Born of bedrock. Driven by data. Forged in CHAOS.

Welcome to The Washburn CHAOS Lab

Based out of the Kentucky Geological Survey, we’re not your typical research lab.

Founded by Dr. Rachel Washburn—a combat intelligence veteran turned health geologist—the CHAOS Lab blends microbiology, geochemistry, and fearless fieldwork to uncover the hidden ecosystems shaping life in Kentucky and beyond.

We sequence DNA to Slipknot, investigate microbes in extreme places, and explore the connections between geology and human health. Around here, curiosity runs deep, the science gets messy, and every discovery is personal.

Chaos Meets Science

Exploring the impact of geologic systems on microbial life and human health through fieldwork and advanced omics analyses.

Feral Scientists Unite

We sequence to metal music, driving discovery in bioprospecting and pathogen surveillance.

In the Field

We go where science gets gnarly - caves, mines, and toxic springs. Field boots on. Let's get dirty.

We run omics, informatics, and geochem like a live set. Collaborators welcome. Volume guaranteed.

In the Lab

Latest in CHAOS

We’ve been getting dirty—crawling through caves, whipping the lab into shape, and rallying local citizen scientists to join the mission.

Can I lick it?

Cave popcorn edition. spoiler alert: Lick Only with a permit

Is this rock interesting?

Is it a meteorite? Nah, just sandstone covered in a thin iron shell.

Because feral science calls, and these caves aren't going to science themselves.

To figure out what microbes are there, what they're making, and if radon is involved.

Why work on a Saturday?

Why do we want dirt?

@WashburnChaosLab

Incoming CHAOS

Science doesn’t rest—and neither do we. Here’s a sampling what’s next from the CHAOS zone: science briefings, data drops, and a whole lot of noise.

Talks | Presentations Volunteering | Papers SideQuests | Chaos

Chaos Unleashed

The CHAOS Lab welcomes scientists who defy convention.
We’re here for those who do the work for the right reasons—pure science, no ego, no agenda. Just data, grit, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

This isn’t a white-coat cult. Our science is rigorous, field-tested, and grounded in real-world experience.

If you’ve got scars, you’ve also got strength.
This is where resilience fuels research.
Welcome to the pit.