Laura Kesner (nee Satterfield) j
oined the Rosenzweig lab as a Ph.D. student in the summer of 2017. Her research is on fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy of laurdan-labeled liposome (phospholipid vesicle) model cell membranes to monitor their phase change in response to nanoparticle exposure. Phase changes in cell membranes do not directly destroy them, but they can disrupt cellular functions and potentially cause adverse effects including cell death. Knowledge of which nanoparticles have the greatest and least impact on cellular membranes to inform nanoparticle designs to avoid and pursue, respectively, for more environmentally benign nanoparticles.
Laura graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Chemistry from UMBC in December 2016 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa honor society the following Spring. Prior to Laura’s time at UMBC, she earned a B.M. in Music Education magna cum laude from Shenandoah University, and taught piano for a few years.
Outside of the Rosenzweig lab, Laura cantors at Mass, sings in a quartet, draws, and plays the piano.