Saint Francis University is green all year long. Through all four seasons, it maintains a fresh, timeless look. The pine trees stand proudly at all corners of the campus, adding to its personality. Students, too, contribute to the University’s uniqueness.
Gavin Ross, a senior Chemistry major and Spanish minor, is passionate about science. His interest in chemistry intensified when he visited SFU during his junior year of high school. Before starting his college career, Ross conducted undergraduate research with members of SFU’s Chemistry Department. Through this, he connected with Chemistry Professor Ed Zovinka.
“He impressed me from the get-go,” said Zovinka.
Ross and Zovinka have worked together on several research projects over the last four years. They began by studying metals and porphyrins. Ross presented this research at the Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in November 2024. There, Ross met Nicolai Lehnert, a Chemistry Professor at the University of Michigan.
At the time, Lehnert was also studying metals and porphyrins; since that meeting two years ago, they have been collaborating on their research. Ross’ love for chemistry has given him many opportunities. He has attended conferences in Atlanta, San Antonio, Pittsburgh and State College. Last summer, he completed an internship at the University of Southern Mississippi, studying polymer science.
Ross’ curiosity and enthusiasm stand out to Zovinka.
“Gavin is genuinely interested in learning,” he said.
Ross has been the event leader for Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (ROCK) for three years. He travels to local schools to teach students chemistry with a hands-on approach. Ross also enjoys sharing chemistry information on campus. This year, he serves as president of SFU’s Chemistry Club. He previously served as the club’s secretary and treasurer.
Under Ross’ leadership, ROCK has received both regional and national recognition. In 2024 and 2025, the club earned the American Chemical Society’s Outstanding Student Chapter and Green Chemistry awards. The club was voted the Outstanding Organization-of-the-Year at the SFU Student Involvement Awards in 2025 and 2026.
When Ross isn’t immersed in the sciences, he’s enjoying the arts. He has acted in theater productions since he was in sixth grade. He has performed in campus productions for the past two years, playing Elisha Whitney in “Anything Goes” and Uncle Fester in “The Addams Family.”
Ross has also participated in SFU’s Got Talent for the past three years. His acts consisted of dancing and singing. He is most popular for his performance of Chappell Roan’s song “Hot to Go” at SFU’s Got Talent in 2024. This performance earned him the nickname “Gavin Ross the Dancing Boss.”
Ross also has a deep interest in the Spanish language. As a sophomore, he served as president of SFU’s Spanish Club. He has been the club’s treasurer for the past two years. As a high school student, Ross received the Seal of Biliteracy. This award is presented to high school students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language prior to graduating.
Ross uses his Spanish skills to serve others. He has volunteered at Mission of Mercy, an annual charity medical event in Pittsburgh, as a translator.
“Mission of Mercy really helped me put my Spanish to good use to help those who truly needed it,” Ross said.
From a research project to a rehearsal, Ross enjoys connecting with diverse groups. His varying interests have opened the door to unique opportunities, both on and off SFU’s campus.
For Ross, it is important to take advantage of every one of these opportunities.
“I’m only in college for four years,” he said. “I want to experience as much as I can.”
