Graduate Student, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (BMMB)
I am originally from the small town of Nichols, New York. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry with minors in Mathematics and Biomaterial Engineering from Alfred University in Alfred, New York. There, I was a member of the women’s cross country, soccer, and track and field teams. I studied viral-host protein interactions between the NS5A protein of Hepatitis C virus and Elongin B and C of the human Cullin 5 ubiquitin ligase complex (Thesis Advisor: Dr. Geoff Lippa). In addition, I completed an REU at the University of Minnesota studying potential pentapeptide substrates for rat (Rattus norvegicus) farnesyltransferase (PI: Dr. Mark Distefano). I am mostly interested in neuroscience and infectious disease, which drew me to the Szpara Lab to study the neurotropic virus, herpes simplex virus, upon the start of my PhD endeavors in the Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology program. Outside of the lab, I am an avid runner. I also enjoy sports, hiking, photography, spending time with friends and family, and trying new food (and drinks!).
Holly Passetti
W-222 Millennium Science Complex
University Park, PA 16802
hap5160@psu.edu
814-867-4854