Hi! I moved to OSU for graduate school from North Little Rock, Arkansas. During my undergraduate career I was able to participate in clinical, biochemical, ecological, and sociological research. I completed two undergraduate theses, one in Biology and one in Writing. I also received multiple travel grants which enabled me to study abroad in Rwanda and several European countries. In the Barbar Lab, I haved worked with crystallin mutants associated with cataracts, and with the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. I am a former radio host for Inspiration Dissemination, where we interview graduate students from across OSU campus about their research. While at OSU, I have also served as both the Social Media Coordinator, and the Coalition of Graduate Employees Steward for the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. I also won the 2020 Dance Your PhD COVID19 category, and run a popular science TikTok account! Outside of OSU, I love trail running, hiking, rock climbing, and camping with my miniature australian shepherd, Piper.

heathermassonforsythe.com

Education

B.S. Biology, Minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Central Arkansas