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Grace Schmitt, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Grace, a Presidential Scholar and Honors student, has been successful throughout her time at the University. She focused on her goal of becoming a dentist from the very beginning and was instrumental for the Pre-Dental Club at the University. Her senior thesis project investigating potential antiviral genes in mosquitoes helped advance research in the field. We are confident that her major and a minor in business administration prepared her well for a career in dentistry.

Micah Woodruff, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Micah is an undergraduate Honors student pursuing a B.S. in biochemistry & molecular biology, and neuroscience with a minor in microbiology and immunology. In addition to having a stellar academic record, Micah was awarded a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award to perform neurobiology research. Indeed, his senior thesis project provided ground-breaking insights on the role of PINK1 in neuronal development. Upon graduation, Micah plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. program to become a well-rounded medical scientist in neurology.

Jasmine Lam, Outstanding Senior, Biotechnology

Jasmine has achieved academic success by dedication and perseverance throughout their undergraduate career. Their research project focuses on creating diagnostic tools for early diagnosis of candidiasis in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent and lateral flow assay formats, where they received the Foundation Pack Partnership Grant for research funding. Jasmine's future goals are to continue their education in the College's M.S. Biotechnology Program and work in the pharmaceutical industry, developing point-of-care diagnosis tools.

Monica Carey, Outstanding Senior, Biotechnology

Monica is a first-generation American and college student who is academically dedicated and persistent in research. She has previously investigated carrots' defense mechanisms against white mold and spent a summer at Michigan State University studying drought stress on soybeans. Her current research involves characterizing a microbial consortium for degradation of cactus pear for biofuel production. Monica will continue her scientific curiosity as she enters the College's M.S. Biotechnology Program.

Austin Baldridge, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Austin's research is focused on identifying biomarkers for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Under the mentorship of Professor David AuCoin and Research Assistant Professors Kathryn Pflughoeft and Sujata Pandit, Austin has contributed by screening Lyme-positive patient samples for viable biomarkers or antigens through mass spectrometry and immunoblotting. Once validated, these biomarkers will be used to produce antibodies specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, which will be leveraged to develop rapid diagnostic assays for the detection of Lyme disease.

Dean Trotta, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Dean came to the University to study biochemistry and molecular biology. During his bachelor's studies, he developed a passion for metabolism and pursued an M.S. in biotechnology with Assistant Professor Patricia Ferreira dos Santos and Associate Professor Dylan Kosma to study the biosynthesis of bioactive natural products. Dean demonstrated an excellent capacity for the utilization of advanced analytical instrumentation and a profound understanding of biosynthetic processes. Dean has all the right skills for a successful career in whichever field he chooses.

Kayleigh Robichaux, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Kayleigh (Kage) is a model Ph.D. student. She has constantly pushed to answer difficult scientific questions, published four manuscripts, endeavored tirelessly to support other graduate students in the Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, and inspired several of her undergraduate trainees to pursue their own careers in science. After graduating, she will move forward to pursue a postdoctoral position in cancer biology. There is no doubt that she will make fundamental contributions toward developing new cancer therapies in the future.