Student Spotlight: Evan Lach

CBC Undergraduate Senior, Evan Lach of Chardon, Ohio, was recently published in an article in the Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Journal – Evan’s humble reaction states, “It’s an honor to be published for undergraduate work, and it’s a gratifying feeling that our article was recognized specially by the journal. I have to thank Bethany Wellen (graduate advisor) and Dr. Heather Allen for their major contributions to that project and their continual advising.” Lach, a Chemistry major, has researched fundamental molecular interactions at the water surface in an atmospheric context with Dr. Allen since 2014 – but that’s not all! Evan’s hard work has paid off as he received the 2017 Junior Chemistry Achievement Award from the American Chemical Society Columbus Chapter! See more about Evan below…

Favorite college class ever:  Cannot pick a favorite – I’ve enjoyed at least a few. Everyone should take BusFin 1200 before graduation though, personal finance is very important and often overlooked.

Favorite Professor and Why: Tough question since the majority of faculty have been wonderful, but I’ll have to choose Dr. Noel Paul. Very challenging class (organic II), but he is a great instructor and person, and I learned bunches.

On-campus club involvement: I attend some Chemistry/Biochemistry club events. Their guest-speaker events are great for exploring interests within the chemical field.

Extra-curricular activities (volunteering, athletics, organization involvement. Etc.): I teach organic chemistry lab, train at the gym 3x a week, and volunteer at Cleveland Food Bank satellite locations over breaks from school.

Career goals: I’m applying to jobs currently and hoping to start as a chemist. Within a few years with a company, I want to phase out lab work and move towards lab management, compliance, or technical service.

Something unique about you: I produce a lot of music as one of my hobbies. I started in music by playing guitar, but now I mostly work on electronic music (follow me on Soundcloud “Evan Lach”)

Favorite place on/near campus:  Kingmakers in the Short North. Bring friends – for $5 you can play any board/card games from their extensive library while you’re there.

Why should an incoming graduate consider a major in the Chemistry or Biochemistry? This department provides so much in addition to strong academic training. From a robust network of professors to employment opportunities that develop marketable skills and many departmental scholarships, there’s no doubting the value of a Chemistry/Biochemistry degree.

Have you ever studied abroad or plan to? No but I went on a service trip to Ecuador my freshman winter break.

Dog or Cat person: Dogs but hypoallergenic pleas

Have any chemistry jokes or puns? I’m more of a chemistry meme connoisseur

If you could pick one superpower, what would it be and why? To see the future given a choice made today.