Olivia Downey, a senior Chemistry major at Xavier University of Louisiana and a student researcher in the Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program, is making history as one of only six undergraduate students selected nationwide to speak at the ACS Presidential Symposium, “The Next 150 Years of Undergraduate Research,” during the Spring 2026 American Chemical Society meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
The symposium will bring together leading voices in chemistry and emerging student scholars to reflect on the future of undergraduate research and its role in shaping the next generation of scientists. As a student speaker, Downey will share her experiences, insights, and vision alongside peers representing excellence and innovation in scientific research across the nation.
PREM Support, Faculty Guidance, Student Leadership
Downey’s selection highlights her commitment to scientific discovery and her contributions to undergraduate research under the mentorship of Samrat Dutta, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor of Chemistry at Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans. As a PREM scholar, she has benefited from a program designed to expand research opportunities, foster collaboration, and prepare students to become leaders in STEM fields. Her participation in PREM has strengthened her research capabilities while providing access to mentorship, professional development, and advanced scientific experiences that have helped shape her academic journey.
In Dutta’s research group, Downey’s work has played a central role in her growth as a researcher. Through his mentorship, she has developed into a confident, thoughtful, and independent scientist who approaches research with discipline and curiosity—an example of the impact that strong faculty guidance can have when matched with student dedication and passion.
“Olivia is a pleasure to work with in the lab,” says Dutta. “She is enthusiastic to work both as a team leader and a team player.” In the lab, Dutta has exposed Downey to a wide range of research, from fundamental studies of ionic liquids to the application of polymers in electronics. “Despite the diversity of content knowledge and experimental skills in the research, Olivia is always willing to learn and is highly self-motivated,” he says. What’s more, Dutta notes, “Olivia is not only academically strong but also one of the very few who understand why research is important in broader societal impact.”
Given her passion and discipline, Downey often serves as an inspiration and guide to others around her including incoming students. She’s also tasked with actively recruiting students for Dutta’s lab and often serves as a champion of non-medical track graduate students in the group. “It is important for students in the group to see Olivia as a successful example of someone pursuing an alternative career pathway outside medical sciences.”
Sharing Experiences with the Community
For Downey, the invitation to speak is both an honor and an opportunity to elevate the work being done at Xavier University of Louisiana. “As one of the speakers at this year’s ACS Presidential Symposium, I am honored as an undergraduate researcher to share the work conducted at Xavier University of Louisiana in the Dutta Lab,” says Downey. “This opportunity allows me to communicate our research to a broad scientific audience, strengthening my development as a scientist while contributing to the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of humanity. It also provides a platform to highlight the innovative science and impactful work taking place at my institution. I am proud to present the efforts of the Dutta Lab in advancing ionic liquids as construction materials and in promoting accessible, inclusive research for all.”
The recognition is a testament to Downey’s hard work and intellectual commitment, while also reflecting the strong research culture fostered at Xavier University of Louisiana—where students are encouraged to engage deeply in scientific inquiry and contribute meaningfully to their fields. Her achievement brings pride not only to the Chemistry Department but to the entire Xavier community.
In addition to her role in the symposium, Downey and Dutta have been invited to attend a special reception on Sunday evening with colleagues and leaders in the field. The gathering will provide an opportunity to celebrate student excellence, strengthen professional networks, and recognize the importance of mentorship in advancing undergraduate research.
Downey’s selection for the ACS Presidential Symposium marks a defining milestone in her academic journey. As she prepares to represent Xavier University of Louisiana and the PREM program on a national stage, her story underscores what dedicated mentorship, research opportunity, and perseverance can make possible.