Elizabeth Billings

  • Cell and Molecular Biology '22
  • Dr. Ying Zhang's Lab

Biography

Elizabeth Billings, MARC trainee class of 2022, is a Cell and Molecular Biology major pursuing dual interests in computational biology and microbiology. Liz plans to obtain her Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and continue microbial research. She strives to contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment in higher education and STEM, and is a member of Sprout and STEM, a nonprofit organization which supports high school students in the Public School District through tutoring and mentorship.

Research

Liz works in Dr. Ying Zhang’s lab on a project studying metabolic function in benthic foraminifera, microbial protists that inhabit the chemocline. The lab uses bioinformatic techniques to analyze RNA data and explore how these organisms are able to thrive in harsh oxygen and nutrient conditions.