Alyssa Morrison

Biological Systems Engineering Student at Virginia Tech | 2026 Duke Amgen Scholar

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford Area

About

I am a senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in Biological Systems Engineering on a 3-year path. I am a prospective MD/PhD student with a strong interest in biomedical research, patient care, and translational medicine. Experienced in Java, Python, and MATLAB, and motivated to apply systematic engineering approaches and computational methods to solve complex healthcare challenges.

Experience

  • Amgen Scholar at Duke University School of Medicine
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • Undergraduate Researcher at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

    At the He Lab, I conduct research focused on cardiovascular disease and have gained experience across all stages of the scientific method, from experimental design to data analysis. My work involves inducing heart failure in a mouse model, utilizing a control and treated group, and collecting physiological data through echocardiography and electrocardiography. I have expanded this project to explore cell function in isolated cardiomyocytes treated with OCT3 inhibitors and/or TMAO. I am continuously developing skills in genotyping using gel electrophoresis, data analysis using ImageJ, and technical skills for cell isolations and animal handling for physiological recordings. This semester, I hope to continue developing protocols using cell lines for qPCR and western blotting, finalizing my review paper, practicing my presentation skills, and further strengthening my understanding of translational cardiovascular research.

  • General Chemistry Studio Instructor and Undergraduate Learning Assistant at Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    As a Studio Instructor for CHEM 1035, I lead two studio sessions of ~35 student where I guide students through interactive weekly worksheets. I administer and grade quizzes and provide support to enhance student learning and understanding of concepts. As a CHEM 1035 Learning Assistant, I help engage students with the material by answering questions during class, helping solve iClicker questions, and hosting student hours during the week.

  • Dog Walker at Woofie's
    Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Dog walker and pet sitter for Woofies in the Reston-Herndon area. I help walk and take care of pets while families are out of town and in assisted-living facilities.

  • Scribe at OrthoVirginia
    Apr 2025 - May 2026 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Scribe at Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Bluefield locations in the New River Valley with experience working with MD/DO, NP, and PA levels. I was trained on EMR and orthopedic-specific medical terminology. I have worked with multiple providers primarily focusing on hand, wrist, and sports medicine subspecialties.