Alice Luanpaisanon is a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering at UVA in Brent French's lab. Read more about her here!Q: Where did you go to undergrad and what did you study?
I went to Valparaiso University to study Biomedical Engineering, but I also picked up Chemistry and Human Biology minors along the way.
Q: What is something that you like about your research?
I am currently involved in multiple research projects in my lab and frankly, I enjoy each of them! I am exposed to many aspects of BME topics that range from relevant issues like the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to ongoing problems such as developing gene therapy solutions for remedying cardiac diseases.
Q: What do you like to do when you aren't working on research?
I enjoy going on hikes and experiencing the beautiful Charlottesville weather, as well as cooking and baking. I am also the local cat admirer who enjoys a casual 6pm stroll with cat treats in my hand.
Q: What is a place (on earth) that you would like to visit/explore?
I would like to take a trip to Scandinavia to stay in an igloo resort under the northern lights and ride a dog sled from town to town. While there, I would love to watch an Arctic sunrise and sunset over the snowy mountains.
Q: What is a food you enjoy?
I am against nutritional discrimination and enjoy all foods equally. But if I had to pick, I do have a thing for sushi and Thai food!
Q: What advice do you have for incoming first-years?
Grad school can be stressful at times, it is important to take care of your health (physically and mentally) and have fun! Spend time outside of lab enjoying all of the activities UVA and Charlottesville have to offer like weekly trivia nights, local orchards, wineries, hiking trails and restaurants.