Justin is from a small town in Texas and comes from an impoverished background. He currently is approaching nearly four years of research experience while pursuing an ACS Chemistry degree with a Biochemistry subdiscipline and minors in Mathematics and Cellular & Molecular Biology. During his freshman year he became a Welch Scholar recipient and began research in developmental biology studying muscular disorders. In his sophomore year he joined the Mini-Pharma branch of the Romo Group and initially led prodrug design and molecular docking targeting the eIF5A protein for broad therapeutic effects. Afterwards, he worked on the synthesis of model systems for a short period of time. Currently, he serves as an undergraduate co-lead for synthesis and computation where he mentors underclassmen in computational work. By using his background, he currently attempts to bridge experimental and computational theory to study key intermediates and inform total synthetic pursuits. We him expect him to graduate in December 2026, where he plans afterwards to continue research in graduate school. 

 Start Date: Fall 2022

Hey! My name is Ella Crouse, and I am a junior studying biochemistry from Cedar Park, Texas. After graduation, I plan on pursuing my PhD in chemistry and I hope to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry. In my free time I love to hang out with my friends and watch movies! I am also a huge coffee fan and one of my favorite coffee shops in Waco is Lighthouse Coffee!

 Start Date: Spring 2025

 Hey! My name is Devin Gann, a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Religion from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I plan to graduate in 2025 and hope to work in pharmaceutical research. In my free time I like to hike, fish, longboard, and play sports. When I’m not in class or studying, I like to go to Cameron Park with friends and hammock or grab food at Ninfa’s with friends.

 Start Date: Spring 2022 

Hi! My name is Dilanka Ilangasinghe, and I am a Biochemistry major on the pre-med track. I am from Dallas, Texas, and I plan on graduating in May 2025. In the future, I would like to go to medical school to become a doctor. I am unsure which specialty I will go into, but I am currently interested in the field of emergency medicine. I love going on car rides with my friends, spending time at the movies, and playing card games. My favorite restaurant in Waco is Bangkok Royal.

 Start Date: Summer 2023

My name is Grace Ross, and I am a junior majoring in Health Science Studies with a minor in  Biochemistry on the pre-med track. I am from Beaumont, Texas. Following graduation, I plan to attend medical school to become a pediatrician. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, reading, and walking. I’m a coffee enthusiast and enjoy going to Pinewood!

 Start Date: Summer 2023

My name is Cameron Begeman and I am a junior studying Biochemistry and Biology on the Pre-Med track. Once I graduate, I want to either attend medical school or go into research. I am from Cleveland, Ohio and love to play golf, basketball, volleyball, watch Browns football, as well as hike and visit national parks. I also have a Siberian Husky named Mochi and my favorite place to eat in Waco is Slim Chickens.

 Start Date: Fall 2023

My name is Lydia Allabaugh and I’m a class of 2026 Science Research Fellow concentrating in Biochemistry. Following graduation, I plan to pursue either an MD/PhD or PhD program in immunology. I’m from Climax, Michigan, which is between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, and enjoy watching pretty much any sport, competing with the Triathlon Club team. Some of my favorite restaurants in Waco are Slow Rise, Mamaka, and Baris.

 Start Date: Spring 2023