Esmee Belzer

Biography

Esmee Belzer is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. Esmee earned a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Iowa in 2023. Under the supervision of Dr. Graham Peaslee, the primary focus of her research is the qualitative and quantitative analysis of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) instrumentation.

Esmee is particularly interested in the social policies and outcomes which are integrated into performing environmental research. PFAs are commonly found in consumer products, including cosmetics, school uniforms, and food packaging. They are highly resistant to decomposition, resulting in extreme environmental persistence. PFAs have been linked to adverse health effects in humans, but comprehensive regulation of this class of compounds is minimal. Esmee is an advocate for the rights of informed consumers, to understand the implications of the products they consume, and for the need for federal regulation of PFAs across industries.