Sona Tissington Wins BIO481 Presentation Day with "Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kit for Local Testing of Viral Diseases"

In an inspiring display of scientific ingenuity and dedication, Sona Tissington from McMillen Lab emerged as the victor of the highly anticipated BIO481 Presentation Day, April 11, 2023.
Sona’s project:  "Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kit Deployment for Local Testing of Viral Disease" utilized lab grown, genetically engineered yeast cells which were dried and stored in a variety of temperature conditions and periods. These cells have shown promising results in their ability to capture viral antibodies to detect viral diseases. Benefits of this viral disease testing kit, as developed in this research, include cost effectiveness for low-income countries and increased testing surveillance.

The BIO481 Presentation Day provided an ideal platform for students to showcase their scientific prowess and delve into cutting-edge research. Sona's project undoubtedly stood out among the impressive array of presentations. Her meticulous approach and innovative thinking garnered the attention and admiration of the judges and fellow participants alike.

Raised with an unwavering passion for the healthcare system and molecular biology, Sona Tissington is destined to leave an indelible mark in the field. As she prepares to embark on her journey to Optometry school in the upcoming year, Sona eagerly anticipates expanding her research interests in biology, with a specific focus on vision health. Moreover, she aspires to address the limitations in current eye disease detection methods and tackle health disparities prevalent in low-income countries.

Sona' success in the BIO481 Presentation Day underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence and her commitment to making a tangible difference in the realm of healthcare.