Laura Taylor

I am a fourth-year Chemistry Ph.D. candidate at West Virginia University, working in Dr. Lisa Holland’s lab. Originally from the Philadelphia area, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Kutztown University. My research focuses on capillary gel electrophoresis, and I recently published a paper in the Analytical Chemistry journal titled “Native Capillary Nanogel Electrophoresis Assay of Inhibitors of Neuraminidases Derived from H1N1 and H5N1 Influenza A Pandemics.” This article presents a capillary electrophoresis-based assay that preserves the native structure of tetrameric neuraminidases from H1N1 and H5N1 influenza A viruses. The assay enables quantification of enzyme activity and evaluation of neuraminidase inhibitors under physiological conditions. In my spare time, I enjoy working out and crocheting. I am currently working on a dress and a matching bag! I also have may different kinds of plants that I love maintaining. After graduation, I plan to enter the pharmaceutical industry to develop and/or analyze vaccines and other types of medicines. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to sharing my research with you all!