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Track: Virology & Gene Therapy
Age: 24
Hometown: Scotia, N.Y. |
Melissa has always dreamed of contributing to the knowledge base that helps cure diseases such as AIDS. She is pursuing her Ph.D. at Mayo Graduate School.
"Before I started grad school, someone said to me that ‘at Mayo you are your own limiting factor.' The experts and resources available allow students to go as far as their aspirations will allow. If you really want to go after something in your lab — if you are invested and willing to work hard — there is nothing to stop you."
Melissa works in a virology and gene therapy laboratory, as part of Mayo Graduate School's Molecular Medicine Program. She is particularly interested in the study of lentiviruses, such as HIV, in hopes of learning more about these viruses and how they cause disease.
"There are only a few virology and gene therapy programs in the country and Mayo's program is definitely the best in my eyes. The faculty is dedicated to seeing us succeed. Mayo Clinic feels very professional and my department feels like a good home for my research."
In her free time, Melissa enjoys biking, reading, poker and spending time with friends.
"I know I may not be the one to cure AIDS, but it would be nice to contribute some knowledge that would help move medicine in that direction."
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