Breanna Christensen
Breanna Christensen recently began pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Chemistry at William & Mary in the summer of 2025. She graduated with honors from Western Illinois University, earning a Bachelor of Science in forensic chemistry with minors in applied mathematics and environmental studies. To continue her research in environmental chemistry, she will use two-dimensional gas chromatography for volatile organic compound profiling of macroalgae co-cultured with clams and for studying canine scent detection of American foulbrood disease in honey bee larvae. Outside of the lab, Breanna enjoys exploring the outdoors with friends, dancing, watching movies, and spending time with family.
Abby Jones
Abby Jones is a member of the class of ‘27 and intends to major in both chemistry and biology. She has always wanted a career in forensic science and hopes to apply both her degrees and her work in this lab to future forensic jobs. Abby will be working on research involving GC×GC-TOFMS in forensic science fields. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and aspires to visit all 63 national parks as well as hike the whole Appalachian trail.
Sarah Foster
Sarah Foster began studying at William and Mary in the Fall of 2023 and is a Chemistry major. In this research laboratory, Sarah assists in running experiments related to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography for nontargeted applications of fermented beverages such as kombucha. In her free time, Sarah enjoys listening to music, volunteering with various on-campus organizations, and watching movies and TV with her friends.
Kira Fisher
Kira started studying at William & Mary in the Fall of 2022 and will be graduating in 2026. She is a Chemistry major planning to work in research. Her project will focus on finding a more sustainable and efficient carrier gas in two-dimensional gas chromatography, hoping to further the use of two-dimensional gas chromatography in forensics and other laboratories. When she is not researching and studying, Kira enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Grace Saunders
Grace Saunders is a student in the class of 2026 and is majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Mathematics. She is working on the development of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) for use in the chemical analysis of gunshot residues. Her research goal is to devise a methodology so that GC×GC may be used to strengthen the credibility of gunshot residue as evidence in a forensic investigation. In her free time, she enjoys getting outdoors (especially going hiking!), baking, spending time with her friends and going to events with her social sorority, Tri Delta, and reading whatever she can get her hands on.
Virginia Weina
Virginia Weina is currently a first-year William and Mary student en route to graduate in 2027. She is currently planning to earn a degree in chemistry. Her work will focus on analyzing decomposition odors in submerged environments using GC×GC-TOFMS. While outside the lab, Virginia participates in many forms of physical activity, such as gymnastics, dance cardio, softball, and weight lifting.
Jackson Webb is a student in the class of 2028 at the College of William & Mary. He intends to major in either chemistry or biology. Jackson will take part in research that will involve comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, and hopes to use this experience to pursue a job in the forensic science field. When not in the lab, Jackson enjoys exploring the outdoors with his friends and reading books by Brandon Sanderson.
Madi O’Brien is a student in the class of 2027 and is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Kinesiology. Her research is focused on using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) to understand the presence of ignitable liquid residue in fire debris; as well as using software for data analysis and problem solving. In her free time, she likes to run half marathons, play field hockey, volunteer at the local shelter, and spend time with friends and her sorority, Chi Omega.