Knightly News

Episcopal senior Beau Legnon has accomplished something extraordinary for a high school student. After hours of work in a university lab, Beau is listed as one of the authors of an academic paper in the journal “Crystallographic Communications.” “It’s really amazing to see I contributed, and it mattered,” says Beau with a wide smile.

As part of the Episcopal Students Take Action in Advanced Research or ESTAAR program, Beau worked in Dr. Sviatoslav Baranets’ LSU inorganic chemistry lab. He worked alongside Dr. Baranets and graduate student Thimira Kandabadage to solve the crystal structure of lanthanide chloride hydrates. The research could one day have applications in semiconductors and electronics.

Blowing Glass and Mixing Chemicals

Last summer, Beau spent 20 hours a week for 10 weeks in the lab. He cut crystals, conducted database analysis and learned to use the Olex2 software to solve structures. “Most high school students and LSU students weren’t learning to use this software,” he says. Beau also developed essential lab skills that people outside of a research environment may not realize are part of the experience. Beau points out that he learned to blow glass to create ampules to hold the crystals during the heating process. He also learned to safely mix chemicals, handle toxic materials and properly clean the lab workspace. “It’s the little things that you really learn how to be a true scientist,” he says. “I wasn’t just sitting there on my computer. They kept finding me work and things to help with.”

Beau’s inorganic chemistry research was a natural complement to his longtime love of biology. As a fan of science, one of the moments that Beau will never forget is the first time he walked into the lab and saw the chemicals he had only read about accessible in containers and cabinets right in front of him. He says he’ll also remember handling rare earth metals, which are inaccessible to most. The experience has given Beau a new perspective. “I definitely see the world differently,” he says, pointing out that something as simple as a tabletop is interesting on an atomic level.

Preparing for the Future

While his perspective may have changed, Beau’s long-term goals remain the same. With a passion for helping others, Beau hopes to become a cardiothoracic robotic surgeon. His recent lab experience has confirmed that he wants to continue research, perhaps pharmaceutical drug development, to treat and cure medical conditions.

After contributing to scientific research, Beau is now preparing for the upcoming Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Ruston. He says the experience will be the first time he presents before a panel of judges who are educated in his research area. Later this spring, he’ll present to his Episcopal classmates during LAUNCH Day, an experience he’s looked forward to for some time. Beau remembers the power of previous LAUNCH presentations and how they resonated with the audience, and he hopes his inorganic chemistry research experience will have a similar impact on students and inspire them to get involved.

Making a Difference

When Beau is not conducting data analysis or solving crystal structures, he’s busy making a difference in other ways. In addition to research, Beau has played baseball and basketball and currently serves as the Episcopal National Honor Society President. He is an eighth grade mentor and a peer tutor. He also volunteers with EMS to learn more about himself and how he’ll react in a medical setting. Beau has established the nonprofit Play Ball, which collects sports equipment for organizations like the Boys & Girls Club. He also participated in last year’s National Chemistry Olympiad, where he first met his chemistry mentor, Dr. Baranets.

Contributing to science in a meaningful way is quite an accomplishment for someone so young. “It was one of the best academic experiences I’ve had,” Beau recalls. “I learned on my own, which is different than somebody telling you.” This experiential learning opportunity is sure to serve Beau well as he prepares for his future. We can’t wait to see how he’ll positively impact the world.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.