At Presbyterian College, junior chemistry major Lasha Facey ’26 is breaking new ground in carbon monoxide research alongside Dr. Kimberly De La Cruz. Their work focuses on developing prodrugs that could revolutionize the use of this typically feared gas.

“Carbon monoxide has a history of being toxic and deadly, but in small controlled dosages, it has proven to have many therapeutic and health benefits,” Lasha said. Her role involves creating a fluorescent probe to detect carbon monoxide release, allowing precise tracking of its delivery.

Lasha’s passion for chemistry runs deep. “I’ve loved chemistry for as long as I can remember. The idea that the building blocks of life are created from these tiny molecules has always piqued my interest,” she said.

As a first-generation college student, Lasha wants to inspire others. “I want to set an example for my younger siblings and people in similar situations, showing that you can get far in life even if you didn’t get a good hand to start with,” she said.

Looking ahead, Lasha plans to pursue a Ph.D. in toxicology, aiming for a career in forensic science. She credits PC’s curriculum for preparing her for this research. “A lot of my research is the application of what I learned during the year,” she said.

As she prepares to present her findings, Lasha exemplifies PC’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking student research and academic excellence.