Sydney Shavalier is a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. She did her undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University where she majored in Chemistry. Her undergraduate research projects included using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations to develop a novel Lennard-Jones model for a system of molten alkali carbonates, as well as synthesizing biphenol and anthraquinone derivatives for use as electrolytes in an organic redox flow cell battery system. She was also an adjunct faculty member for the chemistry department at GVSU before coming to Notre Dame.
Sydney's research involves studying phonon transport in solvated gold nanoparticle systems, which hold possible applications in targeted oncological therapies.