Congratulations to the Charles Y. F. Hoyt Scholars
Congratulations to the Charles Y. F. Hoyt Scholars Heather Kwapiszeski and Caroline Coppinger!
Heather Kwapiszeski
Heather Kwapiszeski is double majoring in Biochemistry and Neuroscience/Cognitive Science at the University of Arizona. She finds the idea that minute changes in biological processes can cause such drastic phenotypic effects fascinating.
Heather’s future goals are to pursue higher education within the sciences. She wants to stay connected to research and the environment of intellectual curiosity. Heather is involved in Nu Rho Psi, Kappa Alpha Theta, St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, NSCSAS peer mentoring, Financial Freedom Club, and other clubs on campus. Through these activities, Heather enjoys connecting with peers and having new experiences.
Outside of class, she will take any opportunity to be outdoors and in nature, through intramural sports and hiking. She would like to thank the faculty and staff of the Chemistry and Biochemistry department for their support and encouragement.
Caroline Coppinger
Caroline is a rising senior majoring in Biochemistry. Her research interests include genetics, medicinal chemistry, and drug design. She currently works in the Xiong Lab developing a novel vaccine delivery system for SARS-CoV-2 using plant viral vectors.
She is the first author of a review article published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics about the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Outside of academia,
Caroline loves to swim, hike, spin fire, and do ceramics. She was the treasurer and vice president of the Ceramics Club at Pima Community College during her two years there. She is also a peer mentor for the CBC department and cherishes being able to orient students and help them adapt to their new surroundings. She spent several years living in Mexico teaching English to underprivileged adults and loves giving back to the community in any way she can. In regard to career aspirations, she hopes to be a research scientist for the rest of her life.