In 2021, LECO announced the exciting news they were in search of a collaborator to elevate or expand upon the GC-MS analytical technique with our advanced tools. The next year, it was announced that Dr. Petr Vozka of Cal State University, LA would be the collaborator and recipient of a Pegasus® BT GC-MS system. Since then, LECO has partnered with CSULA to develop a new and improved laboratory on campus, the LECO Complex Chemical Compositional Analysis Lab (C3AL). The lab’s opening marked a significant step towards advancing research and education in complex chemical analysis at the university and throughout the West Coast.
One student in particular who has benefited from LECO’s generosity and partnership with Cal State is a wonderful young lady named Genesis Barzallo. Genesis is an upcoming doctorate student who has just received her master’s in chemistry under the direction of Dr. Vozka. LECO recently hosted Genesis at our Global Support Center in St. Joseph, MI for continued training and education on LECO software and instruments. Post-training, we were able to catch up with this highly skilled and altruistic young woman who shared with us how science and working with LECO instruments has taught her things about the world and herself. You can find our interview with her below.
- Tell us about yourself. How did you get to be where you are now?
I used to feel embarrassed about my non-traditional background, but I’ve come to embrace and love it. Growing up, I was never the strongest student, but my passion for science was always present. As a Latina in STEM, it was challenging to love science when I didn’t see representation in the field. I am a proud product of the California community college and Cal State systems, which have shaped me into who I am today. At 17, I moved 400 miles from home to pursue a biology major with the dream of becoming a dentist. As the first in my family to attend college, I didn’t realize that I could choose a different major and still enter the medical field. When I struggled with my core classes, I moved back home and shifted my focus to Administration of Justice, earning my associate’s degree from East Los Angeles College in 2019.
Despite my change in direction, I really missed science. I decided to retake general chemistry, promising myself that if I gave it my all and still didn’t succeed, I would consider a different path. Thanks to a motivating Latina community college professor, I earned an A, reigniting my passion for science, specifically chemistry. During my final undergraduate year in Biochemistry at Cal State Los Angeles (CSULA) in 2021, I met Dr. Petr Vozka, who introduced me to the world of research and LECO instruments. The idea of an instrument that could identify the components of a complex mixture seemed like science fiction to me, and I was immediately captivated by it. I went from feeling like I wasn’t cut out for science to graduating Summa Cum Laude with Departmental Honors in Chemistry and Biochemistry, earning my Bachelor’s in Biochemistry. This experience made me realize that my true dream was not dentistry but research. I then decided to pursue a master’s in chemistry at CSULA under Dr. Vozka’s mentorship. Achieving this milestone is something I never thought possible given my background, but I am proud of how far I’ve come. Today, I am committed to being the representation I wish I had when I first started my journey in science!
- What sparked your interest in science?
My dad is a dentist and watching him work as I grew up sparked my interest in science. When he moved to California from Ecuador, he had to start from scratch and retake all his exams to practice here. I would sit with him, fascinated by the pictures in his dental books, from root canal treatments to graphic images of periodontal procedures. I was captivated by the advancements in medicine and science and remain in awe of the incredible era we live in. Science has always felt like pure magic to me.
- Why did you choose Cal State and enroll in your current program?
I chose Cal State Los Angeles (CSULA) mainly because it was close to home. Growing up in Los Angeles, I realized after moving away for a while that my family is my biggest support system, and I thrive with their support. Once I started at CSULA, I discovered it was a hidden gem. The faculty and staff in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department have impressive backgrounds and genuinely want to help you succeed. I felt that right away, and it makes CSULA a special place for research. Because of the support I felt and knowing that the people here genuinely want me to excel in whatever path I chose, I decided to continue and pursue my master’s in chemistry at CSULA. I’ve made some incredible connections with my professors, and their fascinating research. From Alzheimer’s research to metal-organic frameworks, singlet oxygen studies, and computational chemistry, there’s so much diversity and room to explore in chemistry here. Being a minority-serving institution, CSULA provides unique opportunities for students who have never had the chance to do research before. It’s really an amazing place.
- We heard that you postponed your thesis defense so that you could continue working in the lab over the summer. What brought you to this decision?
I love working in the lab so much that I wanted to spend the summer finishing a few projects! I decided to take extra time writing my thesis to ensure it includes everything I’ve done so far in detail, providing a valuable reference for future students. In addition, I’m working for a second summer as a Program Assistant for the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduate Students in Chemistry program, mentoring students who are experiencing research for the first time (which is awesome!) and teaching them about LECO instruments. I’ll also be preparing for my last ACS conference with Dr. Vozka’s group this fall. It’s a packed summer, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity to spend these last few months at CSULA.
- What has it been like studying under Petr Vozka’s instruction?
Meeting Dr. Petr Vozka truly changed my life as a student. It has been an honor to learn from him and be his student before moving on to my next program. Dr. Vozka has a unique ability to explain complex concepts in a way that even someone with no background can understand, which was a major factor in my decision to join his research lab. I knew I could always ask for help or get a deeper explanation without hesitation. He introduced me to the world of multidimensional separations science, and it completely transformed my perspective. After years of feeling like I wasn’t good enough for science, I finally felt like I found my place. Dr. Vozka has always supported me, calming my nerves and anxieties. He tries to attend all of his students’ presentations, goes out of his way to help with applications or exams, and is genuinely dedicated to helping us learn. Under his guidance and support, I have received several awards—such as AC/DC Rising Star in Analytical Chemistry, presented at nine conferences, presented my research internationally, and co-authored my first journal article in Fuel. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be his student and lab manager. It would be incredible to return to his lab one day, maybe even as a post-doc!
- When did you first begin to work with LECO Instruments?
I was first introduced to LECO instruments when I met Dr. Vozka. He was teaching a Quantitative Analysis lab and explaining the theory behind gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. I was amazed by how much these instruments could do. When he started talking about comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC), he mentioned that he had this instrument (GCxGC-FID) in his lab and was looking for students to join his research group. I quickly set up a Zoom meeting to introduce myself, and he accepted me into his group. Before we could use the instrument, Dr. Vozka gave us additional lectures on how the instruments work, how to maintain them, and the important theories we needed to know. I also completed the LECOLearn training and took extensive notes for future reference. When I first started using the instrument, I was pretty nervous, but I began by learning how to build GCxGC-FID classifications for jet and diesel fuels. This exercise was a great way to learn how to navigate ChromaTOF as a beginner and get familiar with the software. I would spend hours trying to perfect my classifications, and this process gave me the confidence I needed to continue using the instrument.
a. What do you like about them/what stands out to you?
What I love most about LECO instruments is how user-friendly they are. Compared to other instruments and software, LECO stands out for its intuitive design. It feels like the software was created by people who actually use it and understand what the user wants and needs. As a student and first-time user, this made a huge difference for me in learning how to use them!
b. How has LECO instrumentation helped you in your research/studies?
LECO instrumentation and the company itself have been incredibly supportive in my journey as a student and researcher. I use LECO’s QuadJet SD Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography system, equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector, L-PAL3 GC autosampler, and ChromaTOF SD data processing software, to analyze the detailed chemical composition of alternative fuels made from plastic waste. Given the complexity of fuels, which can contain thousands of different compounds, 2D GC is essential for achieving better separation, peak capacity, and sensitivity. Without this instrumentation, I wouldn’t have been able to gather the necessary data for my project. LECO has been a tremendous support to our students, and everyone working there is always happy to help with any issues or questions. It truly feels like the company cares about its customers and takes pride in the quality of its products.
- Describe what your training experience was like here in St. Joseph.
Visiting St. Joseph, MI was an incredible experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity! Even though I felt well-prepared to use ChromaTOF, I discovered just how powerful the software truly is. There are so many additional features and having that knowledge in my back pocket is invaluable for the future. Everyone at LECO was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and I never felt embarrassed to ask questions because I knew they were there to support us. By the end of the training, I felt even more confident and ready to return to the lab to show the other students all the amazing capabilities of our instrument!
- What fields or areas do you have further interest in researching?
After working with these instruments and seeing their capabilities, I realized the possibilities are endless! I discovered a true passion for environmental research, and it’s rewarding to know that I’m contributing to helping the planet in some way. Although my background once seemed indecisive and non-linear, I now see it with a kinder perspective. My diverse experiences have come together to make me a strong candidate for environmental science research, especially in public health.
- What comes next for you? Any ideas on what direction you will take after graduation?
This fall I will begin my Ph.D. program in the San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health (Global Health), working under Dr. Eunha Hoh. I applied to this program because Dr. Hoh’s lab is the only other lab in Southern California with a LECO GCxGC-TOFMS, and I wanted to continue using the advanced instrumentation I’ve been trained on. Dr. Hoh uses LECO’s Pegasus 4D GCxGC-TOFMS to analyze diverse environmental pollutants, such as environmental exposure to tobacco smoke residue. She has also developed a non-targeted analytical approach for detecting a broad range of organic chemicals in various biological and environmental samples. I am so excited to apply the skills I’ve learned in a new field, knowing that both Dr. Vozka and LECO have thoroughly prepared me for this journey.
- Any advice for kids that are interested in science?
If I could give kids interested in science one piece of advice, it would be not to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your unique background is what makes you special, and what truly matters is how you pick yourself up and start again after tough times. Get involved in the Science Club, participate in community science outreach programs, and connect with teachers who are eager to help you achieve your dreams. You never know which experience will open a new door or what new interests you might discover. I went from wanting to be a dentist to researching fuels and becoming a Rising Star in Analytical Chemistry! Trust yourself and trust that the universe has a plan for you. Science thrives on diverse perspectives and cultures, and it needs people like you.
A huge thanks to Genesis Barzallo for participating in this interview. For more information on our partnership with Cal State, click here. To read about this year’s recipient of a Pegasus® BTX and new LECO partner, view this page. To view our offerings of Separation Science instruments, check out our product page.
