Meet the Officers
Executive Board
President Leah Kessler
Leah is a fourth year chemistry major minoring in physics from Davie, Florida. She currently does spectroscopy research and enjoys computational and physical chemistry. In her free time, Leah paints her nails, plays soccer, and plays piano. She joined Chem Club in her freshman year because of the outreach program and to meet other people who love chemistry!
Vice President Abraham Daoud
Abe is a fourth-year Chemistry major from Sarasota, Florida. He loves organic chemistry and does research in the field. He joined the Chemistry Club to meet others who have a similar passion for the subject. In his free time, he produces music on his computer, listens to music, and plays video games.
Treasurer Matthew Tibi
Matthew is a biochemistry major and pathogenesis minor from Miami, Florida. He enjoys neuroscience research and is particularly interested in the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying brain function. On his free time, he often plays club tennis, piano, and watches movies. Matthew appreciates Chem Club as a space to connect with others who share a love for science and to engage with chemistry beyond the classroom in a fun and supportive community.
Secretary Harry Bishop
Harry is a third-year biochemistry major minoring in physics from Gainesville, Florida. Harry plans to work in the medical device industry after graduation. Some of Harry’s favorite things include running, spreadsheets, volunteering, and Instagram. He joined Chemistry Club because of his TAs from CHM2047 recommended it and he stayed due to the social element and volunteering opportunities.
Outreach Director Kate Parr
Kate is a third-year microbiology and cell science & business administration | pre-health specialization double major, minoring in Chemistry. In the future, she hopes to become a physician and eventually open her own practice; she is particularly interested in dermatology and oncology. Kate joined Chemistry Club because she really enjoyed AP Chemistry and the sciences more generally. An avid volunteer in high school, she was also excited to participate in the club’s outreach program. Volunteering with outreach made her aware of a fervent desire to cultivate children’s curiosity and creativity in STEM—an interest she hopes to further explore and nurture in others during her time on the board.
Community Outreach Coordinator Lily Carlson
Lily is a third-year chemistry major from Gainesville, Florida. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in the chemistry field. She loves reading, sewing, crocheting, matcha, and tending to her plants. Lily is passionate about her local community in Gainesville and working to educate children about science. Lily joined Chem Club in her freshman year after hearing about it in chemistry class and has become a dedicated member because of the wonderful people she met in the club.”
Classroom Outreach Coordinator Caroline Casper
Caroline is a fourth year biochemistry and behavioral & cognitive neuroscience double major from Boca Raton, FL. She loves reading, running, baking, going to theme parks, learning new skills, getting to know people deeply, and hanging out with her kitten. Caroline is active in the mental health space, volunteering with the Alachua County Crisis Center and mentoring, and involved in research on pain and aging. Caroline plans to pursue medical school and work somewhere in the intersection between mental illness and physical health concerns, focusing on the impact of nutrition. She joined Chemistry Club to learn more about science and volunteering opportunities, and got more involved because of the tight-knit community and love of outreach.
Classroom Outreach Coordinator Morgan Clemens
Morgan is a fourth-year chemistry major and anthropology minor from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She hopes to pursue a career in forensic science. Morgan loves Disney, sitcoms, reading, collecting mugs, and painting her roommates nails for free. She became involved in Chem Club through the outreach program in Fall of 2023 and she is excited to continue being a part of this community!
Historian Chloe Martin
Erica is a third year biochemistry major and plant molecular and cellular biology minor from Miami, FL. Following her graduation, she plans to pursue research in grad school combining her interests in biophysics, chemistry, and plants. Outside of school, Erica enjoys painting, hiking, and reading! She has been involved in Chem Club since the Fall of 2023 and loves it for its great sense of community and dedication to science education!
Technology Director Gabriella Sprague
Gabi is a fourth year chemistry and computer science double major from Tampa, Florida. In her free time she loves to play tennis, read, and play video games. Gabi joined Chem Club as a freshman because of her friends and stayed for its fun atmosphere and amazing members.
Senior Advisor Cole Travers
Cole is a fourth year mathematics and finance double major from Davie, Florida. He loves following baseball and reading. Cole is planning on pursuing research in Finance. He joined Chemistry Club to meet like-minded people and learn more about chemistry from others and has stayed for his love of the club and the great people.
Advisors
Faculty Advisor Dr. Stefanie Habenicht
Dr. Stefanie Habenicht is an assistant instructional professor in the Chemistry Department at the University of Florida in the Organic Division. Dr. Habenicht received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jenna, and was a Research Associate there before coming to UF. The courses she teaches include Organic Chemistry 1 and 2.
Faculty Outreach Advisor Dr. Ashlyn Hale
Ashlyn Hale is an assistant instructional professor in the Chemistry Department at the University of Florida in the Inorganic Division. She received her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Florida in 2021, then was a postdoctoral research scientist in the Molecular Magnetic Quantum Materials Center. Dr. Hale’s research has focused on synthesizing metal-oxide-based molecules as solutions to challenges in the fields of ultra-small nanoscience relevant to catalysis and various magnetic applications, such as quantum computing. She is passionate about teaching students both in the classroom and through other opportunities, such as STEM outreach and undergraduate research. Dr. Hale’s main goal is to impart a love of learning by encouraging students to ask the “why” questions, demystify science, and dissolve the scientist stereotypes.