Degree: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Specialization in Biochemistry with ACS Certification and ASBMB Certification
Research Professor: Professor Rebecca Pompano

Biography

Alyssa is from Findlay, OH, graduating from Findlay High School. She is graduating from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Chemistry with a Specialization in Biochemistry, ACS Certification, and ASBMB Certification, and Highest Distinction for her research dissertation. 

Since January 2018, Alyssa has worked with Dr. Rebecca Pompano on developing microfluidic systems and bioanalytical assays for immunology research. In her time at UVA, she obtained three research grants and made substantial contributions to four separate research projects, several research publications, and one literature review. Her work has spanned four separate projects including optimizing the ninhydrin assay for quantifying hydrogel functionalization, assisting in the development of a lymph node organ-on-chip system, performing surface chemistry analysis for hydrophilic/hydrophobic microfluidic systems, and conceptualizing the design for a biomimetic ex vivo T cell cortex. Her work has been recognized with the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Award for Undergraduate Research. It has been Alyssa's greatest honor to work with Professor Pompano and the brilliant student researchers who have been a part of the Pompano Laboratory throughout the years. 

Outside of research, Alyssa has been heavily involved in science education and outreach as the President of the ACS Student Chapter at UVA, a Teaching Assistant for CHEM 4410, and a collaborator with Dr. Laura Serbulea to develop online pre-lab modules for the advanced organic chemistry lab series. Alyssa was awarded the ACS Chapter Award for her dedication to serving the UVA Chemistry community. Alyssa has also been actively involved as a RA for Gooch-Dillard, a Co-Music Director for Hoos in the Stairwell Broadway Acapella, and a member of First-Year Players and CatholicHoos. 

After graduation, Alyssa will pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology. At Georgia Tech, Alyssa plans to specialize in Immunoengineering and Organ-on-Chip systems, while continuing to share her love for the lymph node with her fellow cohort. She would most especially like to thank Dr. Rebecca Pompano, Dr. Laura Serbulea, and Cindy Knight for being her greatest mentors and supports over the last four years. None of this would have been possible without them.