Britney Martinez
-Scholar-
Cohort: 2019-2020
Faculty Mentor: Pamela Hall, PhD
Department: Pharmacy
Home Institution: Northern New Mexico College
Research Interests: Deadly pathogens
Scholar Description
I was born and raised in Ohio and moved to New Mexico when I was 23. I graduated from Northern New Mexico College in May 2018 with my A.S. in Chemistry and B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Cellular/Molecular Biology. I have an extensive research background. During my undergraduate degree, I participated in multiple research projects including two projects at Northern New Mexico College, two summer research programs and my first year as a PREP scholar. My summer research programs include the Undergraduate Pipeline Network Program-UPN (University of New Mexico) and Research Experience for Undergraduates in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Colorado State University). During my time as a second year PREP scholar, I will be making virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines that are designed to induce active immunity against Staphylococcus aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) dependent virulence. I’ll be testing these vaccines in mice of different genetic backgrounds and in a mouse skin infection model. Outside of the lab, I enjoy relaxing by playing video games, watching horror movies and any opportunity to enjoy pizza and mozzarella sticks! 
