Grayce Mores.
Check me out under the microscope:
Grayce Mores
B.S. in Microbiology
Louisiana State University
Class of 2022
About
I am a third-year microbiology student at the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. I'm passionate about genetics, viruses, epidemiology, computer science, and history. I'm involved as an ambassador for the Honors College and for undergraduate research at LSU, and I love helping others find their passion for learning, research, and scholarship. I plan to pursue a Ph. D. in Microbiology after college.
Education
2015 - 2018
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts
Natchitoches, LA; Class of 2018
GPA: 3.96/4.0
2019 - 2022
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA; Class of 2022
GPA: 3.70/4.0
Research
June 2017 - May 2018
Distinction in Biology - Dr. Micah Luftig's Lab - Duke University, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
My project focused on the LMP-1 coding region of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) genome. In the lab I attempted to sequence new strains of EBV's LMP-1 regions using molecular cloning techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and plasmid amplification. I used computational tools such as MEME Suite and CLC Sequence Viewer to study the evolutionary, geographic, and transcriptional differences between known strains of EBV. This project culminated in a paper, poster presentation, and public lecture.
June 2018 - August 2018
Summer Research - Dr. Gus Kousoulas' Lab - Louisiana State University Veterinary School, Virology
I studied the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and helped maintain infected cell cultures along with performing PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western Blotting.
August 2018 - present
Undergraduate Research - Dr. Mark Batzer - Louisiana State University, GEnetics and Genomics
My current work focuses on the mobile genetic element Alu, which is a SINE found in the primate species. I've been editing the Python program PolyDetect, which is used to detect novel Alu insertions using unassembled short-read data. I've optimized this program to be shorter, faster, easily readable, and user friendly. My responsibilities also include assisting with PCR and gel electrophoresis of DNA panels.
Research Presentations
LSU Undergraduate Research Symposium
Poster Presentation: 'Phylogenetic Analysis of Strain Diversity of the Epstein-Barr Virus' (2017)
Biomedical Sciences Panelist (2019)
Oral Presentation: 'Optimizing the Alu Detection Program PolyDetect' (2019)
Louisiana Biomedical Research Network Conference on Computational Biology and Bioinformations
Poster Presentation: 'Optimizing the Alu Detection Program PolyDetect' (2019)
FASEB Mobile DNA Conference
Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation: 'Optimizing the Alu Detection Program PolyDetect' (2019)
Activities and Involvement
Honors College Advocates | 2018 - present
The Advocates is a service and leadership group that recruits high achieving students to LSU's Ogden Honors College, assists incoming Honors freshman with their transition to college, and promotes the Honors College. I was awarded Best in Recruitment, as I love speaking with prospective students about the opportunities that the College has to offer and my experience at LSU.
President - LSU Discover Research Advocates | 2018 - present
The Undergraduate Research Advocates encourage and assist other students in getting involved in undergraduate research opportunities in all fields. As Vice President of Communications my role involves assisting with LSU Discover's social media accounts, along with student outreach and advertising.
Science Peer Mentor | 2019 - present
First-year students in the College of Science are able to take a faculty and peer mentor led course introducing them to college coursework, scientific writing, and what it means to be a scientist. My role includes lesson planning, assisting first-year students with academic planning and time management, and helping connect students to campus resources.
International Student Ambassador | January 2019 - present
The International Student Ambassador program connects domestic and international students to have meaningful interactions and help immerse international students into campus life. Through this program I met a graduate student from China studying biochemistry who I introduced to homemade red beans and rice and rock climbing.
Distinguished Communicator Program
This program is a certification that allows students to refine their communication skills and learn discipline-specific approaches in written, spoken, visual, and technological communication. The program culminates in the creation of a digital portfolio, community service, and leadership.
Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Program
This program recognizes the achievements of undergraduates who participate in a track of educational and research activities leading to a final and public presentation of a faculty-mentored undergraduate research scholarly project.
Ogden Honors College Book Clubs
I participated in book clubs focused on the titles Angels in America and The Social Conquest of Earth, where we discussed topics such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, evolutionary biology, and biosociology.
Grand Worthy Advisor - International Order of the Rainbow for Girls | 2011 - 2019
The IORG is a service organization for young women focused on leadership, confidence, and citizenship. I have been an active member of Rainbow, participating in our international conference as an officer and serving over 200 hours in my community. I was awarded Louisiana Rainbow's highest honor by serving as the Grand Worthy Advisor from 2017 - 2018.
Awards and Scholarship
Emmy Noether Award
The Emmy Noether Award is given to top aspiring female research scientists in STEM fields to help realize their potential careers through financial and networking assistance. I was awarded the top prize, the Gold Medal Award, in 2018 for my research on the Epstein-Barr virus during high school. I continue my involvement with the Brown Foundation by supporting future female researchers and organizing communications between Emmy Noether alumna.
Hans and Donna Sternberg Endowed Honors Scholarship
This award is a merit-based scholarship granted yearly to one Honors College student.
President's Future Leaders in Research
This work-study scholarship is granted to undergraduates in the Alumni Association's Top 100 Scholars or Distinguished Freshman. The program has allowed me to participate in research in Dr. Mark Batzer's lab, while providing a community of undergraduate researchers and friends
P.E.O. Star Scholarship
This award is given to exceptional women in their senior year of high school.
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students: Honors Award
TOPS is a program of state scholarships for Louisiana Residents who attend college in Louisiana. This award requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and a 27 or higher on the ACT.
Flagship Scholars Resident Award
This scholarship is awarded to incoming LSU freshman with a minimum of a 33 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA in high school.
