Biotechnology

Outstanding Senior

The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes graduating students who have excelled academically and have improved leadership in our College.

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Lauryn Massic received a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology with a minor in Chemistry. To expand her training and hone her research skills, Lauryn conducted research in the labs of Christie Howard, Grant Cramer and Melinda Yerka. In 2019, Lauryn was selected to participate in a summer internship at DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware in the company’s Department of Nutrition and Biosciences. Along with her academic pursuits, Lauryn worked as a math and science tutor at the Marguerite Wattis Peterson Academic Center, and she was part of the University’s cross country and track and field teams. Lauryn's next step is to pursue a master's degree in Biotechnology at the University, and she will continue her work on sorghum in Yerka’s lab. Lauryn says, "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful people who helped me receive this honor. First, I would like to thank my academic adviser, Dr. Christie Howard for being so welcoming and helpful when I switch to this major – it was then I knew this was the perfect fit for me. My primary investigator, Dr. Melinda Yerka, for being so kind, understanding, and always helping me troubleshoot when an issue arises. My cross-country coach, Kirk Elias, for being so understanding with my schoolwork, developing me into the best runner I can be and genuinely caring for me as a person. My roommates Adria, Hiley, Kat, Stef and Elle for all the laughs, support and adventures we have together. My pup Pickle for all the snuggles and love. My boyfriend Chase for being my number one supporter and loving me the way I deserved to be loved, and finally, my mom, dad and brother for giving me a good set of morals, always cheering me on and never failing to love me."