Current Members

Gaby Avila-Bront was born in Venezuela and moved to New York City as a child. She fell in love with chemistry in high school and received her bachelor's degree from Columbia University. As an undergraduate she was a member of Professor George Flynn's research group and an eager member of the Chandler Society for Undergraduate Chemistry majors. After graduating, Gaby pursued her Ph.D. studies at the University of Chicago under the tutelage of Professor Steven Sibener. A bona fide foodie, she enjoys honing her cooking skills in Mexican and Indian cuisine, eating tacos, and trying new restaurants with her husband and three (ridiculously boisterous) children. When not eating tacos, she can be found exploring New England on the weekends or collapsed on her couch watching a film adaptation of one of Jane Austen's novels or a cozy murder mystery, or reading an Agatha Christie mystery.

Sarah McAuliffe is a chemistry major at College of the Holy Cross with an interest in surface science. She grew up in Northern New Jersey, enjoying amazing bagels and rooting for the Yankees. Besides being part of the Avila Lab, she provides research support to other students through the libraries and works with other chemistry students through peer tutoring. Outside of chemistry, Sarah enjoys going to new coffee spots, going out for Mexican food and learning more about sharks.