Who Summoned Us?
The CHAOS Lab was started to make room for science that actually matters—field-driven, impact-focused, and unapologetically real.
We ask bold questions in wild places and prove that science isn’t just for doctors, geniuses, or lab coat stereotypes—it’s for anyone with curiosity, grit, and a willingness to get their boots dirty.
We study the intersections of geology, microbiology, and human health—digging into caves, mines, and anywhere extreme or just plain overlooked to map microbial diversity and uncover biomedical potential.
Nature is messy, and we think science should be allowed to be messy too: hands-on, honest, and not afraid to get a little weird.
And yeah, we sequence to metal.
Our mission
At the CHAOS Lab, our mission is to conduct high-impact, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of geology, microbiology, and human health. We focus on extreme and overlooked environments to uncover microbial diversity and potential biomedical breakthroughs. Our mission is to make science more honest, more accessible, and just messy enough to matter.
Our vision
We envision a world where science is fearless, inclusive, and grounded in the real world—where anyone with curiosity and grit can help uncover the unknown. The CHAOS Lab aims to lead in discovering life-saving insights from Earth’s wildest places while redefining who gets to do science and how it gets done. We’re building a future where muddy boots, sharp questions, and unapologetic integrity drive meaningful discovery.
Our team
The CHAOS Lab crew is a mix of field-hardened scientists, curious minds, and data-driven misfits who aren’t afraid to get dirty in the name of discovery. We come from different backgrounds but share one mission: to do science that matters. Whether we’re knee-deep in cave mud, elbow-deep in code, or running on caffeine and chaos, we show up ready to chase microbes, decode the extreme, and question everything.
Dr. Rachel Washburn
DIRECTOR Of chaos
Laura Hamann
STUDENT RESEARCHER
Laurhyn Griebel
STUDENT RESEARCHER
Alissa Landefeld
Artist
Summon the CHAOS
Got questions, wild ideas, or just want to talk science that hits like a breakdown? Drop us a line—whether you're a student, a collaborator, or just chaos-curious, you're welcome here.
