Fischell Institute Intern Spotlight: Andrew Loveland

Andrew Loveland is a rising senior majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering. This summer, he is a Fischell Institute intern in Director Bill Bentley's Biomolecular and Metabolic Engineering Laboratory.

Loveland has always been curious about STEM and often asked philosophical questions about how the universe works, why certain things exist the way they do, and how he can use this knowledge to solve problems that people face in the world today.

Inspired by this, he decided to study at the University of Maryland and felt that engineering would be the best fit, since it draws from both math and science classes with a practical approach to the world. After taking the course "Exploring Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering" (ChBE 100), Loveland decided to declare chemical and biomolecular engineering as his major since the courses combined multiple interests.

Thus far, Loveland has had an incredible experience working in Dr. Bentley's laboratory.

"It is such an inclusive and welcoming environment to work in, and everyone I have had the opportunity to work with has been so helpful," Loveland said. "All the lab members have helped guide and teach the interns about various aspects of the projects in the lab, and I feel that I have learned so much, both expanding on previous knowledge and experiences and learning about completely new topics."

Loveland applied to this internship to gain experience and learn more about academic research.

"After I found out that I had been selected, I was so excited to begin working here so that I could learn more about the Fischell Institute and contribute to its work," he said. "This is what I hope to continue to do throughout this internship, and I hope that this experience will help me learn more about different research areas."

Loveland is currently working on connecting biological and electronic systems through oxidative and reductive processes. He has been working most closely with chemical and biomolecular engineering Ph.D. student Futoon Aljirafi on this research.

One project he’s working on is developing a "smart nose" that uses the connection of biology and electronics to detect different chemicals.

"I'm most excited about how this research can eventually lead to the creation of devices that can help people in so many different ways, such as improving diagnostics and treatment of diseases or detecting toxins in the environment," Loveland said.

After graduation, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering or bioengineering. Eventually, Loveland would like to continue chemical and biological engineering research or work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.

"I've enjoyed my research experiences as an undergraduate and want to continue on that path," he said.

Outside of the lab, Loveland is involved in the athletic band program. He has played the alto saxophone in both the Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band and UMD pep band since his first semester at the university.

"It's an incredible experience to practice and perform at football games and basketball games while making great friendships along the way," he said.

In addition to his involvement in musical activities, Loveland is a member of the UMD chapters of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the OXE Chemical Engineering Honor Society.

Published July 27, 2023