hUMNs of Chemistry #12

Andrea Ligocki

She/her
Undergraduate Student (Junior)

Tell us about your journey to the University of Minnesota.

In high school, I always knew I wanted to go into science, but after taking AP Chemistry I knew that was what I really wanted to study. I applied to UMN because of the incredible research that is done in the chemistry department here, the academic rigor, and the opportunity to expand my horizons by studying in a different state than where I grew up (and of course, the fact that Wisconsin residents get reciprocity for tuition, haha!).

Have you had the opportunity to do research during your undergraduate years? If yes, tell us a bit about it.

I have had the honor to work in the Haynes Lab for the past two and a half years! The project that I have been working on involves developing sustainable nanoparticles for cargo delivery in plants for agricultural applications. Participating in undergraduate research has really solidified my passion for discovery and the scientific process.

Tell us about an important mentor in your academic life?

My graduate student mentor, Beza Tuga, is the best mentor I could ever ask for. I've been working with her since I joined the Haynes Group in 2021 and ever since she has been vital to my growth as a researcher. Not only is Beza an excellent chemist, but she is an incredible teacher and someone who I aspire to be like when I am a graduate student myself.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on pursuing a Ph. D in chemistry after I graduate! 

What’s your favorite piece of chemistry/science pop culture media? Why do you love it?

I love listening to the Ologies with Alie Ward podcast when I drive down to Milwaukee on breaks. She interviews a variety of scientific experts on the show about almost any topic you could imagine.

What do you do outside of the classroom/lab/office for fun?

I love playing my bass in the Campus Orchestra! It's a great creative outlet and I encourage anybody who plays an instrument to join an ensemble!

Where is your favorite spot in the Twin Cities?

Rice Park in downtown St. Paul!

Chuck Tomlinson 

He/him
Director of Operations

Tell us about your journey to the University of Minnesota.

I'm a UMN alumnus (CLA Speech Communication, 1997) and have been a UMN staff member since 1991 when I was still an undergrad student. I worked in a now-closed photo & graphics shop in the Shepherd Labs building. In 1994 I started in Chemistry working for Prof. Lou Pignolet and Prof. Paul Barbara. I later worked with Regents Prof. Larry Que as Editor-in-Chief of JBIC. From 2002-2009 I led the student services office in 115 Smith. Since 2009 I've been the department administrator.

What professional successes are most important to you?

Any time I'm able to offer information or clarity that helps somone succeed.

What do you hope to contribute to the chemistry community at the University?

I strive to do what I can to make Chemistry a positive and supportive place to have or start a career.

What’s your favorite piece of chemistry/science pop culture media? Why do you love it?

Still amused to this day that the research university culture in the 1985 movie "Real Genius" wasn't quite as exaggerated as I thought.

What was your very first job?

My family's tire and auto repair shop in Long Lake, MN during high school. I mounted & balanced tires, worked the check-out and cleaned restrooms.

What do you do outside of the classroom/lab/office for fun?

A fanatical passion for music and record collecting has lead to 40+ years of various side hustles in radio and DJ gigs

What non-chemistry interest or activity of yours might surprise department members?

Digging in archives all kinds, which is not surprising to those who know my fascination with department history. Also, good scotch.

Where is your favorite spot in the Twin Cities?

Powderhorn Park in south Minneapolis, where our family has lived for 27 years 

Bethany Widholm

She/her
Front Office Staff

Tell us about your journey to the University of Minnesota.

I grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and I knew I wanted to go to school in a more metropolitan area, but also not be too far away. I applied mostly to schools in Minneapolis and Chicago, and ended up here! I have a lot of family in the area, which is a plus, and I loved how the size of the U made it possible for me to combine all of my interests into my education here.

How did you decide to work in the Chemistry front office? What do you like about it?

I'm actually a chemistry major, so I've spent a lot of time in Smith Hall and interacted with the front office staff at various points over the years. When Stephanie sent out an email that they were looking for more staff, I thought it seemed like a great opportunity! In addition to my interests in chemistry, I love organizational tasks and serving people-- both of which I get to do quite a lot of here! 

Do you have a background in or like chemistry? Tell us about what you're studying!

Yes, I'm majoring in it! I actually didn't know that was uncommon until I started working here. I'm graduating this May, and throughout my undergraduate years I've found that chemical biology is one discipline in chemistry that I find really interesting-- I'm currently finishing up my honors thesis based on my research in the Bhagi-Damodaran lab here in the department working with heme proteins that are found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis!

What's something you're always down to chat about when people stop by the front office?

Many of my interests are sort of chemistry-adjacent: houseplants (I'd love to show you the ones in the office!), skincare, cooking/baking, and most recently, ~mixology~. I love talking about those, as well as good music, TV shows and movies and whether they were nominated (or snubbed) by their respective award academies.

What do you do outside of the classroom/lab/office for fun?

I am a bit of a concert junkie-- one of my favorite parts of spending my college years in this major city is that all of my favorite artists stop here on their tours! I am also a pretty big hockey fan, and I love cheering on the Gopher hockey teams when I can. 

Are there any family or cultural traditions you want to share with our community?

Not that I can think of :) The picture below [above] is of me and my niece though, if you're curious!