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Undergraduate Research

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“Students are central to what we do with research at a university, whether that’s undergraduate or graduate researchers. Research is part of the educational process, because research is about teaching people how to think and discover; how to be analytical and deductive and reasoned.” —Jeffrey F. Rhoads, Vice President for Research

Employer expectations, along with wider recognition of the value of research experience, have led to steady growth in the number of undergraduates engaged in research. Today, more than one-third of all Notre Dame undergraduates participate in original research with a faculty mentor - a number that continues to rise.

The University encourages all undergraduates to participate in extracurricular scholarly engagement in order to enhance their educational experience and to begin to have an impact on the world as an undergraduate. Scholarly engagement can take various forms— service learning , internships , cultural and linguistic immersion , and undergraduate research .

The Flatley Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (CUSE) is a University center that serves as an advising hub for undergraduates who want to learn more about getting started in research, securing funding for research, and presenting and publishing research. CUSE offers workshops, online resources, and one-on-one advising meetings, all designed to help undergraduates discern their scholarly interests and make a plan for how to engage with them beyond the curriculum in partnership with faculty members and the numerous centers and institutes that support undergraduate scholarly engagement at Notre Dame. In the 2016-17 academic year, nearly $2 million was distributed to undergraduates to support research activities. And while all undergraduates will typically encounter research in the course of their studies, more than one-third of undergraduates conduct extracurricular research before they graduate.

More Undergraduate Research

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Research

Advancing human understanding.

Through research, scholarship, and creative endeavor

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame are committed to advancing human understanding through research, scholarship, and creative endeavor in order to be a repository for knowledge and a powerful means for doing good in the world.

Notre Dame Research supports and encourages innovation in more than thirty core facilities  and resources, as well as in a number of key areas of research, including cancer, environmental change, global health, and many more, with faculty finding their homes in one of Notre Dame’s seven colleges or schools .

$216 M in research awards

#1 In the country for NEH Fellowships since 1999

1 / 71 Members of the Association of American Universities (AAU)

Resources for Researchers

Everything you need to get started with or manage your research portfolio is available on the Our Services page. Explore the resources, information, and people who can support you today!

NDR is Hiring

NDR is committed to a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity and ensures that members of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome, and included.

Fighting for Research that Matters

Learn how one Notre Dame graduate student’s discovery of a new cell may lie at the heart of what’s causing her own illness.

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May 20, 2024

By  Maria Estela Rivero Fuentes , Senior Researcher, University of Notre Dame. The University of Notre Dame’s Tom Hare and Laura Miller-Graff co-authored the study.

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May 17, 2024

Here along the southern edge of the University of Notre Dame’s iconic world-renowned campus, a fresh vibe spills across Angela Boulevard from both directions.  

Originally published at news.nd.edu .

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When the University of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees first announced the Rev. John I. Jenkins would become its 17th president 20 years ago, the 50-year-old philosopher from Omaha, Neb., began thinking.

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Time: Wed, May 22 , All Day (part of a series)

Location: Dupont Circle, Washington D.C. and virtual

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Location: Multiple Locations on Campus

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Time: Wed, May 22 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (part of a series)

Location: B01 McCourtney Hall

“A great Catholic university for the 21st century, one of the preeminent research institutions in the world.” -Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

Journal of Undergraduate Research

University of notre dame.

Welcome to the Journal

The Journal of Undergraduate Research is the premier undergraduate research publication in the College of Arts and Letters at the University of Notre Dame. Our goal is to select and disseminate the finest original academic research of students enrolled in Notre Dame’s oldest college.

The Journal is a student-run enterprise from start to finish. Our editorial board, wholly comprised of undergraduates, affirms the value of undergraduate research and strives to provide an authoritative medium through which the University’s most erudite scholarship can be promulgated within the College, the Notre Dame community, and academia at large.

We conduct a rigorous review process to represent the best research across all academic disciplines in our College. By utilizing both print and online vehicles to circulate the Journal, we hope to make our high-quality essays available to the greatest number of readers.

University of Notre Dame

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

College of Science

• Home ›
• Undergraduate ›

Research Opportunities

Undergraduate research is an important element of our philosophy in developing students to think and work as chemists or biochemists. Working in a research lab allows students to more fully understand the nature of scientific discovery and the scientific process. It also helps students clarify career interests, improve communication and problem-solving skills, and learn about cutting-edge research. These skills are valuable no matter what ultimate career path a student takes. Typically, our students start research at the beginning of their sophomore year, and approximately 75% of our majors participate. Our undergraduate researchers commonly receive co-authorship on scholarly publications and present their work at national and international conferences.

Getting Started in Research

Start by reviewing the faculty webpages to discover the variety of research being conducted at Notre Dame. Then select two or three faculty members whose research is of interest to you, and contact the faculty members directly to request an appointment to discuss the possibility of working in their labs. Also, read through the  undergraduate research FAQs . If you have other questions about undergraduate research, you can contact Dr. Steve Wietstock, Undergraduate Research Coordinator, at [email protected] or in his office, 331 Jordan Hall.

Once you have identified a faculty advisor who has agreed for you to work in their lab, submit this form to receive approval to register for undergraduate research. The form will need to be completed each semester you plan to participate in research.

Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Many students choose to conduct research over the summer, and there are myriad opportunities to do so, either at ND or elsewhere. On-campus funding sources for summer research include the College of Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, ND Nano, and the Glynn Family Honors Program. Applications for these programs are usually due prior to spring break each year through the Flatley Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (CUSE) . One of the most popular summer programs for nation-wide undergraduate research opportunities is the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) , but other programs provide funding for summer research at various locations across the nation as well.

Helpful Resources

• College of Science Funded Opportunities
• fiNDscience - research opportunity database

FAQs for those interested in undergraduate research

• Who can do research in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry?
• When is the best time to do undergraduate research?
• How many hours per week is required for research?
• How do I find a research project/mentor?
• What do I do once I have identified a research mentor?
• Can I get paid to do undergraduate research?
• Should I spend my summers working in a lab at Notre Dame or look elsewhere for summer research opportunities?

Anyone. You do not need to be a chemistry or biochemistry major. Likewise, chemistry and biochemistry majors can look for opportunities of interest outside of their home department.

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It takes time for a student to become productive in the lab, so many research advisors prefer to recruit students earlier in their time at ND. At the same time, it is good for students to adjust to the demands of college before taking on the additional workload and challenges of a research position. Plus, some faculty members want to see that students have completed at least one or two semesters of college level chemistry before joining their lab. Therefore, most students begin research positions their sophomore year. Ambitious students can begin talking to professors anytime. It is possible you may actually be able to start in a lab during your freshman year or at least have a secured position for your sophomore fall semester. 

Undergraduate research is a variable credit course. The rule of thumb is 1 credit corresponds to roughly 4-5 hrs/week; 2 credits 8-10 hrs/week. For your first semester in a lab, 1 credit is usually appropriate. After that, most students will do 2 credits per semester. More than 2 credits per semester is only approved under special circumstances (ex., 3 credits for a senior with a light course load might be appropriate). You and your research advisor must agree upon the number of credits at the start of the semester. Most labs are quite flexible about when this work takes place, and your time should be scheduled in large enough blocks of time to actually complete some lab work while you are there. The schedule of the graduate student or post-doc with whom you are working will also need to be considered when planning your work schedule.

Start by looking through our faculty webpages . The faculty can be sorted by division (Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, Physical/Analytical) and/or research specialty (Energy, Life Processes, Materials, Measurement, Medicine, Synthesis, Theory). You can also look at faculty in other departments to see if their research matches your interests. Students often look at faculty in Engineering, the Radiation Laboratory, Biology, Physics, and Math/ACMS. Select 4-5 faculty members whose work interests you, and then contact them to request a meeting. Face to face meetings are more effective than emails. Prepare for the meeting by looking over their research group website and a few of the publications listed there. Bring along a copy of your resume, and take notes. Ask what kinds of projects undergraduates have been assigned in the past, what potential projects you might have, who would work with you as you learn the ropes, and how many hours you would be expected to work.

Complete and return the application for undergraduate research. Applications are availble from Dr. Goodenough or Dr. Wietstock. You will need to complete safety training before beginning work in the lab. Once the departmental approval is entered into the system, you will be able to register. Remember to select the agreed upon number of credits from the drop-down menu. If you don't complete this last step, you may end up without any credits for your research that semester.

During the semester, research is usually done for credit. However, during the summer, research is typically a paid position. There are a number of ways in which you can secure funding for the summer: fellowships, internships, REU programs , or directly from your mentor's grant. Your chances of getting a paid position are always better if you have some existing research experience.

There are benefits to each option. It can be difficult to be highly productive in research during the semester, so students who stay over the summer are often able to make great progress that would lead to publication. On the flip side, research programs and internships done elsewhere allow you the opportunity to see and experience different areas of science and potential career paths and broaden your network. You should pursue those summer opportunitites that are most appealing to you.

Steve Wietstock Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 331 Jordan Hall (574) 631-2302

Xuemin (Sheryl) Lu Undergraduate Research Coordinator College of Science (574) 631-1572

University of Notre Dame

• Electrical Engineering

College of Engineering

• Undergraduate

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

We encourage you to consider getting involved in an undergraduate research project, particularly during junior or senior year. Most Notre Dame Electrical Engineering students do so for at least one semester. In addition to EE Elective credit, a research experience offers you:

• Improved perspective on research and graduate school
• Exposure to new technical experiences
• Teamworking skills
• Improved resume
• Interesting experience to talk about at job interviews
• Better acquaintance with faculty, which is useful for future job references

This page lists research opportunities available to undergraduates. There is great variety in the work involved, the number of credit hours available, and the background knowledge required. Some projects are available for pay rather than academic credit.

If you see a project that interests you, contact Prof. Robert Stevenson, Director of Undergraduate Studies, to learn more, or contact the listed professor directly.

Undergraduate Research Guidelines

• Student must be in good academic standing to register for Undergraduate Research. First Year and Sophomore students should register for EE 28499 credit. Juniors and Seniors should register for EE 48499 credit.
• Undergrad research has a per-semester minimum of 1 credit hour. A maximum of 3 hours of EE28499 and a maximum of 6 hours of EE48499 may be applied towards EE degree requirements.
• For every credit – 3 hours of research must apply, i.e. 3 credits = 9 hours weekly research.
• Undergraduate research may be carried out in return for academic credit (EE 48499) or for financial compensation as a part-time job, but not both. Students carrying out research as a part-time job during the summer should still sign up for 0 credits of EE 48499 / EE 28499.
• Student must submit a written report summarizing the research and give an oral presentation concerning the project to at least 2 faculty members, one of whom must be the EE 48499 / EE 28499 advisor.
• Undergraduate Research may substitute for Senior Design under the following conditions: The student must a) find a professor of Electrical Engineering willing to advise a project for two full semesters; b) register for at least 3 credits of UR in each of the two semesters; c) keep a formal research notebook and have it approved by the advisor and a second faculty member at the end of each semester. The project must be approved by the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Committee to determine its rigor and suitability as research and design experienced. Finally, the student must satisfy all of the rules of UR as stipulated above. No student making this substitution may apply UG research credit to any other graduation requirement.

Grades are based on what was accomplished and the effort put forth by the student.

Antsaklis Group

Contact Prof. Panos Antsaklis [email protected] 205H Cushing, 1-5792

Networked Embedded Control Systems

Advances in sensor, actuator and microprocessor technology (MEMS and nanotechnology) have enabled distributed implementation of sensor and control actions over sensor/actuator networks. Such networks may consist of a large number of embedded processors typically of limited processing power, which should perform well under severe resource constraints (e.g. limited battery life) and under unreliable and limited communication conditions (e.g. wireless ad-hoc networks) over wide geographic areas and for long periods of time. These units must coordinate their actions in order to accomplish desired goals, such as controlling the orientation of a group of micro communication satellites or the output of a power plant. In order to build successful networked control systems we need to address novel questions and issues that lie in the intersection of control, computing and communication networks and transcend the traditional problem formulations in those areas.

This research project will focus on building a wireless feedback loop for a ball and beam system and study the implications of networking on the stability and performance of the control system.

Bauer Group

Contact Prof. Peter Bauer [email protected] 269 Fitzpatrick, 1-8015

Research projects are at the intersection of electric drives, autonomous vehicles, and traffic situational awareness through V2X communications. In particular, efficiency optimization in electric vehicles with the help of high levels of situational awareness is one of the main focus areas.

Bernstein Group

Contact Prof. Gary Bernstein [email protected] 225 Cushing, 1-6269

Bipolar junction transistor (BJT) technology has largely been supplanted by CMOS for digital applications, although several analog applications still exist. Prof. Bernstein is developing a new technology for fabricating nanoscale bipolar transistors, a regime which is not normally associated with BJTs. This challenging project will allow interested students to work in the laboratory performing a variety of nanofabrication steps and associated measurements.

Burghoff Group

Contact Prof. David Burghoff [email protected] 226B Cushing

Research in our group is focused on the development of new photonic devices and systems that use quantum phenomena to create new functionalities, particularly in the domain of sensing, computing, and communication. We also engineer new states of light and investigate the fundamental properties of many complex optical systems.

Currently, we are seeking outstanding undergraduate researchers to do research in the following areas:

Terahertz spectroscopy of nanostructures

In this project, the student will use an ultrafast laser to generate terahertz radiation, which is a unique frequency range capable of probing the structure and electronic properties of molecules. The terahertz light will then be used to measure the properties of “artificial atoms” that are designed to have particular optoelectronic properties.

Studying the coherence properties of novel sources

In this project, the student will construct an experimental apparatus that is capable of probing the optical properties of photonic sources in new ways. This will lead to the development of better lasers and better sensing systems

Other projects may also be available. Students will be able to interact with grad students and postdocs, and will be able to learn about optics, lasers, programming, and laboratory instrumentation. A dedicated student may even be able to get a publication from the work. The only prerequisites are a high-school level knowledge of optics and some experience with computer programming.

Chisum Group

Contact Prof. Jonathan Chisum [email protected] 226A Cushing, 1-3915

Undergraduate research opportunities are typically available in the Microwave and Millimeter wave Circuits and Systems group. Our emphasis is in wideband and efficient circuit architectures as well as employing analog/digital co-design methods for highly linear operation. Typical applications include next generation (5G) wireless communications systems, wideband and low power spectrum sensing hardware, electrically small antennas, as well as instrumentation design. Examples of the typical circuits include highly efficient microwave power amplifiers, digitally compensated linear receivers, non-Foster’s circuits for impedance matching electrically small antennas, employing novel magnetic materials for analog signal processing (e.g., real-time, low-power fourier transforms), and near-field scanning microwave microscopy instrumentation. Interested candidates should contact Professor Chisum.

Contact Prof. Patrick Fay [email protected] 261 Fitzpatrick, 1-5693

Undergraduate research projects are typically available for interested students in any of the research projects in Prof. Fay’s group. See High Speed Circuits and Devices for topic areas and project synopses. Interested students are encouraged to contact Prof. Fay directly ([email protected]).

Haenggi Group

Contact Prof. Martin Haenggi [email protected] 274 Fitzpatrick, 1-6103

Our research group currently seeks 1-2 outstanding undergraduate students to join our group and contribute to our expanding research efforts in the Emerging Wireless Architectures (EWA) laboratory.

As a member of our team, you will:

• learn about current technology and research issues in wireless networking, in particular ad hoc networks, cognitive networks, software radio networks, and sensor networks
• develop skills and experience through a wide range of valuable research activities: from building and experimenting with radio and sensor hardware modules, to implementing sophisticated communications and signal processing software in Matlab, LabView, or C on software radio devices
• interact regularly with graduate students and faculty, through individual and group meetings

All that is required is a solid background in signals and systems (EE30344, perhaps EE30354), eagerness to learn and to work independently and as a team.

Contact Prof. Douglas Hall [email protected] 260 Fitzpatrick, 1-8631

Optoelectronics Laboratory

(B01 Stinson-Remick Hall)

We have developed a deep-etched ridge waveguide edge-emitting laser that uses a special oxidation process to smooth and passivate the sidewall, overcoming high scattering loss and sidewall recombination issues which have plagued their prior development. We currently have NSF Partnerships for Innovation – Technology Transfer (PFI-TT) funding to evaluate a patent-pending novel circular mode edge-emitting laser that eliminates the need for complex integrated mode converters or external optics. Longer range, an effective, viable deep-etched process for active devices also promises to enable advances in future GaAs photonic integrated circuits that require the very low bend loss we have previously demonstrated. We are currently actively evaluating both the quality of the oxide-passivated sidewall interface and the reliability of laser fabricated by this process. We are collaborating with Prof. Ken Kuno in the Department of Chemistry to perform time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements to directly assess sidewall interface recombination, a measure of interface quality, using their pulsed laser micro-photoluminescence (μPL) system, thus enabling process optimization to improve laser performance and reliability. Concurrently, we are fabricating lasers in the Notre Dame Nanofabrication Facility, collaborating with industry partners assisting with laser mirror passivation coatings and heatsinking, and performing burn-in and life testing in our custom built 10 channel laser reliability testbed.

We are looking for undergraduate researchers to assist with TRPL measurements, diode laser characterization, and laser reliability testing (including further development of the testbed).  Preferred background includes coursework in semiconductors and/or optics. Desirable skills include programming for working with a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller used for data acquisition; Python for testbed automation, and MATLAB for data processing/analysis.  Experience with semiconductor device fabrication is useful but not required.

In addition, we have an undergraduate research opportunity suitable for engineering students at all levels to aid in development of advanced holography processes, working with lasers, optics, and holographic film to fabricate high quality transmission and reflection holograms and assist in annual outreach activities at local high schools.

Howard Group

Contact Prof. Scott Howard [email protected] 227 Stinson Remick, 1-2570

Photonics for Medical Imaging and Diagnostics

Undergraduate projects are available in two thrusts:

(1) New photonic devices allow for high resolution imaging and chemical interrogation at the cellular and tissue scale. These technologies aim to reduce the need of invasive surgeries and reduce the lag time between imaging and diagnosis. High speed multi-photon and long wave infrared imaging systems for medical and pharmaceutic applications are being developed.

(2) Low cost advanced imaging and diagnostic systems are being developed due to the widespread availability of low cost embedded systems and optical components. Platforms such as the OpenPCR and new low-cost portable endoscope platforms in collaboration with the NDIIF will provide researchers and clinicians in developing countries access to what is typically expensive technology. We are working on developing and providing such technology to researchers.

Huang Group

Contact Prof. Yih-Fang Huang [email protected] 259 Fitzpatrick, 1-5350

Projects of current interests include integration of information technologies into energy technologies, leading to the development of smart power grids. We are seeking students that are interested in surveying issues relevant to smart grid development and working on innovative research related to distributed generation of renewable sources, reliability and security of power grid, transmission and distribution issues (T&D), demand management and response.

Laneman Group

Contact Prof. Nick Laneman [email protected] 275 Fitzpatrick, 1-8034

Our group regularly seeks 2-4 outstanding undergraduate students to participate in our research and outreach efforts. As a member of our team, you will:

• learn about hot technology and policy issues in wireless communications and gain exposure to many commercial and military applications
• develop skills and experience through a wide range of valuable research activities, from building and testing hardware, to writing signal processing software in MALTAB or C, to designing experiments and interpreting data, to assessing economic value and developing policy positions interact regularly with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty, through individual and group meetings, both formal and informal
• explore service and entrepreneurial opportunities in collaboration with local organizations
• accelerate your path to graduate research, better jobs in industry, or both

All that is required is a solid background in circuits and systems (e.g., classes such as EE20224, EE30344, and EE30354), eagerness to learn, willingness to work independently and as a team, and strong written and oral communication skills. Experience with radio and DSP hardware design, communications theory, networking, or software engineering is a plus.

Pratt Group

Contact Prof. Thomas Pratt [email protected]

Research opportunities are available for undergraduate credit in the following areas:

Wireless Channel Modeling

The objective of this work will be the development of time varying statistical channel models for polarization-sensitive wireless communications systems. The work will involve Matlab-based statistical analysis of experimental data, model synthesis, and bit-error rate performance comparisons in actual channel and simulated channels.

Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture and Ground Penetrating Radar

This research activity will involve the investigation of new polarimetric remote sensing techniques for synthetic aperture radar and ground penetrating radar. Theoretical, simulation, and possibly experimental investigations will be conducted to evaluate the concepts.

Radio Frequency Coherent Sensor Development for Hydrological Monitoring

The goal of this work is to employ a wideband coherent channel receiver testbed to evaluate techniques for bistatic sensing of soil moisture. The work will involve field experimentation with sensing probes, RF collection, and signal processing with Matlab-based detection algorithms.

Radio Frequency Signal Detection Algorithms

This work will involve theoretical, simulation, and experimental investigation of detection algorithms for signals in noise and interference. Approaches to be considered include polarimetric, cyclostationary, and multi-antenna covariance-based techniques.

RF Polarization-Based Communications

The goal of this research is to consider RF polarization-based communications techniques as an overlay to existing communications schemes. The research will involve simulation and laboratory studies to support the development of these concepts.

Coding Schemes for CDMA and DSSS Systems

The goal of this research is to evaluate and develop coding schemes that exploit code set selection at the transmitter and multisymbol detection at the receiver. Work will focus on the evaluation of algorithms via simulation and also on the development of efficient simulations that leverage an NVIDIA TESLA GPU processing board in a Matlab/Simulink environment.

Undergraduates who elect to participate in this research will be required to attend a weekly meeting with Dr. Pratt, and must engage in an average of 3 hours of research each week per credit hour. A 15-page research report, an activity log (with hours recorded), and an oral presentation (and demonstration, if appropriate) are required at the conclusion of the research effort.

Seabaugh Group

Contact Prof. Alan Seabaugh [email protected] 230A Cushing, 1-4473

Undergraduate research projects are available in nanoelectronics, tunnel transistors, memory, energy conversion, or in new areas. Undergraduate researchers typically work closely and in parallel with graduate students to gain appreciation of graduate research.

Snider Group

Contact Prof. Gregory Snider [email protected] 275C Fitzpatrick Hall, 1-4148

There are a number of undergraduate research opportunities available in the snider group. Listed below are a couple of projects just to give a flavor of the research. Other projects are also available.

Minimum Energy for Computation

Anyone who owns a laptop knows that power dissipation and the associated heat are a problem for the microelectronics industry. As electronic devices scale down in size, they use less power (and hence energy), but is there a lower limit to the energy that must be dissipated by each device? Recent experimental measurements by our have demonstrated our ability to measure energy dissipation in the range of a few hundred yJ (1 yJ is 10-24 J) and show that no minimum limits exist. We are now beginning measurements on ultra-low power CMOS circuits.

These experiments will point the way toward practical ultra-low power circuits. The projects available include building circuits and amplifiers for ultra-low-noise energy measurements as well as the actual measurements. A student involved in these projects will gain experience in programming, fabrication, and measurement techniques.

Molecular Quantum-dot Cellular Automata

This project is investigating the use of molecules as electronic devices. Quantum-dot Cellular Automata is a computing paradigm that uses single electrons to encode information. Molecules make excellent containers for single electrons, but the challenge is to control and measure the movement of electrons within the molecule. Undergraduates involved in this experiment will work on the design of experiments and on the measurements of molecules and other devices.

Stevenson Group

Contact Prof. Robert Stevenson [email protected] 275 Fitzpatrick, 1-8308

Course Structure

The course is run as individual projects (sometimes 2 people team up to work together). After 2-3 weeks of meeting as a group, students select independent projects to work on for the rest of the semester. Meetings with Dr. Stevenson are then held individually once a week for approximately 1/2 hour. Meeting topics generally center around what was accomplished during the past week and current problems or goals. At the end of the semester the student must

• prepare a written report (10-20 pages)
• give a fifteen minute presentation about the project to two faculty member

Research Topics

Dr. Stevenson’s research centers around image and video processing. Any project which can contribute to this effort is acceptable. Some successful example projects which were done in the past include

• Image Filtering
• Video Filtering
• Parallel Image Processing
• Image Stabilization

Dr. Stevenson has plenty of projects which build on these examples and some which take a completely different direction. If the examples interest you, stop by to talk to him about specific projects on which you may be able to contribute to as an undergraduate researcher.

Departments

• Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
• Computer Science and Engineering

Interdisciplinary programs

• Bioengineering
• Materials Science and Engineering

The Graduate School

• Home ›
• Admissions ›

Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduate Students

Notre Dame has many opportunities for promising undergraduate students to broaden their research skills in a range of disciplines with world-class faculty before applying for graduate studies (see the table below). 

The Graduate School's Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)

The Graduate School offers its own summer research experience for undergraduate students: the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP). The goal of the SROP is to increase the attainment of advanced degrees offered through the Graduate School (please see list  here ) by domestic students (U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, DREAMers, or DACA students), who meet one of the following criteria:

• first-generation or low-income college students; or
• have joined at least one affinity group associated with an underrepresented minority; or
• students and alumni of historically black colleges or universities, hispanic serving institutions, or tribal colleges or universities.

SROP prepares aspiring graduate students for success by immersing them in guided research on Notre Dame's campus with a faculty member. Additionally, the twenty-person cohort participates in a blend of professional, academic, and social programming. The SROP supports accepted applicants by providing:

• A generous stipend
• Housing expenses 
• Travel expenses
• GRE prep course
• Specialized assistance with grant and fellowship applications to NSF, NIH, Fulbright, and more
• Up to $1,000 in travel and accommodations to support research presentations in the year following participation in SROP. 
• 8-10 weeks (from late May to late July) of research and training 

The deadline for applications is March 1. Eligible undergraduate students are encouraged to apply (instructions  here ).

Upcoming Events

Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) Info Session and Q&A:

• To be announced

Apply today to the Graduate School’s Summer Research Opportunities Program

Click here to view our 2023 SROP brochure

Meet Past Participants

Meet 2021 Notre Dame summer research participant Austin Wyman . Austin earned his bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Notre Dame in May of 2023, and joined the Ph.D. program in the Department of Psychology in fall 2023. Austin applied to multiple graduate programs and external fellowships with the help of the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement at Notre Dame and the Graduate School’s Office of Grants and Fellowships and Graduate Enrollment Management teams. 

Meet 2016 Notre Dame summer research participant Jordan Lewis . Jordan is an evolutionary biologist, who earned his Ph.D. from Emory University in the Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution program at Laney Graduate School. Jordan is the recipient of the highly competitive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, and was recently awarded a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology from the National Science Foundation. He will be working as a postdoctoral research scientist at Yale University in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Meet 2015 Notre Dame summer research participant Karen Angeles . Karen earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at Notre Dame in the spring of 2023. She is a published scholar (e.g., in the journals Automation in Construction  and  Structural Safety ) and has won several fellowships, including the highly competitive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Karen has accepted a job as a research engineer on the Flood Vulnerability Team at Verisk, where she will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and managing the vulnerability component and overall model performance of Verisk Extreme Event Solutions’ water peril catastrophe models that cover worldwide regions. 

All Notre Dame Undergraduate Summer Research Programs & Areas

University of Notre Dame

Department of Psychology

College of Arts and Letters

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• Undergraduate ›
• Research ›

Extra credit opportunities and psychology experiment sign up for undergraduates are available online . More information and instructions are below.

• Request an Account 

View/Sign Up for Studies

Canceling a sign-up, tracking your progress, frequently asked questions, request an account.

• Browse to  http://nd.sona-systems.com/  and click on the link under New Participant.
• Enter the information requested – be sure to use your NetID as your User ID.
• Only courses that require or allow extra credit for participating in studies will be shown. You may select all of the classes available for which you are enrolled this semester.
• After you click on “Request Account” you will receive an email with your login information. You will be assigned a randomly generated password. You cannot change this password for security purposes.
• Click Study Sign-Up on the main menu or Studies on the top toolbar.
• Review descriptions of studies and note any special requirements that may restrict your eligibility to participate in a study. Only studies that have available timeslots will appear.
• To view more information about a study, click on the name of the study.
• Click on View Timeslots for This Study and you will see a list of available timeslots. Choose a timeslot that is convenient for you, and click Sign Up.
• Confirmation of your enrollment will be emailed to your ND account.
• Click My Schedule & Credits on the main page or My Schedule/Credits on the top toolbar.
• Studies you have signed up for that you are allowed to cancel will have a Cancel button next to them. You will not be penalized for canceling at this stage. There is a time limit before the study is to occur, when it is too late to cancel. This restriction may be listed at the bottom of the page, or can be found by clicking on the study name and viewing the study details.
• Once you click Cancel to cancel your sign-up, you will see a confirmation page. You will also be warned if your cancellation might affect your ability to participate in other studies you have signed up for, due to pre-requisite restrictions.
• Click Yes to cancel your sign-up. If you cancel the first part of a two-part study, the second part will also be cancelled. If you cancel the second part of a two-part study, the first part will not be cancelled, but you will need to ask the researcher to sign you up for the second part again, if you would like to participate in it at a later date.
• Click My Schedule & Credits on the main page or My Schedule/Credits on the top toolbar
• Review the number of credits you are required to earn, and how many you have earned so far at the top of the page. Below that, if you have signed up for any studies, those are listed as well. In the list of studies, you will see information about your credit status.
• Credit will appear once the researcher confirms your participation in the system.
• If you failed to appear for a study, it is possible you were assessed a penalty. That will be displayed in your progress, and the penalty (if assessed) will be deducted from your current credit earnings.
• Immediately after I login, as soon as I click on any menu option, I am taken back to the login page and I see a message that my authentication has expired. What does this mean?
• I participated in a study, but I have yet to receive credit. How do I receive credit?
• I noticed that with some studies, I can sign up for them again even if I participated before, while others don’t allow for this. Why is this?
• I attempted to sign up for a study, and I was prevented from doing so because the study I was trying to sign up for is a disqualifier for another study I am scheduled to participate in. Why is this?

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The researcher must grant you credit. This is usually done shortly after your participation. If it has been some time and you have still not received credit, contact the researcher.

Researchers can choose if their studies allow you to participate more than once. Not all studies allow you to participate more than once.

If you have signed up for a study that has disqualifiers (studies you must not have participated in to participate in that study), you may not then sign up for the studies that are listed as the disqualifier studies. You are allowed to sign up for the disqualifier studies if the disqualifier study will take place after the study with disqualifiers, or if you have already participated in (and received credit for) the study with disqualifiers. The easiest way to sign up for both studies is to schedule the disqualifier study at a time later than the study with disqualifiers.

Department of Biological Sciences

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Undergraduate Research

Biological Sciences students can enter research laboratories as early as freshman year. The following steps will help students find a research opportunity that interests them and develops their skills as a scientist:

• Visit the Biological Sciences faculty listing . Students can learn about Biological Sciences professors and their research projects. When you have found a lab that matches your educational interests, contact information for each professor can be found on this page. Links to faculty websites can also be found here for more detail.
• Take advantage of events that promote undergraduate research. Students share their experiences in research at the Fall Undergraduate Research Fair in late October, at the College of Science Joint Annual Meeting in the spring semester, at Scientia Talk Science events, in the Uplift Mentoring Program, and more.
• Talk to other students already engaged in research. Upperclassmen have gone through the process that you are now undertaking and are eager to share their experiences with you. Your laboratory teaching assistants (TAs), Uplift mentors, and Biology Club members are all excellent sources for advice.
• Participate in introductory research courses. For students who are looking for research experience, or are not sure whether or not research interests them, the Department offers an Introduction to Undergraduate Research course in the spring semester. This course puts students in teams to work with a Notre Dame professor to develop and execute a real biological research project to produce novel results. Students will also learn how to read and analyze scientific papers and develop their presentation skills.

Helpful links:

• College of Science Undergraduate Research
• Biological Sciences Faculty
• Opportunities on Campus
• http://pathwaystoscience.org/Undergrads.aspx

Recent News:

• Team Researches the Effects of Repellents on Mosquito Behaviors
• Why CUSE? - Notre Dame Seniors Reflect on Their Experiences With the Flatley Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

For more information contact Professor  Michelle Whaley .

University of Notre Dame

• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

College of Engineering

• Undergraduate

Undergraduate Research

Faculty in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering are active researchers in many of the most exciting and important fields of chemical engineering.

Undergraduates participate in many of these research programs, enriching their education and joining the quest for new discoveries.

Through original research, you’ll learn new experimental, computational, and theoretical skills that benefit both your classwork and your future career. Research also provides an opportunity to experience the challenges and excitement of a potential career path that includes graduate school followed by academic or industrial research.

Research may be conducted for credit or for pay. Discuss the possible options with your research advisor. 

Research for Course Credit

CBE offers four research courses that can be taken for credit. Please read over each option and consider which class fits your situation best.

CBE 28901: Undergraduate Research First and second-year students should sign up for this course as their first experience in research. This one-credit course involves a minimum commitment of 4-5 hours per week. This course is S/U, may be taken more than once, but does not satisfy chemical engineering degree requirements.

CBE 48901: Undergraduate Research Students in their third year and beyond should sign up for this course as their first experience in research. This one-credit course involves a minimum commitment of 4-5 hours per week. This course is S/U, may be taken more than once, but does not satisfy chemical engineering degree requirements.

CBE 48902: Advanced Undergraduate Research This is a three-credit course in which students should expect to spend 12-15 hours per week. Successful completion of CBE 48901 or another substantial research experience is a prerequisite for enrolling in this course, which can be counted as a technical elective.

Students in this course must produce a written research report, (3,000 – 5,000 words) at the end of the semester. This course is graded and may be repeated but may only count as a technical elective one time.

Some students choose to do a research course in another department. This can count as a technical elective if the course is science or engineering related research, 3 credit hours, graded, and requires a significant written report.

CBE 48903: Undergraduate Thesis This 3-credit course is typically taken in the final semester of the program. Successful completion of CBE 48901, CBE 48902, or a substantial research experience in CBE is a prerequisite for enrolling. Students produce a substantial written document and defend it orally before a committee of CBE faculty. The ideal outcome of a successfully defended undergraduate thesis is a journal article. This course can be counted as a 3 credit CBE elective. The research can be conducted in any department but the defense committee must have at least one CBE faculty member.

How to determine your research path

Undergraduate research is a commitment by you and the research advisor. Approach it like you might approach finding a job by doing your “research” ahead of time.

• Identify potential advisors by looking through faculty webpages, reading about the types of problems they work on, and thinking about what aligns with your own interests.
• Talk to your faculty advisor and other undergraduate and graduate students conducting research.
• Contact potential research advisors to discuss your interests, potential research projects, and expectations.
• Once you find a good match between your interests and an advisor, agree upon specifics.
• If taking research for credit, speak with Jennifer Pavlick in the CBE office to sign up for the necessary course.

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University of Notre Dame

Rooney Center

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The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science: Volume 708 Issue 1, July 2023

The January 6th, 2025, Project: Fascist Politics and the Rising Threats to American Democracy

Matthew E.K. Hall

Does the “Fascism Debate” Matter for Understanding 2024 American Politics?

Mabel Berezin

The Psychology of Left-Right Political Polarization; and an Experimental Intervention for Curbing Partisan Animosity and Support for Antidemocratic Violence

John T. Jost, Daniela Goya-Tocchetto, Aaron C. Kay

Black Lives Matter and the Racialized Support for the January 6th Insurrection

Matt A. Barreto, Claudia Alegre, J. Isaiah Bailey, Alexandria Davis, Joshua Ferrer, Joyce Nguy, Christopher Palmisano, Crystal Robertson

“Stop the Steal”: Racial Resentment, Affective Partisanship, and Investigating the January 6th Insurrection

Darren W. Davis, David C. Wilson

Social Capital in a Divided America: The Relationship between Economic Bridging and Affective Polarization

David E. Campbell

The Crisis of American Democracy in Historical Context

Robert C. Lieberman, Suzanne Mettler

Does Affective Polarization Contribute to Democratic Backsliding in America?

James N. Druckman, Donald P. Green, Shanto Iyengar

Political Parties and Loser’s Consent in American Politics

Geoffrey Layman, Frances Lee, Christina Wolbrecht

Freedom of Speech in the Post-Floyd Era: Public Support for Political Tolerance

Diana C. Mutz

In Electoral Disputes, State Justices Are Less Reliable GOP Allies than the U.S. Supreme Court—That’s the “Problem” the Independent State Legislature Claim Hopes to Solve

Rebecca L. Brown, Lee Epstein, Michael J. Nelson

American Democracy and Voter Suppression

Luis Ricardo Fraga, Ricardo Ramírez, Bernard L. Fraga

Which States Adopt Election-Subversion Policies?

Jacob M. Grumbach, Charlotte Hill

Can Institutional Reform Protect Election Certification?

Daniel M. Butler, Jeffrey J. Harden

Notre Dame Faculty

David Campbell

Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy, Director, Notre Dame Democracy Initiative

Darren Davis

Professor, Political Science

The Joseph and Elizabeth Robbie Professor of Political Science

Matthew Hall

David A. Potenziani Memorial College Professor of Constitutional Studies

Jeffrey Harden

Associate Professor, Political Science

Geoffrey Layman

Rachel Porter

Assistant Professor

Ricardo Ramirez

Erin Rossiter

Christina Wolbrecht

External collaborators.

Matt Barreto

University of California, Los Angeles

Cornell University

Rebecca Brown

University of Southern California

Daniel Butler

Washington University in St. Louis

Jamie Druckman

Northwestern University

Lee Epstein

Bernard Fraga

Donald Green

Columbia University

Jake Grumbach

University of Washington

Charlotte Hill

Vincent Hutchings

University of Michigan

Shanto Iyengar

Stanford University

New York University

Duke University

Frances Lee

Princeton University

Harvard University

Suzanne Mettler

University of Pennsylvania

MIchael Nelson

Richard Pildes

NYU School of Law

Jennifer Richeson

Yale University

Jason Stanley

David C. Wilson

University of California, Berkeley

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Keough School honors the Class of 2024

The Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame recognized 68 undergraduate students earning a supplementary major in global affairs, 37 master of global affairs graduates from 22 countries, and seven PhD graduates in a May 18 recognition ceremony during Notre Dame’s commencement weekend. 

In the company of friends and family gathered from around the world in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center’s Leighton Concert Hall, graduates received Keough School stoles and recognition certificates in honor of their academic accomplishments in global affairs. Graduates from each level addressed their classmates and guests. 

Political science and global affairs major Benjamín Rascón Gracia expressed gratitude for mentoring he received from Keough School anthropologist Julia Kowalski and human rights scholar Diane Desierto, as well as for rich learning experiences beyond the classroom such as his democracy research in Brazil through the Keough School’s Kellogg Institute for International Studies.

Quoting French philosopher Voltaire on globalization, Rascón Gracia said that to “be a good patriot” should not require one to “become the enemy of the rest of mankind,” but instead, to pursue peace and embrace tolerance and cooperation as “the consequence of humanity.”

Master of global affairs graduate Renée Perez, from Venezuela, acknowledged current global crises such as the war in Gaza. 

“Although today is a day of celebration, we must also acknowledge the injustices that afflict our world today,” Perez said. “For this group of graduates, the world’s gravest injustices are more than a subject of study. There are students here who have endured these injustices firsthand; students who have fought against these injustices in their previous careers; and students whose loved ones continue to bear these injustices today. For all of us in this room, these injustices demand our action the moment we walk through these doors.” 

Doctoral graduate Joséphine Lechartre, who earned a PhD in peace studies and political science, spoke of the pursuit of peace and justice as an act of bravery. 

“It is not naïve to dream for a better future amidst the return of force and cold-blooded security calculations in international relations,” Lechartre said. “It is rather an act of courage. I believe this is what distinguishes us as scholars of peace.”

Marilyn Keough Dean Scott Appleby delivered his final address to Keough School graduates before stepping down as the school’s dean after a decade of service.

“I charge you with the improbable but not impossible task of transforming your experience here and the dreams we have dreamed together, into a platform for action.” Appleby said. “We will continue to accompany, support and cheer you on, as you labor with grace and persistence for a peaceful, just and humane future for all people.”

Congratulations to the Keough School’s Class of 2024! 

Photos by Jennifer Mayo.

Related Articles:

3 graduates, 3 diverse paths in global affairs

Keough School establishes two new PhD programs

Notre Dame literacy research can improve learning outcomes and fight global poverty

University of Notre Dame

College of Arts & Letters

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Miracle moments: Political science major Elizabeth Gonzalez makes most of opportunities

Published: May 16, 2024

Author: Brendan O'Shaughnessy

You would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect Notre Dame story than that of Elizabeth Gonzalez.

In eighth grade, her principal in Crown Point, Indiana, called to say that an anonymous donor in her parish had paid to send her to Notre Dame for a week of academic camp. She quickly fell in love with a campus she’d never known existed and dedicated herself in high school to get there.

When she received her acceptance letter, her father pulled out a collection of Irish memorabilia he’d been secretly collecting for the last four years. But the moment was bittersweet because he had lost a job and she didn’t think she could afford to attend.

So Gonzalez and her parents and sister and grandparents bundled into a car and drove a little over an hour to light a candle at the Grotto on campus. “If I’m meant to be here,” she prayed, “let there be a solution.”

Her miracle manifested almost immediately.

While she was walking out, an older man on a bench asked her name. He said he’d just lost his wife and asked for her story, and then her parents’ phone number. That night, he called her parents and offered to support her education however she needed.

“We just started crying,” Gonzalez said. “We went to the Grotto to pray for that. And then on our way out, a solution was right there. It is just crazy.

“And I remember he said, ‘I have a feeling about you.’“

Seems that Jerry Hammes was a good judge of character. Between a sense of responsibility spawned from her good fortune and her innate drive as the first in her large family to attend a research university, Gonzalez has one of those Notre Dame resumes that you can hardly believe is possible.

A political science and Keough School of Global Affairs major with a minor in Latino studies, she has spent nearly every semester and break engaged in human rights work around the world: from an Indigenous community in Minnesota to Ukrainian refugees in Germany, from a diplomacy tour in Vienna and Brussels to the Clooney Foundation for Justice in the Netherlands, and from research on the Latino community in London to serving as a tutor at a Latino community center.

She’s been chosen for competitive programs like the Kellogg International Scholar Program and Phi Beta Kappa. As an undergraduate, she’s interning as a research assistant in a Law School class working on international human rights cases.

It’s a lot to process.

Read more of Elizabeth's story at nd.edu/stories/commencement-24

The Commencement of the class of 2024

May 20, 2024

Political science major Irasema Trujillo ‘24 embraces her identity, empowers immigrants through research and advocacy

May 17, 2024

Understanding the how and why: Layton Hall ’24 applies economic research to housing advocacy

May 16, 2024

Department of Political Science

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Global Democracy Conference 2024

Time: Mon May 20, 2024, All Day

Location: Multiple Locations on Campus

The Global Democracy Conference (GDC), organized by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies , is an integral component of the broader University of Notre Dame Global Democracy Initiative designed to connect academic research and non-academic audiences. It will be an annual forum that projects the University as a leader and convener on questions of democracy, while simultaneously facilitating positive, tangible impact on global democratic practices.

With the theme "Understanding Today, Shaping Tomorrow," the inaugural GDC will see the Kellogg Institute convene leading defenders of global democracy at the University of Notre Dame for a series of profound, actionable conversations about the state of democracy around the world. Animated by our understanding of the multidimensional, complex nature of democratic erosion, this conference will i) identify emerging challenges to democracies and possible solutions; ii) highlight the research being undertaken by Notre Dame in order to have meaningful impact in the world of policy; and iii) convene global actors that will help lay the foundation for partnerships with institutions and leaders who might utilize our research in protecting local democratic structures.

The GDC includes two types of sessions: panels, in which participants make formal, 12-minute presentations, and roundtables, which follow a conversational format led by a moderator. Sessions are organized in three thematic blocs:

• New Ideas. Panels primarily formed by academics. They present original research on democracy to a broader audience, emphasizing the substantive relevance of their findings and mapping ongoing debates in the field. A practitioner may discuss how this line of research is relevant to practice.
• The State of the World. Roundtables formed by academics and practitioners. They assess the state of democracy in particular countries or regions, with a particular interest in the near future.
• The Path Forward. Sessions focused on practical lessons to protect and promote democratic governance. Those sessions may take the form of panels or roundtables and may include practitioners or academics. Of particular interest are sessions focusing on particular sectors, such as industries (e.g., technology, finance) or professional fields (e.g., international law) discussing their ability to strengthen democracy.

Our inaugural event is in part generously underwritten by Bert Piedra , a 1978 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and member of the Kellogg Institute Advisory Board.

For more information, visit kellogg.nd.edu .

Originally published at forum2023.nd.edu .

University of Notre Dame

College of Engineering

Celebrating undergraduate excellence: 2024 awards from the Notre Dame College of Engineering

May 20, 2024 May 20, 2024

Notre Dame Engineering is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual college-wide awards to undergraduate students.

Reverend Thomas A. Steiner, C.S.C. Award

The Reverend Thomas A. Steiner, C.S.C. Award “for all around excellence as a graduating senior in the College of Engineering” goes to (pictured from left to right):

Kerry Conneely , environmental engineering Gracie Wetli , chemical engineering Jacob Ropp , civil engineering Paul du Vair , aerospace engineering Eva Homberger , mechanical engineering David Chirumbole , computer engineering John Lee , computer science Lindsay Falk , electrical engineering

Americo Darin Engineering Prize

The Americo Darin Engineering Prize “in recognition of significant academic achievement between the first year of studies and the first semester of sophomore year” goes to (pictured from left to right):

Rebecca Schaffler , computer science Ray Sierra , aerospace engineering Eno Ennin , aerospace engineering Lily Lorenson , mechanical engineering

Edward and Jane Prein Family Award

The Edward and Jane Prein Family Award “for student excellence in the College of Engineering” goes to (pictured from left to right):

Jack Rellinger , computer science James Sylvester , mechanical engineering Jeffrey Yang , electrical engineering Kate Sullivan , civil engineering Carlie Servinski , chemical engineering

Congratulations, students!

Departments.

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'Learn every day': The Rev. John Jenkins reflects on legacy of 19 years leading Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND — When the University of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees first announced the Rev. John I. Jenkins would become its 17th president 20 years ago, the 50-year-old philosopher from Omaha, Neb., began thinking. 

Where could he take this prestigious university that it hadn’t been before? What would he do to advance an already sterling reputation in higher education? How could he continue to inspire the global excellence in which Notre Dame long ago planted its flag? 

His new journey, challenge if you will, started with a speech. 

“I spent a lot of time thinking and focusing on my inaugural address that I was to give in the fall of 2005,” Jenkins said last month during a wide-ranging interview with the South Bend Tribune. “That helped me figure out what is important and what is our broad vision.” 

▶ COMING FRIDAY: How Notre Dame, South Bend and Indiana are working together like never before

Jenkins, now 70, who over the past 19 years led Notre Dame to unprecedented financial health while simultaneously bolstering its world-class academic profile through a commitment to research , will retire effective June 1.  

The Rev. Robert A. Dowd will take his place in the president’s office under the Main Building’s Golden Dome. 

One of Jenkins' last acts as university president since succeeding the Rev. Edward A. “Monk” Malloy will be to give Sunday’s keynote commencement address to the Class of 2024.  

The ceremony at Notre Dame Stadium begins at 9:30 a.m. 

More: Rev. Robert A. Dowd to replace Jenkins in July as president of University of Notre Dame

Jenkins’ influence on arguably one of the most prosperous and transformative eras in Notre Dame’s 180-year history is undeniable. 

In two decades as the leader of America’s preeminent Catholic university, Jenkins helped change the face of campus with vast facility upgrades, spearheaded financial growth that pushed Notre Dame’s endowment beyond $20 billion and dialed in a focus on research expansion that now stands among the nation’s most elite schools.  

It’s clear Jenkins leaves the university stronger than it was before his presidency. Now, he says, after Notre Dame completed its strategic framework , it’s time for someone else to take the reins.  

“I did think the university needed a leader who had a five- or 10-year horizon rather than a one- to two-year horizon,” Jenkins said of the timing of his exit. “I wasn’t going to do five to 10 years. So, it just seemed the right time for me and the right time for the university."

Father Jenkins' journey to Notre Dame

Raised in the heart of the Midwest, the third oldest of 12 children, Jenkins first arrived at Notre Dame as a student in the fall of 1973. He was the son of a gastroenterologist and had completed his freshman year at Crieghton University, where his father was on faculty.  

Inspired by a back-packing adventure through Europe before his sophomore year — in which he visited Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Dachau concentration camp in Germany and Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome — Jenkins decided to transfer to Notre Dame, where his oldest brother already attended.  

“I don’t know if I had anything as auspicious as aspirations when I came here at 18,” said Jenkins, who was drawn by Notre Dame’s growing academic reputation and Catholic mission. “It seemed like a great place, an exciting place. That’s why I chose it.” 

Jenkins lived in Flanner Hall and studied philosophy, not knowing where exactly it would lead. 

The thought of becoming a priest had not occurred to him, let alone the idea of one day shepherding the great university that was at the time under the direction of the legendary and transcendent Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh.  

"I was very interested in learning and inquiry,” Jenkins remembered. “I hoped that I would learn and explore ideas and thoughts. That’s probably as defined as it was at the time … not very defined.” 

He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and completed his master’s at Notre Dame two years later. By that time, the priesthood was calling. 

“It was partly my time here and reflecting on my life and what I wanted to do that led me to this path,” he said. “I really didn’t decide anything until after I graduated in 1976. But then my thoughts coalesced, and this seemed like the right choice.” 

He was ordained as a Holy Cross priest in 1983 before earning doctoral degrees in philosophy from Oxford University (1987 and 1989) and a Master of Divinity and Licentiate in sacred theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California (1988). 

In 1990, Jenkins joined the philosophy department at Notre Dame. He’d later serve as a vice president and associate provost under Nathan Hatch, who in 2005 became president of Wake Forest University.  

Becoming the University of Notre Dame's 17th president

In the spring of 2004, Malloy announced he was retiring following the academic year. He had served in that office since Hesburgh’s retirement in 1987 and planted many of the seeds that Jenkins fostered to maturity under his watch. 

By that time, the soft-spoken and cerebral Jenkins had been sufficiently groomed to ascend to the presidency, which Notre Dame’s bylaws require be a Holy Cross priest.  

“So, it’s not a big pool,” Jenkins wryly joked. “The board of trustees makes the decision. You’ll have to ask them how they arrived at it. I just responded as well as I could and took the role when I was asked. The rest is history.” 

And it’s quite a history.  

Since taking over, the university has undergone a construction boom both on and around campus worth billions. That includes the over $400 million Campus Crossroads project completed in 2018 that modernized Notre Dame Stadium by integrating it into the university’s academic and student lifestyle mission. 

That includes the Stinson-Remick Hall of Engineering (2009), the Irish Athletic Center (2019) the Compton Family Ice Center (2011) and a major renovation of the Joyce Center (Purcell Pavilion). 

That also includes the Walsh Family Hall of Architecture (2019), Irish Green (2009) and the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art (2023).  

And flowing just beyond the southern border of campus across Angela Boulevard, that includes Innovation Park, Eddy Street Commons and countless high-end housing infill down Notre Dame Avenue, the Northeast neighborhood and the blocks surrounding it. 

“It was very important,” Jenkins said of the facility upgrade plan. “A lot of those buildings have allowed us to improve on research and other things that are important.” 

Such as livability on and around campus, as well as a stronger and more natural connection with the South Bend community. 

“We think of that area by Angela as the front yard of the university where we connect with the community,” Jenkins said. “There’s the DeBartalo Performing Arts Center, which is a wonderful venue for live performances, theater and movies. The Raclin now is for fine arts, visual arts. Both are great for campus and a connection to the community and the cultural richness of this area." 

South Bend Mayor James Mueller, himself a Notre Dame graduate, knows the history between the university and the city and the stretches of isolation between the two.

Therefore, he knows how far the working relationship has come.

“The city was world-famed and the place to be before Studebaker closed (in 1963)," Mueller explained. "Under Father Hesburgh, Notre Dame rose to international fame, but for the most part, the city and the university were doing their own thing. It was Father Malloy who began in the late 1980s to start rebuilding connections with the city.

“Father Jenkins took it to the next level.” 

Becoming a leading research university

Since Day 1 of his presidency, Jenkins’ top objectives have been establishing Notre Dame as a top research university in the country, increasing undergraduate financial aid to strengthen socioeconomic diversity and attracting more international students. 

The first initiative he mentioned during his inaugural address was that Notre Dame “enthusiastically embrace” its potential as a major research university.  

To Jenkins, it was the next obvious step. 

“Notre Dame made its name as a great undergraduate university,” he said. “For a long time, it’s been recognized as an excellent place for undergraduates to come and learn and grow as people. That was our crown jewel. That was our strength. 

“Our opportunity for growth was, and is, as a research university. That’s hard to do. It’s hard to build the resources for that, it’s hard to find the faculty that can help you lead in that way. So, it’s a long-term effort.” 

One that dates back to Hesburgh's tenure, and Malloy’s. Under Jenkins, Notre Dame took that momentum and hit the gas. It’s now the only religiously affiliated member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which consists of 71 of the nation’s top research schools.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb marvels at what Jenkins and his team have been able to accomplish in research in such a short time. That research has become critical, Holcomb said, to Indiana's overall growth strategy, especially in trying to attract federal hubs to the state and emerging as a leader in artificial technology.

“It all starts with research," Holcomb told The Tribune this week. "Father Jenkins looked out over the horizon and asked, 'How do we become not just a global player, but leader at the beginning of the spectrum?' That’s the research before the creation.  

“It’s incredible how fast and far Notre Dame has come with its commitment on the research front. The state relies on — to be blunt — Notre Dame’s advancements."

According to Notre Dame’s 2033 Strategic Framework, the university raised $78 million in external research funding in 2004. In 2022, that annual figure reached $281 million. 

More: When Notre Dame president Rev. John Jenkins steps down, legacy of research will remain

Innovation Park and the subsequent IDEA Center stand as the centerpieces of Notre Dame’s proliferation as a research power while tethering it even more to community benefit. 

“The IDEA Center and Innovation Park are about moving the ideas and discoveries of faculty to practical applications in businesses,” Jenkins said. “Unless you’re strong in research, you can’t have that impact. We’ve come to a point where we are strong enough that we can be helpful to the region. Things like the IDEA Center are the translation of ideas into practical effects. 

“That’s why it’s an opportunity both for us here at Notre Dame and the community to take advantage of this innovation and make this region ever more vital, economically strong and prosperous.” 

Leading the university family through tragedy

Although Notre Dame’s future has brightened under Jenkins’ leadership, there were still dark days to navigate. 

On the turbulent fall afternoon of Oct. 27, 2010, Notre Dame junior Declan Sullivan, a videographer for then first-year head coach Brian Kelly’s football program, was recording an outdoor practice from atop a 40-foot lift positioned along Courtney Lane.  

Wind gusts blasted past 50 miles per hour, one of which toppled Sullivan’s lift, killing the 20-year-old Chicago native in front of players, coaches and classmates. 

Shortly before the tragedy, Sullivan tweeted about the conditions: “This is terrifying. I guess I’ve lived long enough.”

There was profound sadness, but also outrage that Sullivan was sent up in the gale. 

Jenkins alluded that it was the most difficult and trying moment of his 19-year tenure. 

“Nothing,” Jenkins said, “is harder than losing a student.” 

Shortly after the incident, Jenkins told the broader Notre Dame community in a letter that “Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe.” 

While Kelly, athletic director Jack Swarbrick and Jenkins were adamantly criticized by the general public, the Sullivan family refrained. Instead, they put their energy into creating a foundation that serves under-resourced children in Chicago.  

Jenkins said he is inspired by how the Sullivans transformed Declan’s memory into hope for others. 

“It’s such a wonderfully positive story,” the priest said of the Declan Drumm Sullivan Memorial Fund. “It’s going through darkness to make sense of the whole thing. … The Sullivans have become friends.” 

Dealing with Obama and 'Rose Garden' controversy

As had become custom at Notre Dame, Jenkins invited freshly sworn-in U.S. President Barack Obama to deliver the 2009 commencement address.  

He became the eighth sitting president to address Notre Dame students on campus. Others include Franklin D. Roosevelt (1935), Dwight Eisenhower (1960), Gerald Ford (1975), Jimmy Carter (1977), Ronald Reagan (1981, just two months after he was shot in an assassination attempt, and 1988), George H.W. Bush (1992), and George W. Bush (2001 and 2005).  

Then-Rep. John F. Kennedy, who would go on to become the nation’s first Catholic president, delivered the winter commencement address in 1950. Then-Vice President Joe Biden, along with former Speaker of the House John Boehner, both spoke at Notre Dame when they were awarded The Laetare Medal by Jenkins in 2016. 

Obama’s pro-choice stance on abortion — contrary to Catholic teaching — immediately sparked a firestorm of criticism that stills bubbles to the surface yet today. 

Undeterred, Jenkins saw the invitation through. 

“I hope we’re a place where people can come to speak,” Jenkins said, “even if we disagree.”  

After Donald Trump was elected president in 2016, Jenkins invited Vice President Mike Pence, a former Indiana congressman and governor, to speak at commencement. As with Obama, Pence’s address was met with some protest in a polarized political climate. 

“If I’m proud of anything,” Jenkins insisted, "it’s we’re able to have a range of voices and still listen to people and say what you think. That’s what a university is about.”  

Obama remains the last sitting president to speak on campus.  

In 2020, Notre Dame was to host the first presidential debate — Jenkins is on the board of directors for the Commission of Presidential Debates. The university, however, withdrew as a host site with the COVID-19 pandemic raging. 

Perhaps the most “embarrassing” moment of Jenkins’ time as president came in September 2020, when Trump announced the Supreme Court nomination of Notre Dame law professor Amy Coney Barrett during a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House.  

Unmasked during the event, Jenkins was one of over a dozen attendees to contract COVID, including Trump.  

Jenkins recovered but was prompted to write an apology to students, faculty and staff.  

"It was a bad decision by me," Jenkins told the National Catholic Reporter. "… It was dumb and I shouldn't have done it." 

'Do something great'

For Jenkins, who took office when he was 51, there are still far more recognitions and achievements than regrets. 

He piloted an already soaring university into even more rarified air within global academia. 

Through long-term financial planning and investment, Notre Dame’s endowment has grown from around $4 billion in 2005 to over $20 billion, among the most valuable in higher education. 

“If you don’t have the financial basis,” Jenkins said, “you can’t achieve the aspirations you want to achieve — whether its financial aid or research or anything else.” 

And Notre Dame’s athletic programs flourished, winning 10 national championships under Jenkins’ and Swarbrick’s leadership. The duo also helped direct the historically proud football program back to national prominence, while maintaining its independence.  

The accomplishments are simply too many to list. 

“It’s a very demanding job, so your heart better be in it,” Jenkins said. “There are two things to this job: There’s the big vision and then there’s the day-to-day. I had a lot to learn about the day-to-day. I told myself to each day come in more knowledgeable than I was the day before.  

“Learn every day.” 

When French priest Father Edward Sorin founded Notre Dame in 1842 after a long and harsh journey north, he proclaimed, "This college will be one of the most powerful means of doing good in this country."

Holcomb, who is finishing the final year of his second term as governor, calls Jenkins "an international powerhouse," who is "living out Father Sorin's charge."

When Holcomb was first elected governor eight years ago, one of the first calls he received was from Jenkins.

"He may not remember it, but I sure do," Holcomb said. "… Father John is a true North Star in terms of civil conduct in civic duty. That’s a pretty powerful one-two punch."

Jenkins plans to stay at Notre Dame and teach again and write. He also wants to remain a resource for Dowd, much the way Malloy and Hesburgh, who died in 2015, were for him. 

“They alone knew what the job involved,” Jenkins said of his predecessors. “They knew its pressures and difficulties. To have someone to talk to who understood that was a great benefit. 

“I hope I can do for my successor what Father Malloy and Father Hesburgh did for me.” 

So, what will he miss most about being president at Notre Dame? 

“You’re in the middle of really important conversations,” Jenkins said. “That’s all great, and I’ll miss that. But what I’ll miss most is the team I work with. I’m blessed to have talented, smart, dedicated people. Our success is the fact that people came together to do something great.” 

Michael Wanbaugh is an editor at the South Bend Tribune. Email at [email protected] or follow on Twitter @MWanbaugh .

Flatley Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

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IRB & Human Subjects Research

The University of Notre Dame reviews all human subjects research conducted by University students, faculty, and staff. The group tasked with this review is called an Institutional Review Board (IRB), and their role is primarily to determine if the research meets certain ethical standards and principles.

What is "human subjects research"?

• Do I need to submit anything to the IRB?

How will the IRB review my research?

How do i submit a protocol to the irb.

• Who do I contact for help?

The IRB is required to review certain categories of “human subjects research.” While the definition of the phrase “human subjects research” may seem obvious, the federal regulations that govern IRB review define it more narrowly than many assume. Not every interaction with a person constitutes “human subjects research,” and comparing your proposed research with the actual definition of "human subject" and "research" should be among the first steps you take.

Human Subject

A “human subject” is a living individual, about whom an investigator conducting research obtains:

1.    data through intervention or interaction with the individual, OR

2.    identifiable private information

Please note that a human subject is not simply any person with whom the investigator interacts- the interaction must result in data about the person, themselves. Intervention and interaction can include procedures done actively in person (interviews), passively (observation), and those done electronically (phone calls, emails, and electronic surveys). Intervention may also include manipulation of a subject’s environment.

Private data is information about characteristics or behavior in a context in which a person can reasonably expect no observation or recording is taking place. Examples may include a medical record, bank account information, and similar types of information. However, it may also include personal beliefs or responses, which a subject would not otherwise publicize.

Identifiable information allows an observer to determine the identity of the source, whether that is through identifiers like name, date of birth, address, phone number, and more, or it may be through the use of a code or other data maintained to linking research information to the source.

“Research” is defined as:

1.    a systematic investigation,

2.    which is designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge

Systematic investigation means the researcher has identified a plan to collect data in order to answer a research question. This can include both data collection through communication with subjects, or secondary analysis of already-collected data.

When an investigation is designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge , it is intended to provide general conclusions, which can be applied beyond a single individual, population, internal program or organization. Publication of results alone is not determinative when considering whether a project has been designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge. You should consider carefully who will be informed by the results to your investigation.

Examples of activities that are not typically considered to contribute to generalizable knowledge include:

• biographies
• oral histories designed only to create a record of events
• service or course evaluations
• services, courses, or concepts not intended to be shared outside of a particular class, school, organization, or the immediate University of Notre Dame community
• some classroom exercises, if they are not intended to result in information which will inform populations outside of the University
• quality improvement or assurance methods

Please note that a thesis, dissertation, or academic research project may or may not constitute research . While some institutions determine status as “human subjects research” based on these designations, but this is not an appropriate method of classification.

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Do I need to submit anything to the IRB?

If your project is “research,” as defined above, and it involves “human subjects,” then it must be reviewed by the IRB. “Human subjects research” that is initiated without or before IRB review and approval can result in project suspension, or additional This review may be completed in several different ways, depending on the appropriate level of review for the project.

In addition to reviewing all human subjects research, the University of Notre Dame provides a review of projects that require a determination that it does not meet the definition of human subjects research. If your research involves interaction or intervention with “human subjects” as described above, but you do not believe it meets the “research” definition, you may submit an abbreviated protocol for "Non-human Subjects Research"  confirmation by Notre Dame Research Compliance.

Level of Review

The method by which your proposed research is reviewed can vary depending on the purpose, scope, and procedures involved. The level of review under which a projects falls cannot be determined simply by assessing risk to subjects, or making an overall judgment about the type of research. Many factors are involved, and if you find yourself unsure about the appropriate level of review for your project, please contact Notre Dame Research Compliance ( [email protected] ). To review some general areas of research, and where they likely fall within a level of review, their office provides the following chart .

Non-human Subjects Research

Projects that do not meet the definition of human subjects research above, but involve interaction with individuals or access to their data , may be submitted for review. This review is brief, and simply a determination as to whether the project meets the definition. A submission can be useful when a publisher, sponsor, or department request that a project receive review.

Research that is minimal risk and fits within one of five categories of research can be reviewed and determined to be “Exempt” from regulations governing IRB review. A brief submission can be completed, describing the research. If the project is determined to be Exempt, several requirements (renewal, written informed consent, etc.) would not apply to the research.

Expedited Research that does not fall within an Exempt category but is still minimal risk may fall within one of seven categories of research called “Expedited.” While the name can sometimes be accurate in terms of the length of time a project is under review, it is intended to describe a review process that bypasses the full IRB . Instead of sending Expedited projects to the monthly Board meeting, these can be sent to individual reviewers as they are received from researchers. Expedited and Full Board are the two types of research that are responsible for following regulations covering IRB review of research.

Any research that cannot fit within Exempt or Expedited categories, and any research that is greater than minimal risk, must be reviewed by the full IRB at a monthly meeting. Any research reviewed by the full board must be re-submitted for review on an annual basis, unless the IRB determines the research to be minimal risk at initial review.

When protocol submissions are first received by the Compliance Office, we do a preliminary pre-review to identify any omitted information or documents, suggest edits, and more before sending the submission on to a reviewer.

Exempt and non-human subjects research are reviewed by the Notre Dame Research Compliance Office as these proposals are received. These proposals are typically reviewed and (depending on revisions or additional information requested) approved within about a week of submission.

Expedited submissions are pre-reviewed, then sent on to an individual IRB member for review outside of the meetings. This review can take anywhere from two to three weeks.

Full Board submissions are assigned to the next full board meeting. New studies should be submitted no later than two weeks before an IRB meeting to be assigned to the agenda for that date.

For all submissions, timing of the review depends on many factors: the complexity of the proposal, the quality of the submission, the responsiveness of the investigator, as well as the availability of the IRB reviewer. Please be sure to maintain contact with the Compliance Office as comments are sent back to you in the eProtocol system, and make sure that you have carefully reviewed all information before you submit it.

A crucial part of developing a research project is careful thought about any risks to subjects who participate. No human subjects research is without risk. Whenever you interact with a subject there is a potential that the individual could be made uncomfortable by the interaction. Even the most innocuous of interviews or tasks can result in discomfort. Anytime private, identifiable data is accessed and recorded, there is the potential for the loss of confidentiality, or that someone outside the research learns the identity of a participant or information about them. In addition to these risks, you should consider any risks presented by individual procedures within your project. For example, a study drawing blood from subjects carries the risk that a subject becomes bruised at the site of the draw. A study which conducts a focus group with multiple participants at once carries the risk that one of them becomes embarrassed discussing the topic, or that another subject shares information outside of the session. Risks should be identified that can be reasonably anticipated considering the procedures completed by participants.

For all risks, you should consider methods for protecting against them. For risks like the loss of confidentiality, consider establishing a protocol by which data is de-identified as early as possible. For risks like becoming uncomfortable when asked certain questions, always allow subjects to end their participation if they wish to do so. For risks that are physical, consider a plan to address these as they arise.

Informed Consent

Informed consent is the process by which a potential subject is provided adequate information about the research to make a decision about their participation. All individuals approached about your project must be voluntarily willing to participate before you include them.

Informed consent is not just a document to be signed; it includes all information provided to a subject regarding the study. If you provide a consent form in person to potential subjects, it must be used within the context of a discussion that covers any questions a subject might have. If you provide consent information electronically, or not in person, you must include your contact information so that each potential subject’s concerns or questions can be answered.

Exempt research does not require written informed consent (a signature on a consent form). However, we strongly recommend that you consider drafting a consent form without a signature line at the bottom to provide as a resource during recruitment.

Expedited research requires written informed consent, or a waiver. You can find an Informed Consent template  in the Resources Library ( https://research.nd.edu/our-services/resource-library/ ). This template should be revised to fit your individual project, but there are certain elements that must be included on an informed consent form. These elements are found in headings on the Informed Consent template at the link provided.

Waiver of Documentation of Informed Consent

When appropriate, you may request a waiver of the requirement that you get a signed informed consent form from each subject. This does not remove the requirement that a subject be provided information about the research, and a verbal consent would need to be obtained from all subjects. Circumstances that may suggest this waiver is appropriate may include:

• Study interactions which only take place over the phone or internet
• Interviews or surveys in which no other identifying information is recorded, and possibly involving sensitive subject matter

Waiver of Consent

It may be appropriate to request a waiver of the entire consent process. This means subjects would be enrolled without providing their consent . Several criteria must be met for this to be approved, including explanation for why the research would be “impracticable” to complete without the waiver. These are typically requested for projects that only involve analysis of already-collected data, or where subjects never interact with the researchers.

Vulnerable Populations

The IRB is required to consider whether a researcher has implemented appropriate protections for any subjects falling under a category considered “vulnerable.” These specific categories are children, pregnant women, and prisoners.

Minors in the jurisdiction in which research takes place cannot provide their own informed consent to participate in research. Any research that includes minors must consider the process by which the informed consent of parents (or parental permission) will be obtained. In addition, a level of risk specific to children must be determined.

Prisoners cannot be included in Exempt research. Projects including prisoners must meet one of four categories of research involving prisoners, and careful consideration will need to be made regarding concerns like benefits resulting from participation in the research.

Pregnant Women

Special consideration must be given to research enrolling pregnant women, both regarding any risk to the mother and child, as well as any potential benefit to both.

The categories identified above are not the only groups who may be particularly vulnerable as research subjects. You should think carefully about any vulnerabilities of subjects you recruit, including individuals lacking capacity to provide consent, economically disadvantaged, and more. Also worth considering are situational vulnerabilities, such as a student being asked by their instructor to participate in research, or an employee being asked by their employer to do the same.

International Research

Human subjects research conducted by University of Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students must be reviewed by the IRB, whether or not it takes place on campus, including projects that are designed to be conducted overseas. When reviewing international research, the IRB considers factors that may be involved, including:

• Any language barriers, or experience the study team has speaking local languages
• Local review required, including IRB (or equivalent), government, and/or any entities identified as study sites
• Cultural considerations that present risks unique to the subject population
• Methods for storing data and securing any sensitive information

Researchers wishing to conduct international research are strongly encouraged to make an effort to identify any additional steps that may be required early, to avoid delay during IRB review . Laws and regulations can vary significantly from country to country. It would be advisable to enlist the help of someone with experience, either conducting research in the location you plan to visit, or with experience in that particular culture.

Faculty Advisor

A faculty advisor must be identified by any student who wishes to conduct human subjects research. This advisor should be someone who is able to review your proposed research and offer guidance about your study design, subject population, planned interventions, and more. We recommend that the advisor have carried out research in the past, although this is not a requirement. In addition to assisting with your research design and implementation, the advisor must have completed CITI human subjects research training .

All submissions to the IRB, including Non-human subjects research, are completed using the eProtocol system. To access the system, please go to https://nd.keyusa.net .

How to submit a Protocol for IRB review and approval : IRB eProtocol walk through Faculty advisor approval :  Instructions

CITI Training

All investigators conducting human subjects research (Exempt, Expedited, Full Board) must complete the prerequisite CITI human subjects training. One of the following two courses must have been completed within the past three years:

• Biomedical Research (Basic Course); or
• Social & Behavioral Research (Basic Course)

To complete these courses, or search to see if you have already completed them, please login through the University of Notre Dame account, at the following link: https://www.citiprogram.org/?pageID=668 .

Notre Dame Research Compliance is available to assist you with questions about your research, as well as IRB submission and review. Please email them at [email protected] .

The Law School

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Stories of Notre Dame Law School's Class of 2024 Graduates

Published: May 16, 2024 Author: Notre Dame Law School

This weekend we will celebrate Commencement with the Notre Dame Law School Class of 2024, marking the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of their legal careers.

Every student arrived here with a unique story, bringing diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. During their time here at Notre Dame Law School, they've discovered their individual paths — their personal meanings — to become a “different kind of lawyer.”

Meet twelve of our outstanding graduates. Through their experiences, they embody the essence of our mission, demonstrating diverse ways in which they've embraced and enhanced Notre Dame Law School, the wider University community, and beyond.

Sarah Anderson Callie Chaney Morgan and Sam Gafford Colton Gregg Quiazia Huerta Bray McDonnell Macio Sexton, Jr. Bernadette Shaughnessy Arlinda Shehu Will White Jamal Wilson

Sarah Anderson

For Sarah Anderson, beginning law school wasn’t solely about adjusting to the academic rigor and learning case law and legal theories — it was also balancing these demands with the joys and challenges of motherhood. Sarah started law school with a newborn daughter and welcomed her second child — a son — during her third year.

“It was challenging, but it put things into perspective,” said Sarah. “People really stressed about doing well in school, but I was forced to feel it less because I had other things going on. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely felt stressed, but I had to be very efficient with my time so when I was home, I could be fully present with my family and children.”

Late nights were routine, and Sarah usually studied from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. “When my kids woke up in the middle of the night, nursing them was my study break. My husband would then whisk them away so I could continue studying."

She says her professors were very supportive. “That has been a blessing being at Notre Dame. People are not just understanding, but celebratory,” said Sarah.

In addition, Sarah commutes to campus over an hour each way. “My husband works outside of Chicago, and it was very important for us to be home with our family every day. So, we chose to live in the middle and commute out.”

After earning her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University, she worked for five years as a mechanical engineer. Initially, law school wasn't on her radar, but as she contemplated advanced degree options, she was drawn to the field of law.

Sarah chose ND Law for its ranking and the opportunity to learn about a different side of Christianity. Additionally, she sought a place that fostered individual authenticity. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sarah said, “I appreciate that Notre Dame as a Catholic school embraces diversity in religious beliefs.”

During law school, Sarah participated in activities that complemented her lifestyle, such as the Notre Dame Law in Chicago Externship, where she worked at the non-profit agency Hammond Legal Aid, conveniently located near her home.

"At Hammond Legal Aid, I came to realize the widespread lack of legal understanding and the challenges many face in navigating the law," said Sarah. "Being with individuals during some difficult moments, providing essential legal guidance, and witnessing the vital role of legal services firsthand, I felt genuinely privileged to offer assistance.”

She also participated in the Mediation Clinic, where she assisted people with sensitive and intimate aspects of their lives. "When we reach an agreement, you feel like you are genuinely helping people, and I had an extra pep in my step," she said.

Sarah spent both her summers at Perkins Coie LLP in San Diego, California, focusing on patent litigation. Participation in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s National Patent Application Drafting Competition and Intensive Trial Advocacy, along with her engineering background, affirmed patent litigation was for her. The Anderson family will relocate to San Diego, where Sarah will join Perkins Coie after graduation.

At law school, Sarah found resonance in the pursuit of balance as a lawyer. “We all have passions, not just as aspiring attorneys, but as individuals. In the legal profession, there are many demands. Notre Dame emphasizes that a ‘different kind of lawyer’ not only excels as a lawyer, but also recognizes the significance of other aspects of life. Achieving balance in these areas enriches our personal lives and enhances our effectiveness as lawyers.”

For Sarah, navigating motherhood and a legal career has been a balancing act.

“I don’t want to be a mediocre mother and a mediocre attorney. I want to be a great attorney and a great mother,” said Sarah. “Notre Dame Law School has been a great place to give me the tools and the encouragement to be able to do just that.”

Callie Chaney

Callie Chaney was born, raised, and educated through her undergraduate studies in the Appalachian Hills. From Hindman, Kentucky, Chaney graduated with her bachelor’s degree in business administration in three years from Alice Lloyd College, a work college that allows students to earn tuition assistance by working through their studies.

Callie chose Notre Dame Law School with the aim of participating in the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic, an aspiration that came to fruition. For the past two years, Callie has represented three different clients as an intern for the clinic. Her experience included preparing for a deposition, traveling across the United States for investigations, and meeting with her clients in prison. The most meaningful part of her work at the EJC, she says, has been the ability to give her clients hope. She recently received the Tia B. Paulette and Erika S. Gustin Award, for demonstrating a personal and professional commitment to criminal justice while furthering the goals of the Exoneration Justice Clinic.

Her passion for the work of the EJC is also very personal to Callie. Her father was indicted when she was in the eighth grade. He was incarcerated a couple years later, which sparked her passion for providing legal assistance for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. “I wanted to fight for the daughters of all the other incarcerated fathers, particularly for those whose incarceration is unjust,” she said.

Notre Dame Law School’s Intensive Trial Advocacy and Advanced Trial Practice courses affirmed Callie’s calling to be a litigator. Her theatrical trial openings combined with her natural Southern drawl made for memorable arguments, which her professor described as “some good old-fashioned Kentucky storytelling.” Callie pinned this moment as the first time in her law school career where she felt like she was supposed to be a lawyer. “At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a litigator. I wanted to be in court as a public defender to tell stories in a compelling way to bring justice for my clients.”

Callie has served as a class representative for the Student Bar Association, volunteered for the Law School’s new Special Education Law Clinic, and completed the Appalachian Externship. She used her background in business administration to serve as a consultant for a gold mining company in Ghana as part of her participation in the Business on the Frontlines course at the Mendoza College of Business. Outside of law studies, she starred in the Notre Dame performance of Steel Magnolias as M’Lynn Eatenton.

During her summers, Callie worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Billings, Montana and for Lovey and Lovey, a civil rights firm based in Chicago that allowed her to work on civil rights cases in Kentucky.

“There were times that I battled with imposter syndrome and all these things that made me think, ‘Do I belong?’ But at the end of the day, I know I can sit down and talk with somebody, hear their story, and relate to them, and advocate for them, and make them feel heard. And sometimes that’s the best you can do and even better than knowing the books inside and out.”

Callie says that growing up in Kentucky, she always thought she may want to leave. “I’m from a two traffic light town where I have lived my entire life. I thought there was so much out there in the world that I wanted to go see and do and then I got here and realized how much I missed home.” After she graduates, Chaney will move back home to Kentucky and serve as a public defender.

Morgan and Sam Gafford 

Morgan and Sam Gafford had been married two years and were both teaching English in South Korea when they first contemplated law school. Sam had studied and worked as an accountant after college, and Morgan had studied English before moving to Korea. While there, they took the LSAT, researched their options, and began preparing application materials.

Their approach was to apply to the same schools and see what happened. “We shot high,” said Morgan. “Our marriage is the best thing in the world, but I am my own person, so we went through the process together but as individuals.”

While they waited, they received news in early January 2021 that Morgan's mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The next day, Morgan received the email that she had been accepted to Notre Dame. A few minutes later, Sam also received his acceptance email.

“It was the highest of highs with the lowest of lows. Notre Dame was the first school that we got admitted to and I thought it must be a sign. I was raised Catholic and I am fairly religious, so I knew it would be a fit for me, but I also wanted Sam to be comfortable,” said Morgan.

Morgan said that when they visited campus, they sensed something special at Notre Dame. “It is different here,” agreed Sam.

Morgan has been involved in the Women’s Legal Forum, has served as vice president of First Generation Professionals, and was the executive managing editor for the Journal of Legislation. She also participated as a law student in Business on the Frontlines, an MBA program within the Mendoza College of Business.

Initially considering criminal or civil law, Morgan's perspective shifted after her first-year summer in a prosecutor’s office. Then, she took a tax law class and was sold. Her second-year summer at Deloitte reinforced her passion. There, she enjoyed collaboration between lawyers and accountants and opportunities for research and writing. Now, she eagerly anticipates starting her career at Deloitte in Chicago.

Meanwhile, Sam was also discerning his path. He originally thought he would do IP, tax, or criminal law. During his second-year summer, he worked for the DuPage County Prosecutor’s office in Illinois and had the opportunity to participate in trials, and loved it.

“I saw a light in his eyes,” said Morgan. “Law school has been very humbling, and it is completely okay to pursue what makes you happy!”

After graduation, Sam will return to DuPage County to start work as an Assistant State’s Attorney.

While at Notre Dame, Sam served as president of the Tax Law Society and was a senior editor for the Notre Dame Journal on Emerging Technologies. In addition, he worked as a research assistant for Intensive Trial Advocacy and adjunct professor John Conway, an experience he regards as one of his favorites in law school.

For Sam, being a “different kind of lawyer” is not just doing your job but doing it well and knowing there is more to it than just ‘this is my job.’What you do affects others. It has widespread effects on your community, especially in criminal law.”

Being a “different kind of lawyer” to Morgan means being a lawyer that is true to yourself. “Don’t be consumed by everything else, but just be who you are. And to me that means being empathetic and compassionate, and listening to people before determining the outcome of their case.”

They said that being in law school together has been a tremendous experience. They both understood the demands and were able to empathize with what each was going through, despite having very different study habits and schedules.

“I am so glad we are doing this together because, if not, we would have had no idea of what the other was experiencing,” said Sam.

“I came from a difficult background and grew up in relative poverty. Just being able to get to college was a struggle,” said Sam. “It has been nice to feel supported here at Notre Dame, even if I don’t have full family support, apart from my siblings. I have felt that here, especially from the Career Development Office.”

“I am really proud of him,” said Morgan. “We met the first week of college at Eureka College. I took his hand, said ‘Come on, let's go!’ and here we are. Doing this together has been so unbelievable.”

Sam and Morgan are the first in their families to graduate from college. They acknowledge the invaluable support of the First Generation Professionals group. And although their children won't be first-generation, they said, “We hope to give back as much as Notre Dame Law School has given to us.”

Colton Gregg

For Colton Gregg, the journey to a J.D. has not been without its challenges. As a first-generation student and a member of the LGBT community, Colton worried that he would feel out of place at Notre Dame. What he found instead was strong mentorship, a close-knit community, and the skills and knowledge he needed to be a “different kind of lawyer.”

A native of Burleson, Texas, Colton earned a degree in finance from the University of Texas at Arlington. He enjoyed the intersection of economics and finance — a subject matter which seemed to lend itself to a career in corporate law.

“I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was eight years old,” said Colton. “I applied to law schools and got waitlisted everywhere, which really felt like a sign that I should stay in finance. But, after a year, I still really wanted to be a lawyer.”

When he began applying to law schools, he mostly was looking at schools on the east coast and in Texas, to be close to home.

“Ending up at Notre Dame was a little bit of a happy accident,” said Colton. “But I knew Notre Dame was a good school and I was raised Catholic, so I applied. It ended up being the best option for me. When I came and visited, I just fell in love.”

Colton found a student mentor who showed him the ropes and helped him make connections and feel at home in the Law School. Colton is also the second youngest in the 3L class, and he grappled with imposter syndrome, but found support among fellow students.

“Even though I was worried I didn’t measure up, I was never made to feel ‘less than’ by my classmates,” Gregg said. “People have, by and large, been very willing to bridge the gap and not make me feel othered, and I can’t express how important that’s been for me.”

He is also thankful for faculty members he considers his mentors, including adjunct professor Judge Damon Leichty of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

“Judge Leichty is more than just a professor to me,” he said. “He’s a brilliant legal scholar and someone I want to emulate in my own legal work. He’s been very gracious and willing to mentor me and other students, and it’s hard to overestimate the scope of the impact he’s had.”

Colton completed an externship with Judge Leichty, which provided a firsthand understanding of the profound impact legal work can have on people's lives.

He is involved with the Notre Dame Journal of Legislation as the executive articles editor and is a member of the LGBT Law Forum.

Colton serves as assistant rector at Sorin College, where he mentors young undergraduate men. “Sorin College is one of the smaller dorms at Notre Dame, and I think that’s important because it’s allowed for us to create this close-knit community,” he said. “Our motto is ‘ frater pro fratre ,’ or, ‘brother for brother,’ which really speaks to the culture of inclusion we have at Sorin.”

After graduation, Colton will join Haynes and Boone, LLP in Dallas as an associate in investment management. He's excited to broaden his legal expertise there, while also promoting financial literacy and making a positive community impact.

“I think that a 'different kind of lawyer’ is a lawyer that recognizes that there’s a greater purpose to being a lawyer than simply billing clients or making money or winning a case,” Colton said. “That greater purpose could be different for different people, but it’s rooted in wanting to benefit others and benefit society as a whole.”

Quiazia Huerta

Red and blue lights flashed across four-year-old Quiazia Huerta's face in quick succession as she waited on the curb outside of her childhood home. At a young age, she had no idea what was happening, exacerbated by the fact that she was deaf at the time. In September 2001, the police department and Child Protective Services were called to her house to take custody of Quiazia and her siblings after the court ordered an emergency removal to ensure their safety.

Quiazia entered the foster care system when she was four years old. Until the age of 18, she would visit her local courthouse with her family so that her grandparents could file forms pertaining to their legal guardianship of Quiazia and her siblings. The many appearances that they made in family court marked her first exposure to the judicial system.

“Even at the age of four, I still have vague recollections of the fluorescent lights in the ceiling seemingly guiding our way to the sturdy wooden benches of the courtroom,” said Quiazia. “Although intellectually stimulating at times, within the context of my direct contact with the court system as a foster youth, law felt impersonal.”

But a “Gender and Law” course at her alma mater, the University of California, Los Angeles, challenged her previous perception of law as impersonal. Reading about a myriad of court cases provided Quiazia with snapshots into the lives of the people involved, propelling her to realize that the law and peoples’ personal lives are, in fact, intricately intertwined.

“The judicial and the personal — two things I had once felt were diametrically opposed — merged together,” she said. “The literature I was exposed to strengthened my interest in law, further informing my understanding of its effects and potential remedies.”

During her undergraduate studies, Quiazia was actively involved in Bruin Guardian Scholars, a program that provides foster youth with the necessary resources to excel at UCLA. She was also a fellow in the UCLA Law Fellows Program, which seeks to empower and support underrepresented college students who are interested in pursuing careers in law. After graduating from UCLA with a double major in African American studies and gender studies, Quiazia worked for two years before coming to Notre Dame Law School.

At Notre Dame, Quiazia served as the secretary of the Hispanic Law Students Association and 1L rep for Legal Voices for Children and Youth. She was also a member of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Intellectual Property Law Society, and Notre Dame Journal on Emerging Technologies.

She spent the summer after her first year of law school as an intern at DTE Energy. After her second year of law school, she worked as a legal intern at Canon, which she considers one of her favorite experiences. “They’re just very family-like,” she said. “Everyone at Canon was very encouraging and played an instrumental role in strengthening my practical skills and confidence.”

Quiazia credits her education for wiping away her once-negative associations with the judicial system and for catalyzing a new path for her to serve others. She aspires to do pro bono work in two areas that she is passionate about: family law and foster care reform.

“It will be my privilege to highlight the experiences of those who do not have the same platform I do, being that less than 10 percent of foster youth even graduate from college,” said Quiazia. “It is my duty to represent those who have been impacted by the foster care system to the best of my ability and be a positive force for change.”

Bray McDonnell

When Bray McDonnell realized that he no longer wanted to work in politics and left Washington, D.C., he came to Notre Dame, where he turned to a distinct, less contentious way to impact his community and engage in public service through legal work.

Bray earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from George Washington University. While interning with congressional, judicial, and advocacy offices, he initially pursued politics, but found the environment too transactional and hostile. With guidance from mentors, he transitioned out of government to law school, where he feels his true calling lies.

"During my time at George Washington, I enjoyed the legal classes within my major. The teaching style, particularly the Socratic method, challenged me," Bray explained. "While stepping away from the political side of legislative work, I didn’t leave law behind, but I wanted to find a way to interact with the law that put people first and addressed important issues head-on.”

He had heard many positive things about Notre Dame Law School from alumni in his professional network. Bray, having been raised in the Church, also placed a lot of value in Notre Dame’s Catholic mission. Notre Dame, he said, was the obvious choice.

During his time in law school, Bray was engaged in and out of the classroom. He served as the managing symposium editor for the Notre Dame Law Review.

“The Notre Dame Law Review is widely recognized and highly respected, and is certainly an attractive addition to any legal student’s resume,” said Bray. “It’s more than that for me, though. Through my work at the Law Review, I feel that I really played a part in moving legal scholarship forward.”

Bray was also the Vice President for Speakers for the Law School’s Federalist Society chapter. He emphasizes the society's role in fostering respectful engagement and facilitating open dialogue among individuals with differing viewpoints.

For Bray, being a “different kind of lawyer” is about following his conscience and trying to do the most good for the right reasons.

“St. Thérèse of Lisieux spoke about ‘the little way’ of doing things — or, doing small things with great love,” said Bray. “Through my legal work, I want to try and make people’s lives better by making the legal system work better. I want to put people ahead of my own success, and hopefully make a real, lasting impact.”

Outside of the classroom, Bray is very involved with music. His musical experience stretches back to when he began piano lessons in the first grade and joined the local boys’ choir in his hometown of San Francisco. He later learned to play the organ — a skill he credits with helping him grow in his faith and as a person. During his time at Notre Dame, he played the organ at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and acted as music director for the Law School’s St. Thomas More Chapel, where he plays piano for Law School Masses.

After graduation, Bray will clerk for Judge M. Miller Baker on the U.S. Court of International Trade, and will then return to McDermott Will & Emery in Washington, D.C., where he interned during his 2L summer. He is looking forward to working at a firm full of fun and interesting people, and expanding his legal experience through their broad scope of practice. In the future, Bray hopes to focus more on litigation and administrative law to influence public policy and ensure its deliberate crafting.

“It isn’t as glamorous as other kinds of legal work, or ’saving the world,’ so to speak,” said Bray, regarding a career in administrative law. “But any work that is done for the right reasons and with great love has the potential to impact many lives — and that’s the kind of work I can’t wait to do.”

Macio Sexton Jr.

“Breaking barriers and doing the impossible all started with basketball,” said Macio Sexton, Jr. Growing up in Hamilton, New Jersey, basketball was his passion, earning him scholarships to private schools in his early teens. However, fate intervened when he suffered a tibia injury, an event he now regards as a pivotal turning point.

“Before injuring myself, basketball consumed my world. But that setback became a springboard to diverse opportunities. It broadened my horizons, leading me to leadership roles in high school and thriving in various spheres beyond athletics,” said Macio.

An influential high school math teacher suggested a path in mergers and acquisitions law, sparking Macio’s interest in business and law. Macio eventually graduated from the College of William & Mary with a degree in finance with a business analytics concentration.

Macio decided to go straight from his undergraduate studies to law school after reaching out to Notre Dame Law School’s admissions office, which put him in touch with faculty, staff, and alumni. “After going through that experience of speaking with people from Notre Dame and learning its history, I knew that this place was special and somewhere I could see myself excelling,” he said.

Macio has excelled in an array of opportunities both within and beyond the Law School. He served as a legal extern for Notre Dame’s Office of General Counsel, a compliance extern for the Notre Dame Athletics Department, and the alumni manager for the Law School alumni relations office. Additionally, he was a graduate assistant for the director of player development for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, executive articles editor for the Notre Dame Journal on Emerging Technologies, and a member of the Notre Dame Black Law Students Association.

One of his highlights at Notre Dame these past two years was serving as the assistant rector for St. Edward’s Hall, the oldest residence hall on campus. “Being able to act as a role model to the young men of the hall is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done at Notre Dame,” he said. Citing welcome weekend as one of his favorite memories, Macio added, “Welcoming them to a community that thrives on inclusivity and camaraderie is not just a duty, but a privilege.”

He spent the summer after his second year of law school working as a summer associate at Ropes & Gray LLP, which awarded him the prestigious Roscoe Trimmier Jr. Diversity Scholarship.

After his first year of law school, Macio worked as a summer associate at Faegre Drinker in Chicago, where he will be working after graduation. And, it seems that Macio’s high school math teacher was somewhat right. While his work will not focus on mergers and acquisitions deals, Macio will be working in the firm’s investment management group, solving complex regulatory and structural challenges for investment funds –– advising on both business formation and growth.

For Macio, being a “different kind of lawyer” means elevating those around you. “It's understanding that genuine success isn't solely about personal accomplishments, but rather, about the positive ripple effect you create for your clients, colleagues, and community,” he said.

Just like before, Macio is on a trajectory towards breaking barriers and doing the impossible. “Before coming to law school, I didn’t know many lawyers,” he said. “Through becoming a lawyer, I am doing the impossible. I’m doing something for me and my family at the same time.”

Bernadette Shaughnessy

Bernadette Shaughnessy grew up outside of Cimarron, Kansas, a small rural town with a population of around 2,000 people. Her father worked in maintenance at a grain elevator, while her mother stayed at home and worked part-time for a local church.

Bernadette’s Catholic faith has been an integral part of her life from a young age, and her upbringing in southwest Kansas shaped her deep interest in religious liberty issues.

“I grew up in a traditionally Protestant community and a lot of friends and teachers had questions about Catholicism. I was already starting to explain my faith as early as the second grade,” she said. “Being able to stand up for my faith helped me learn to stand up for myself. So, I very much believe in the religious liberty mission.”

While she initially planned to be an accountant after graduating from Benedictine College, Bernadette felt a call to continue her studies and to serve through a legal career.

Bernadette’s friend, an alumna of both Benedictine College and Notre Dame Law School, encouraged her to apply to the Law School, and Bernadette later received a full-ride scholarship to attend from the J.L. Weigand, Jr. Notre Dame Legal Education Trust.

At Notre Dame, Bernadette is in the Dean’s Circle, a recognition given to students in the top 10 percent of each class. In addition to demonstrating academic excellence, Bernadette has consistently demonstrated her firm commitment to her faith and avid interest in religious liberty issues through her classes and extracurricular activities. She was a student fellow in Notre Dame Law School’s Religious Liberty Clinic for two years, during which she assisted with the clinic’s work in defending St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School — the nation's first religious charter school — and its mission to provide an authentically Catholic education for underserved children, especially those in Oklahoma's many rural areas. She related this unique academic experience to her own upbringing and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help rural Oklahomans receive an affordable, high-quality education that will support their faith.

Along with her involvement in the Religious Liberty Clinic, Bernadette served as treasurer of the Jus Vitae Association and president of the Saint Thomas More Society. She also taught Catechism classes at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend, as well as Short Course for Notre Dame students who desire to join the Catholic Church or receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Bernadette views being a “different kind of lawyer” as an act of service, not as a means to personal glory or prestige. “Being a ‘different kind of lawyer’ means seeing your legal career as a way of serving God and God’s people. I see it as a way to serve God and the people around me,” she said.

After graduation, Bernadette will clerk with Judge Raymond Gruender on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in St. Louis, Missouri for two years.

And, while she was the first in her family to attend law school, the Shaughnessy family will continue to make their mark at Notre Dame Law School. Her brother John just completed his first year here, and her brother Ambrose will begin his law school journey at Notre Dame this coming fall.

Arlinda Shehu

Arlinda Shehu and her family immigrated to the United States from Albania when she was 12 years old. In 1997, during a civil war, her father wrote to then-President Bill Clinton explaining their family’s economic situation and pleading for his family to come to America, offering to take on any kind of work. Although President Clinton never replied, Arlinda and her family eventually won a Green Card under the Diversity Visa Lottery program — a one-in-a-million chance.

However, Arlinda and her family faced significant challenges upon immigrating to the United States about 15 years ago.

“It was a very difficult transition,” Arlinda recalled. “None of us knew any English. We came during the 2008 recession, which meant that there were kids with degrees struggling to find jobs, let alone my parents who didn’t even speak English.”

“Throughout it all, of course, all my parents could say to me was that if I studied really hard and got good grades, something good would happen,” she said. “And of course, they were right.”

Arlinda graduated from Cornell University with a double major in philosophy and psychology and obtained her master's degree in philosophy from Columbia University. She pursued her graduate studies part-time while working full-time as a paralegal at a labor and employment firm before transferring to an asset management company.

“My path to law school was a zigzagging path. At one point, I considered going to business school or pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy. This is one of the difficulties of being a first-generation student. You don’t get a lot of mentorship,” said Arlinda. “Ultimately, I realized with the work that I was doing at the law firm, that they were giving us a lot of responsibility. So I thought, ‘Well, maybe I can do what these lawyers are doing.’”

After completing her graduate degree and working as a paralegal for three years, Arlinda excelled at Notre Dame Law School. She spent the summer after her first year of law school working as a research assistant for Professor Paolo Carozza. During her second year, she completed a year-long externship with Judge Damon R. Leichty, U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Indiana.

Arlinda spent the summer after her second year of law school working as a summer associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York, where she will be working after graduation, specifically in the firm’s antitrust litigation group.

She spent her third year of law school at the Notre Dame London Law Programme, serving as the graduate residence fellow at Conway Hall and a semester representative for the law students. She was also a research assistant for Professor Mark Hill KC.

Throughout her law school journey, Arlinda has not forgotten her roots as a first-generation student, having served as president of the First Generation Professionals student organization. She credits the Law School for giving her the opportunity to share her background and serve as a mentor to others with diverse backgrounds through First Generation Professionals. She is thankful to the Law School for being so supportive of first-generation students.

“Being a ‘different kind of lawyer’ means being me — an immigrant kid from Albania who is going to be an attorney at a top law firm,” said Arlinda. “I never thought that I would be where I am today. The fact that I’ll be able to even call myself a lawyer is outstanding. It’s the greatest blessing.”

Arlinda is a first-generation college graduate. Her mother is a housekeeper, and her father was a janitor before he retired.

“The fact that I have this sort of socioeconomic background, this perspective, this work ethic that I bring to the legal field — that’s what being a ‘different kind of lawyer’ means to me.”

During his time at Notre Dame Law School, Will White has dedicated himself to service of his community, his family, and his country.

After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2017, Will, a Houston native, was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer. He was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina (now Fort Liberty) and was deployed for nine months to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division.

“When I joined the Army, I didn’t really know that I wanted to pursue becoming a Judge Advocate. While on deployment, I had several meaningful experiences with Judge Advocates. They were always confident and seemed to know the right answer for soldiers and commanders,” he said. His experience with Judge Advocates led him to apply for an Army program that would allow him to earn a law degree while continuing to serve on Active Duty.

During his law school summers, Will worked for a military justice prosecution office with the JAG Corps at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., and learned different legal areas as a legal intern at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, where he rotated among administrative law, legal assistance, labor and employment, and military justice prosecution offices.

While a student at Notre Dame Law School, Will has been involved with the Military Veteran Law Society and the Journal of International & Comparative Law. During his first year at the Law School, he also tutored middle school students at the Robinson Center.

While in law school, Will and his wife, Kristi, celebrated the birth of their first child, Anderson. Every weekend, Will travels to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his wife, who also serves as an Army Officer, is stationed.

“The support from my wife, who works a full-time job while raising our son, has been tremendous. I spend about three or four days a week here and the other time with them in Pittsburgh,” said Will. “Notre Dame has been very understanding and supportive in allowing me to succeed in law school while supporting a family.”

After graduation, Will plans to move back to Fort Liberty, North Carolina with his family to serve as a Judge Advocate in the Army. For him, being a “different kind of lawyer” has centered around knowing how best he can support other military Officers whose shoes he was once in.

Will said, “It’s not only knowing the law but being able to give guidance outside of the law to our clients. For me, it’s considering other ethical and moral implications when I give advice to soldiers or commanders. It’s something I take really seriously as I’ve been on the receiving end of that guidance as an Infantry Officer. That was always in the back of my mind as I was studying.”

Jamal Wilson

Growing up, Jamal Wilson wanted to play in the NFL. “Everybody knew that I was going to play football in college and potentially go pro,” said Jamal, a former Division 1 athlete from Compton, California.

His passions started to change during his senior year at the University of Montana. Sitting in class wearing half of his football practice gear, Jamal realized that he preferred attending his constitutional civil rights seminar over going to football practice.

As his passions evolved, Jamal began pursuing more activities that made his pathway to law school clearer. He explored the public interest route in college, actively addressing race relations on campus through his involvement in the Black Student Union. Jamal was in college while the Trayvon Martin case transpired, further fueling his interest in understanding the relationship between law and legislation in addressing America’s growing racial tension.

After graduating from college, Jamal worked in public policy for Senator Mike McGuire at the California State Senate in Sacramento, California. “My first time stepping foot in my state’s capitol building was on my first day of work,” he said. “Within weeks, I was meeting with senators and high-powered lobbyists. I learned the art of negotiation and developing your arguments strategically. I realized the power of using your position and combining your passions with developing solutions to problems. So, I told myself, ‘How much more effective can I be as an advocate for others?’” This realization led Jamal to Jovenes, Inc., where he worked with community colleges throughout Los Angeles County to provide housing to homeless students.

Jamal brought his diligent pursuit to analyze problems and develop solutions to Notre Dame. He served as a startup coach at the IDEA Center, where he helped students of all levels — from undergraduate freshmen to executive MBA students — flourish as entrepreneurs and navigate the complexities of developing a sustainable business model. Jamal was recently named Startup Coach of the Year.

He was also the student representative of the Notre Dame Faculty Board on Athletics, vice president of the Sports, Communication and Entertainment Law Forum, executive symposium editor for the Notre Dame Journal on Emerging Technologies, and alumni relations and professional development chair of the Notre Dame Black Law Students Association (BLSA).

Reflecting on one of his favorite experiences at Notre Dame, Jamal said, “Through BLSA, we were able to partner with Magistrate Judge Andre Gammage to help South Bend residents, mainly Black and Brown residents, expunge their criminal records. That in and of itself proves how much power is in what we’re learning and doing here at Notre Dame.”

Following graduation, Jamal will serve as a law clerk at Fox Rothschild in Los Angeles, where he will focus on corporate or commercial transactions. “My goal is to be a trusted advisor for the most ambitious innovators and investors while also benefiting my community,” he said.

Jamal’s steadfast faith in God is core to everything he achieves. He does not make any decisions without praying first. “The Notre Dame community is a special place. It takes coming here and experiencing it for anybody to understand that you can be a vessel for God through helping people, helping the community, and helping society,” said Jamal. “I truly feel that coming here was my God-given purpose.”

Published and written by Arienne Calingo, Jonathan Bailey, Libbey Detcher, Sarah Doerr, and Denise Wager, Marketing Communications Department at Notre Dame Law School