Biography

Elise VanLuinen is a junior earning a double major in Biotechnology and Cell and Molecular Biology on a biochemistry track and a chemistry minor. With a strong passion for scientific research and boundless curiosity, she looks forward to pursuing a PhD following her undergraduate career. As a MARC trainee, Elise greatly values diversity and equity inside and outside the lab. She is thrilled to join the MARC program, promoting inclusivity in the scientific community. 

Elise is an active member of Dr. Xinyuan Chen’s laboratory in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her project focuses on a unique method of universal vaccination against Influenza A. This approach considers a more strongly conserved region of the Influenza virus as a target and includes the addition of advantageous adjuvants for increased immunogenicity. Developing a virus-like particle that targets a region of the virus that does not typically change can diminish the need for an annual flu vaccination and increase defense against different viral mutagens. 

In her non-scientific free time, Elise strongly enjoys the outdoors. She loves the springtime, hiking, swimming, and playing intramural sports with her friends. Elise also has a strong love for music, both listening and playing the guitar and piano. She looks forward to the opportunities accompanying this program and is excited to advance her scientific career through her research projects.