Andrew Lynch: 2007-2008

Mentors: Drs. Dibakar Bhattacharyya and D. Allan Butterfield

	Scholars
	Mentors

Andrew's Beckman research proposal

During his senior year, Andrew became the first ever University of Kentucky student to receive a prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship. According to the Gates Foundation, 40 U.S. scholars were chosen from 600 applicants. Upon graduation in 2008 with a 4.0 grade point average and dual degrees in Chemical Engineering and Geology, Andrew received his PhD from Cambridge University in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. He currently works as an associate with McKinsey and Company in Dallas, Texas.

Publications:

	Cryobiology Influence of intracellular trehalose concentration and pre-freeze cell volume on the cryosurvival of rapidly frozen human erythrocytes
	Biomaterials pH-responsive polymers for trehalose loading and desiccation protection of human red blood cells Biopolymer mediated trehalose uptake for enhanced erythrocyte cryosurvival

Professional Conference Presentations:

2008 - American Chemical Society Conference, New Orleans, LA
2007 - 11th Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, Washington, D.C.
2007 - 200th Geological Society of London Meeting, London, England

From Andrew (Spring 2008):

As a Biochemical Engineer, I want to be part of the generation of scientists who will solve complex environmental problems through the integration of previously isolated scientific fields. I am particularly interested in the interface between chemistry, biology, and geology and its role in governing environmental processes. Biogeochemistry, as it is often referred to, is extremely important to the study of groundwater remediation and figures prominently in my current independent project here at the University of Kentucky and my former work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. One day I plan to head my own biogeochemistry research cluster at a major university or national laboratory and in this capacity make significant contributions to the study of groundwater quality as both a scientist and a research leader.

The interdisciplinary nature of biogeochemistry demands a broad scientific background. To this end, I am double-majoring in chemical engineering and geology and supplementing this broad and highly quantitative scientific curriculum with additional life science classes, placing particular emphasis on biochemistry. I am also developing the oral and written communication skills crucial to success as a scientist through the University of Kentucky Honors Program and the highly competitive Gaines Fellowship for the Humanities. After graduation I plan to obtain a doctoral degree in biochemical engineering from a university that has strong graduate programs in engineering, chemistry, and the earth sciences and encourages multidisciplinary thesis work. Graduate study in this setting will provide me with the academic training and research expertise I need to become a world-class Biogeochemist.