Carleton selects sixth class of Paglia Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellows

Carleton seniors Aiden Lesneski ’25, Audrey Parrott ’25, and Elias Tannira ’25 are this year’s recipients of the Paglia Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellowship. With this fellowship, these graduating seniors have the opportunity to work in a lab or research group at a U.S. Research One (R1) institution for a period of two years. Working alongside experienced researchers in an intellectually rich environment, the selected fellows will learn first-hand what a career in research could look like. Simultaneously, they will be building a portfolio of related experience for exceptional applications to the PhD programs of their choice.

Created in 2020, the Paglia Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellowship is made possible by Carleton alum Cathy James Paglia ’74 and her husband, Louis Paglia.

Introducing the Class of 2025 Paglia Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellows:

Aiden Lesneski ’25

Lesneski, a chemistry major with a biochemistry minor who has also served as a grader and teaching assistant at Carleton, will join the E. James Petersson group at the University of Pennsylvania. Under Petersson’s mentorship, Lesneski will study neurodegenerative processes associated with several diseases and potential enzyme-based therapeutic interventions. Lesneski’s previous summer experience at the University of Utah School of Medicine, along with his Carleton coursework, excited his interest in research and developed his confidence; two years at the University of Pennsylvania as a Paglia Fellow will prepare him well for entry into a top PhD program in chemistry.

“As a Paglia Fellow in the Petersson Lab at Penn, I’ll be in a collaborative research environment that will provide me with invaluable opportunities for networking and mentorship from scientists across disciplines — from chemistry and biophysics to radiology and surgery. I’ll gain hands-on experience in bioorganic and chemical biology techniques I’ve learned about in the classroom, but most importantly, I’ll participate in research that aims to directly improve the lives of humans.”

Audrey Parrott ’25

Parrott, a chemistry major who has also served as a tutor and the health officer for Carleton’s D-I Syzygy Ultimate team, will join the Filippo Mancia group at Columbia University. Under Mancia’s mentorship, Parrott will study the role of membrane proteins in drug resistance, with particular reference to antimalarials. Parrott’s previous research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and work with chemistry professor Deborah Gross at Carleton, have prepared her to enter Mancia’s dynamic group, where she will gain deeper exposure to the entire research process. Two years at Columbia University as a Paglia Fellow will enable Parrott to understand which subfield of biochemistry interests her and gain admission to a top PhD program.

“I am super excited to learn and apply more biochemical lab techniques to real-world problems. I am also eager to take advantage of all of the opportunities the Columbia and New York City scientific communities have to offer, such as seminars and conferences.”

Elias Tannira ’25

Tannira, a double major in physics and mathematics, will join the Luis M.A. Bettencourt group at the University of Chicago. Bettencourt’s specialization in ecology and evolution makes his group the ideal place for Tannira to explore his interest in applying techniques from his two majors to biological and social phenomena. At Carleton, Tannira has engaged in research with physics professors Marty Baylor and Arjendu Pattanayak, alongside his role as a teaching assistant in mathematics. A three-week research experience in Bettencourt’s group during Winter Break 2024 introduced Tannira to the variety of topics available to him for more extensive engagement as a Paglia Fellow. Two years at the University of Chicago will help him clarify his disciplinary direction and gain admission to a top PhD program in his field of choice. 

“Due to the theoretical nature of my research, I will spend a lot of time learning theories in biophysics and theoretical ecology that synthesize and build on the courses I took during my time at Carleton. I’m excited to conduct the necessary readings to build up this knowledge and put it to use by working on unanswered questions. I am also looking forward to attending seminars and lectures on current research and working amongst dedicated and passionate investigators.”

The James-Paglia family has a long history of supporting Carleton initiatives, including construction of Carleton’s integrated science facility, Evelyn M. Anderson Hall. Cathy, Louis, and the Robert and Ardis James Foundation established a $20 million matching fund to make the project possible.