Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Minor: Applied Scientific Computing
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I’ve always been really interested in STEM, particularly science. I remember applying the scientific method to elementary school science projects, and I still use it now, even in college.
Would you recommend them to a future student? Why?
I would recommend biochemistry to any student that wants to understand more about the basic building blocks of life. Learning some of the concepts at first can be frustrating, but it is really rewarding to be able to apply them in a lab setting outside of lectures.
What are your future plans?
One aspect I like about biochemistry is that it is applicable to many different careers. Currently, I’m leaning towards a career in biotechnology or food science, but I am also excited that the science communication skills I am learning can be applied to many other important career paths, such as medicine, science journalism, and quality control.
Are there any particular experiences — in or out of the classroom — that have helped you identify that path?
Before I start working in the industry, I plan on earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Undergraduate research at Cal Lutheran has prepared me for the rigors of graduate school. I was fortunate to obtain a summer research fellowship through OURCS with Dr. Michael Abdelsayed, where I learned new biochemistry laboratory techniques and honed my problem-solving skills. Doing research as an undergraduate has not only exposed me to how exciting scientific research can be but has also built my confidence in my abilities as a scientist.
Elisha is a recipient of a 2023 Swenson Science Summer Research Fellowship. With her faculty mentor, Michael Abdelsayed, PhD, she is working on a project titled, “Discovery of ROSE-like RNA Thermometers Involved in Regulating ABC Transporters.”