Student Profile: Avery Belenos
During my first year at Chatham, I (Abigail Kneuss ‘23) have noticed that so many interesting people attend Chatham, and our sense of community is strong, even during hard times. In an effort to showcase just a few of these great people, I’ll be doing a series of student interviews in the coming weeks. These highlights are for students, about students, and by students. This week I am featuring Avery Belenos ‘21.
Avery is involved with all things science at Chatham. They are a supplemental instructor for the General Chemistry I course, a tutor for Cell & Molecular Biology and Calculus, and a research assistant to senior chemist Dr. Joseph MacNeil. Additionally, they work as the chemical inventory and safety technician for Buhl Hall and help maintain safety with chemicals at Chatham. I recently spoke with them on all that their major entails, their important work in the field of Biochemistry, and their three adorable cats.
Avery Belenos ‘21
Major: Biochemistry with a minor in Applied Science Policy
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Q: Why did you choose to major in Biochemistry?
A: I’m obsessed with sunscreen and have been for a while - it’s a topic that encompasses both my Biochemistry major and my Applied Science Policy minor. Sunscreen is the most important part of skincare and we don’t currently have the best selection of UV filters (active sunscreen ingredients) in the US. I want to change that. I have been studying how the US FDA approves new sunscreen filters and what we can learn from other countries about filters that work for most people. It’s important to truly understand how topical ingredients affect our molecular biology so we can develop the most effective skincare because, next to not smoking, wearing sunscreen is the best thing we can do for our skin.
Q: Do you have a sunscreen that you recommend?
A: I cannot recommend any one sunscreen because no two people are the same. I’m eczema-prone and some organic, so-called “chemical”, sunscreens from the US irritate my skin, limiting me to mineral (inorganic) sunscreens that tend to leave white caste so I wouldn’t recommend them for people of color. I’d like to one day be able to recommend a sunscreen for dark, sensitive skin that looks great. If anyone wants to reach out I’ll be happy to suggest something that might work for them but my best advice is to use any sunscreen you’re comfortable wearing every single day because consistent sun protection is crucial for long term skin health.
Q: How would you describe your minor?
A: The word “applied” reflects how my minor allows me to put my policy studies into action. I took the Understanding Public Policy course and it guided me through the policy process that I use in my current internship with Wilkins Township, drafting policy for their separate stormwater runoff system to satisfy PA DEP requirements for ongoing public education. Science policy in practice depends on engagement with the public, not only experts.
Q: Outside of your sunscreen studies, what are you doing?
A: One ongoing hobby is training my three cats: Mercutio, Vashti, and Lavender. A lot of people don’t know cats can be trained the same as dogs, with clickers and treats. Mine all know “sit”, “come here”, “up” (jump onto this) and “down” (jump off this). Vashti knows to scratch her scratching post when I scratch it first. I’m currently working on target training where I touch a stick anywhere and they go to it.
Q: Anything you are looking forward to this fall?
A: I am looking forward to continuing research with Dr. Joseph MacNeil. We are developing a potential new lab to be used in the Chemical Analysis laboratory course. We’re writing it up and submitting it for publication, pending implementation in the course. But my energies in the fall will continue to focus on advocacy for vulnerable populations during the crisis we are in.
Q: Could you elaborate on that?
A: Protecting vulnerable populations? Yeah. In situations of widespread crisis, issues of equity and inclusion might fall to the side while we try to react. We don’t always remember that the people most harmed by the crisis already face prejudice and inequalities; those people won’t be helped by crisis planning if those systemic problems remain in the way. Science policy is not only about environmental health but also about public health. It’s a very social field and I have to ask myself: how is a crisis like this affecting marginalized groups and what can we do to keep the community healthy? I’m worried about transgender, black and disabled students’ health needs and will continue to advocate for Chatham’s insurance plan to cover essential healthcare and school policies to protect all students.
Q: What’s next for you after graduation in the spring?
A: I plan on attending graduate school in the fall of 2021 in a Biochemistry or Physical Chemistry program. It’s challenging to get a feel for different programs when I can’t travel during the pandemic, but even first dates happen over video chat now so I’m sure I’ll find a program where I will continue building the skills to develop sunscreen and science-based policies that protect everyone.
Know a current or future student that should be featured or would like to be featured yourself? Email us! We’re happy to hear your suggestions.