Olivia Davis

• Home institution: University of South Carolina Honors College 

• Year: Rising Junior

• Major: Biomedical engineering 

• Research Site: University of Louisville

• What will I be researching this summer: My research this summer is largely about exploring the amazing diversity of the immune system, particularly by looking at the genetic makeup of immunoglobulin (IG) genes. I will be researching several types of mouse IG genes and using genetic sequencing technology to analyze the variation in these genes among mouse strains.  

• Future goals: In the future, I plan on attending graduate school to receive a PhD in genetic engineering. After my education, I would love to work in research labs where I would get to use gene editing technology as an approach to treating genetic diseases.

• Outside of the lab/classroom: As for my hobbies, I love to read! I have been trying to branch out into more non-fiction books related to my field of study, but I love some good rom-com or science/dystopian fiction like The Hunger Games. I also love to make friendship bracelets for both me and my friends.