Current VT-PREP Scholars

Current VT-PREP Scholars, VT-PREP  20

Amber Amaral-Torres: B.S, Biochemistry, Newport University

Lab Rotations: Drs. Daniel Capelluto and Amy Pruden

Research Mentor: Dr. Amy Pruden                                            

Aspirations in pursuing a PhD:  I would like to further my education and learn more about the topics that I am lacking in. 

Fun Fact: I once worked at a hospital coffee shop and on my second day there I saw a baby being born in fornt of the elevators because the patient wasn't able to make it to Labor  & Delivery fast enough. 

Hobbies/ activities beyond research in Blacksburg: I like to bake, spend time with my family and dogs, and listen to podcasts. 

Hallie Frances Avalos: B.S, Biology, College of William and Mary

Lab Rotations: Drs. Ann Stevens, Lijuan Yuan, and Brian Hsu

Research Mentor: Dr. Brian Hsu                                              

Aspirations in pursuing a PhD: I want to expand my knowledge about infectious diseases and be able to conduct independent research. In the future, I would hope to better prepare us in preventing or combatting the next major outbreak.  

Fun Fact:  I used to have a pet Bearded dragon named Houdini.

Hobbies/ activities beyond research in Blacksburg: In my free time I like to play soccer, draw, and watch movies.

Matthew Silva: B.S, Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University

Lab Rotations: Dr. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon and Dr. Lee Cooper  

Research Mentor:  Dr. Lee Cooper                                             

Aspirations in pursuing a PhD: Aspirations in pursuing a PhD: I would like to pursue a PhD to conduct research that can assist underprivileged communities in facing struggles with their mental health. After achieving my PhD I aim to assist disadvantaged communities by helping those who stigmatize finding mental health assistance understand the importance of taking care of one's mental health, and contributing to the accessibility of mental health care.

Fun Fact: I used to play the trombone for my undergraduate marching band

Hobbies/ activities beyond research in Blacksburg: In my spare time I like to play soccer, practice different languages, and try new foods!

Carter Palen: B.S, Microbiology with Minors in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech

Lab Rotations: Dr. Kylene Kehn-Hall and Dr. Daniel Slade  

Research Mentor: Undecided                                              

Aspirations in pursuing a PhD: I want to further my education and training in the biological sciences and use that to help combat emerging infectious diseases

Fun Fact: My favorite animal is the Pangolin

Hobbies/ activities beyond research in Blacksburg: I love the outdoors and some of my favorite thing to do are backpack, mountain bike, and ski whenever I get the chance. I also love catching shows at the Moss Arts Center.