LSU Chemistry Graduate Student Receives NSF GRFP Honorable Mention

LSU Chemistry graduate student Natalie Stewart earned an Honorable Mention from the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), recognizing her promising work in the fight against environmental pollutants known as “forever chemicals.”

A Baton Rouge native, Stewart completed her undergraduate degree at Louisiana Tech University before returning home to pursue graduate studies at LSU. 

Now conducting research jointly in the Chambers and Elgrishi laboratories, Stewart addresses the widespread presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, a class of persistent chemicals found in packaging and household products.

“These forever chemicals resist breakdown due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds and accumulate in ecosystems and our bodies,” Stewart explained. “My research is a search-and-destroy approach. First, use a molecular sponge to grab the PFAS from water, and then try to degrade them using photochemical methods.”

Now in the midst of her graduate training, Stewart is looking to the future to combine her passion for teaching with her experience in research. “I hope to apply my work as a teaching assistant with my growing research expertise to eventually teach chemistry at a primarily undergraduate institution,” she shared.

Stewart’s work addresses a global environmental issue and showcases the forward-thinking, problem-solving research the NSF GRFP aims to support. Her Honorable Mention places her among the top applicants nationwide and affirms her commitment to research and education.

To view the full list of 2025 fellows and honorable mentions, visit the NSF GRFP website.