On the Water and In the Lab
October 3, 2025
Edward Monigan IV/Harvard Athletics
As a Harvard athlete, senior Olivia Hogan-Lopez sees her home on the water, a place where she can connect with nature and chase excellence with her teammates on the boat. As a Harvard student, Hogan-Lopez wants to protect and preserve that home through research.
Over the last several months, Hogan-Lopez has conducted research on the impact of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, commonly known as PFAS, on humans and the environment. PFAS is found in everyday products ranging from rain jackets to water bottles and non-stick pans. According to a study conducted by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, PFAS can be found in the blood stream of 98 percent of the United States population, and is linked to several forms of cancers.
“We don’t really know how it accumulates and bioaccumulates in people… That is a big part of my research. I’m really interested in figuring out how and what organs it stays in and how that might be linked later to different cancers.”
Olivia Hogan-Lopez ’26
Inspired by environmental toxicology courses and a love for the environment, Hogan-Lopez, a concentrator in environmental science and engineering, switched her research work from mercury to PFAS in the Sunderland Lab. Working with Professor Elise M. Sunderland and several post-doctorates, Hogan-Lopez is working hands-on to improve her project through the scientific and engineering process.
Utilizing fish organs and several different types of PFAS, Hogan-Lopez is observing how PFAS interact with uncontaminated fish organs, drawing insights in how long it takes for the PFAS to contaminate the organs and which organs the PFAS samples interact with.
I’m really pleased with how it’s turning out, and I have high hopes for the project. But I think, in science, you always have to be careful… My experiments have been working and I’m really proud and excited to see where it goes. There have been bumps along the road but it’s a great learning process.”
Olivia Hogan-Lopez ’26
For Hogan-Lopez, a key lesson she is learning in the lab is perseverance, one she’s also learned on the water in sailing. It’s that time in the water with her teammates that has driven Hogan-Lopez to learn more about the environment and how to protect it.
I’ve learned a lot about perseverance. When it comes to trial and error, it’s so easy to get frustrated and want to quit. But my passion gives me that strength to keep going… Sailing is very similar in that when you’re having a tough time you keep pushing through.
Olivia Hogan-Lopez ’26
“Sailing has really inspired what I’m doing. I’ve really grown an appreciation for the environment while being on the water… I grew up sailing on the ocean and that early experience developed my love for the environment. When you’re on the water for so long, you notice the environment changing.”
Olivia Hogan-Lopez ’26
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