A first-year College of Chemistry graduate student was found dead in his apartment Wednesday after an apparent suicide.

Friends described Daniel Lucas, 27, as "a driven scientist" who took a strong interest in his lab group project.

Three students who worked with Lucas reported him missing Wednesday afternoon. They grew worried after Lucas missed all of his classes and meetings earlier in the week and did not respond to phone calls, said Berkeley police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss.

According to his friends, it was unusual for Lucas to miss classes. Friends told police they had last seen Lucas in the early morning hours of Sunday.

"The friends shared that they weren't aware that he was suffering from any depression or outwardly shared any despondency," Kusmiss said.

A UCPD officer investigating the missing persons report climbed through an open window into Lucas' apartment on the 1700 block of Walnut Street.

After searching the apartment, the officer found Lucas, who appeared to have hanged himself.

Co-workers said Lucas was quiet, but was beginning to come out of his shell.

"He was a really friendly guy, really easygoing and easy to get along with," said Matt Zoerb, a friend and co-worker.

Police also found some writing in the apartment, although officials would not release the details of the contents.

Lucas earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Interested in physical chemistry, Lucas had spent the last few months using lasers to understand the steps of a chemical reaction.

"We were all impressed by him but I don't know if he ever appreciated that," said James Cahoon, a friend and co-worker.

Tags: OBITUARY, DANIEL LUCAS, COLLEGE OF CHEMISTRY