

   
  

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Emily Hortillo '27
Junior Chemistry major
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​Emily loves going to concerts, trying new restaurants, shopping with her friends, and traveling with her family. On campus, she serves as the Co-Chair of Pinoys of Worcester (POW), the Filipino student organization, Secretary of Advocating Student Interest in Asia (ASIA), and a leader for the Spring Break Immersion Program. She has enjoyed her time as a Passport mentor and an Orgo I PAL. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school.

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Samuel Fortier '27
Junior Chemistry major
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Sam enjoys reading, working out, and doing chemistry. He is part of the BJF society, the premed club, and is planning on going to medical school after graduation.


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Lucas Celentano '27
Junior Chemistry major
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Lucas enjoys playing basketball, listening to music, watching movies, and getting involved with his hometown community. Lucas is an EMT for the Holy Cross sports teams and plans to attend medical school after he graduates.

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   Elle Spear '27
    Junior Chemistry and Classics majors
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    Elle Sofia is a double-major in Chemistry and Classics and an Orgo 1 TA. Elle loves dancing, cooking, and                   spending time with her friends and family. A former competitive and pre-professional dancer, Elle is
    a member of the Dance Team and choreographs Ballet for the HC Dance Ensemble. She leads the Hellenic                Society, has served as Director of Arts and Culture for the Student Government Association, and
    participates on the Dance Marathon Executive Board. Following graduation, she plans to attend medical                      school.





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Kade Dennis '28
Sophomore Chemistry major

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Anastasia Manning '28
Junior Chemistry major

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Ania enjoys reading, traveling, and taking long walks with a good playlist. On campus, she is involved in the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), XCHROM, and the Hellenic Society, and volunteers in Worcester through the Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD). Outside of Holy Cross, she dances with the Metropolis of Boston Dance Group. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school.

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Hugo Sotelo '28
Junior Chemistry major

Seelos STEM Scholars

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Delilah Leykam '29
Freshman Chemistry major

Delilah enjoys reading, doing puzzles, spending time with friends and family, and exploring National Parks. She is apart of X-Chrom and AMSA, and is training to be an EMT. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school.

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Jonathan Hammond '29
Freshman Chemistry major

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Jon enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the beach, and cheering for Boston sports. At Holy Cross, he is involved in intramural volleyball and pickleball, and volunteers for the Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen through the club Student Programs for Urban Development. He hopes to attend medical school or pursue graduate studies in chemistry after graduation.

FORMER GROUP MEMBERS
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