Dr. Annie Arnold

Welcome at long last to the longest-standing member of the group... Dr. Annie Arnold! My fun fact: Annie actually joined the group before me in 2014-- I didn't join my own group until 2015. So, we've been waiting for her to write this bio for about 8 years now. She also didn't give me a picture, so please enjoy our very first Sydlik Group picture from June of 2015! (Annie on right if you had any doubt.) So without further ado, here she is:

Name: Anne Arnold

Hometown: Emporium, PA

Education/ Experience/ Awards:

PhD in Chemistry – Carnegie Mellon University

Focus: Designing biomaterials for tissue regeneration and heavy metal chelation therapy

MS in Biology – University of Massachusetts Lowell

BS in Chemistry – Saint Francis University

I’ve worked in the national lab system, including PNNL, where I earned an Outstanding

Performance Award for advancing 3D printing tech. At CMU, I also won a Three Minute Thesis

(3MT) award, showing my ability to break down complex science. My focus is on biomaterials

and carbon-based innovations.

Team Sydlik Member since: 2014 – 2019, 2024 – Present

Research Project: I am currently engaged in research focused on generating

biomacromolecules that effectively chelate heavy metals. This work involves designing and

synthesizing large biological molecules capable of binding and removing heavy metals, with

applications aimed at addressing contamination in biological and environmental systems.

Favorite thing about CMU/ the Sydlik Group: My favorite thing about the Sydlik group is the

supportive environment that drives creativity both inside and outside the lab. It’s a space where

collaboration and encouragement foster innovation, allowing us to push boundaries in research

and continuously grow as scientists and individuals.

Least favorite thing about CMU/ the Sydlik Group: Parking, or lack thereof.

Favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh: There are too many favorites to name just one! Some

highlights include visiting the science museums, exploring food festivals, checking out the Strip

District, and, of course, enjoying the amazing food.

Fun fact: Before heading to college, I apprenticed as a tattoo artist! I am also undefeated at the

Chubby Bunny challenge.